In computer science, you don't need huge resources to build huge incredible things, let's say mechanical engineers, with all due respect to this profession but they need a lot of pieces, machines and a suitable workspace just to build a small basic engine, but you only need your computer to build nearly anything in computer science, and that's a thing that I always admired about it.
How about a karstic water spring with 3 permeable layers, with 3 conditions : some conduits, fissures and smaller cracks, matrix flow. Also leakage most in the lower 2 layers, all 3 layers -faulted- exposed to the surface, with aquitards between them. 1 main river, 1 smaller, both not connected with other aquifers, in the basin. Several other springs higher up, but most not monitored. There is leaking or feeding dep. on hydraulic heads vs river water level vs target source altitude. There are only 2 very sparse hydr. heads series - 1-2 months length in 20 years - for 2600 km², not knowing the exact layer. What are your pieces/building blocks?
I have a 20 year career in I.T. and I agree with Lex. Creating a computer program by yourself is like building a piece of furniture. It has components to it and with each component you start to see it take shape. When you finally finish you can sit back and enjoy the masterpiece YOU built and watch it work for you. The passion and fulfillment for it builds naturally, you just have to start. And YES...Google is your best friend. With that said... I think Lex is speaking from the perspective of the world of Academia where freedom to create is at its highest. It is easy to maintain passion in a free environment of learning and research where free thinking is rewarded. However, working on a programming team, or for “management” in a company it is easy to loose the passion and creativity for programming because you have to follow “their” programming rules. You may not have created any of those rules, template or mission, and you definitely cannot look at the finished product as “your creation.” It becomes “work” very fast. My advice: If you are moving from medical IT to programming, just be sure to self examine why you dislike your medical IT job first because you may ultimately experience the same disappointments in the business programming world.
Great advice indeed. As freelance 3d artist now learning to create my own games, I can see how the autonomy and freedom of exploration is the big reason for my sustained passion for my craft. The furniture analogy is so relatable as well.
Great advice, the grass is always greener on the other side - the next job/company always seems better than your current job/company. However, when it comes to a complete career field change, I think there is much more that can change besides company culture.
Finding this video at 36 myself that only started to learn Python 5 days ago just adds fuel to my new journey. Just because i wanted a little program that i need on ocassion. Thank you Lex , inspiring once again !
This video is a main driving factor behind me taking programming more serious, and I've genuinely never been more satisfied with being able to problem solve than I am now. Google is an essential skill, but being able to finally read those answers that I'm googling for and understand them... priceless.
One thing that can help is build something in a field that you are passionate about. You like synths? Build a software synth or a drum machine. You like sports? Build something to calculate your favorite sport stats and so on…
Great video Lex. I career pivoted into data first, and now machine learning over the past 3 years. I do not hold a college degree, and I’m in my mid 30’s. Friends reading this that may want to make a similar change: stay curious, be determined and when it’s time to search for a job, make them tell you no. You can’t win a game you don’t show up for.
I think a good way to get into coding is learning python, it's such an easy language to learn, and once you know the basics you can do tons of stuff for yourself. Even text based games, those used to be my favorite thing to make on python.
Wise, wise words. I would take one step further in saying build something you can share. Whether that's a prediction from a machine learning model, a simple web app, a windows program, whatever but being able to share your work will really empower you.
Lex just nailed it, i got into coding only because i was curious as to how all this stuff is made and as an artist i didn't think i was going to fall in love with it. Coding is an art, that allows you to express your ideas through technology, it has all the ups and downs of a video game and the same sense of achievement when you solve a problem or puzzle, but at the end of the journey, you have this thing you created that you can share with the world that will hopefully make someone's life a little easier
Thanks Lex i'm actually going back to school to have IT knowledge. I have creativity, loving learning new thing and always improvement my self just like evolution normally do in the long run. I want to help build the future with my code and ideas behind it. Keep up the good work Lex!
Spot on. I am 45 and started learning python 7 years ago. Today I find myself close to launching my very own and first complex web app. Rephrasing Steve Jobs, “stay hungry, stay fool”
One of the easiest ways to learn basic programming and build something useful pretty fast is to learn web development. That's how I started now I can also program microcontrollers, sensors and other IOT stuff. I've done some mobile app development and now I'm thinking of pivoting to game development. Still 90% of your time will be googling things doesn't matter what you decide to learn.
I pivoted to Web Dev from Education 10 months ago and it's going alright, hard stuff but satisfying and powerful. I actually want to do ML but I knew this would be a good place to start, and knowing Lex is 5 years older than me, i have made my goal to be deep into the field of ML in 5 years.
@@KD-vg2yn thank you for reminding me of this post. I am currently working my second position in the industry and making more money than i ever have been by a factor of about x8 I did about 1600 hours of study in the first 6 months, then got my first job through a peer who was also studying around the time I was. Worked that job for about 7 months and then go laid off, was a crap job anyway so i didn't mind. Then got the position i am in now which is awesome. Those first 6 months were hell. I moved back into my parents house and was doing 3:30am-10pm days everyday for 6 months. But worth it in the end for sure. I am even working 100% remote so i can work anywhere, so naturally i moved to a state with better taxes and better weather haha
@@FirstLast-gk6lg HAHA better taxes and better weather is what I need right now lol! That's amazing man! I'm glad you are killing it, and sometimes getting laid off or other bad things can be the best things for us in the end! I'm just starting my journey and I think I'm going to start with the Odin project! Thank you for sharing your story, it's pretty motivating to be honest. Just what I needed to hear right now!
@@KD-vg2yn Hell yeah man, I am glad it helps. I know I heard a lot of people tell their stories when I was getting started. And 100% it's amazing how life works and sometimes it seems to close a door but really it opens another door. Truly grind is rewarded in this industry, because at the end of the day companies expect you to be able to learn technology, not necessarily already know it. So being able and willing to plunge yourself into new technology is what hiring managers are looking for. I don't have a CS degree and after your first industry experience no body cares if you do or don't. Just that you are willing to put in the work and learn the tech. Feel free to bounce any questions my way, if I have a useful answer for you, I'll give it. Best of luck brother, you're going to do great things.
I was thinking about it last night after watching some NASA projects related documentaries. There are tons of great methods of working that are pretty solid that is we need to bring into IT projects. The IT industry would benefit a lot actually from the level of consciousnesness and methodical work that we have pretty stablished in other high tech industries for many decades now.
I am a 34 year old that changed careers to mobile development last year. I don’t have a CS background. Agreed with everything Lex said and wanted to add a bit more. Definitely do start with small projects. There are a ton of free online material and don’t be afraid of just trying stuff out. The goal here is not writing good code but to actually make something work and learn in the process. I did a 13-week coding bootcamp. Bootcamps are not necessary but you definitely benefit from being able to ask questions live and getting connections via networking. It is doable in your 30s. I have seen 50 year old guys with no CS background become mobile developers. If you have passion for it you will make it. Big fan Lex. Love your content.
I learned to code in university. I majored in psych and minored in comp sci. TBH I think it gives you a bit of an edge and more flexibility in terms of careers
I'm excited about everything (in computing (like data science, ML, microcontrollers, RISC V, hacking, web app) and keep doing small projects in everything and fear I won't get good enough at anything to get a job after college...
That's where I'm at, finding a job in computer science is so difficult to comprehend. I've learned C++, Java, Matlab, HTML, and developed small apps on Android, have taken intro courses at my local community college for all of the above, have made some small programs on my own time, and I still have no idea how close I am to being able to get employed in the field. I know I did really well in all of those classes and had a much easier time than my fellow students, but still don't have enough confidence to apply for a job because the field is so vast and vague as an outsider. Really wish those classes had given like, an example of a project and the "assignments" the individual coders are given by their employer, something to measure myself against to be like "oh yeah I could totally figure that out and be a useful team member given those goals and parameters." I really enjoy coding but have moved away from it in the last year because actually getting a job in the industry still feels unreachable (probably due to my own ignorance.) It's a tough thing to hobby yourself into in my experience for that reason.
@@samus598 My man, you shouldn't fear applying for what you want to do. Yeah there's a lot of programmers, but there's a heck of a lot of them needed. I recently talked to a recruiter for a job in back end development for my government, and she told me that having all the licenses and diplomas don't matter, as long as you have the technical experience, understanding and knowledge of what you're working on, you have a very high chance of getting hired. If you create yourself a portfolio and put it out there like you're proud of it, you can only be praised for it! I hope you'll find a way
Well said. You always get better by pushing yourself. But not by pushing too much at once! When learning a new coding lang - that is hard enough. So select simple first projects. Build up in complexity with each program. And yes, passion can be ignited. We should remind ourselves of why it is cool and take time to appreciate it! State reasons why it is cool, why you like it. Write down a list of good things that happened, even when you had a bad day. Review your day, even mistakes and bad times, can be a blessing - you can learn from it and get better.
After 15 years of being an electrician, my body is done. Im all in on the computer science. Im been teaching myself C++ for the most part, also been enjoying swift too. But without a paper from some school or years of working experience, im afraid I'm just a 38 year old cripple, who will most likely be on the streets in a years time
I stopped caring about computer science, to be honest. Learning in school is the most fun i can have. I get free range to be as creative as i can, and be the best in my class. The way i see it, it's all puzzles, and i'm great at solving them and writing great codes. But once the basics, algorithmic mind and logical thinking settle in with all my classmates, everyone gets unified into writing the same blocks, doing the same things, and looking the exact same in the workplace. There is no way or reason to stand out from the lot. So... what is it about me ? Why have any ambition for a career if my job can be done by the next available guy ? It simply doesn't matter. And the idea i had about how "the future is computers", like, we made that up, it doesn't mean it's right or the best we can come up with. Your episode with Rick Rubin really struck something in me, about how people don't matter, and it's the next idea/content/meme that will outlive us. Plus, all the talk about AI pretty much renders humans useless, if machines can come up with better ways of thinking and carry thoughts further than we ever could. And they will realize that, and they will certainly act on it. I am depressed and unambitious and stuck in life at 30. I only care for good music, good cinema, and cats. I think art is the truest thing we could ever come up with to attain some sort of truth and squeeze our braincells into real creativity. And i think we absolutely need to reevaluate our relationship with nature.
I can offer you more of a generalized view of what intrigues me. The entirety of the puzzle or puzzle piece is what I think keeps people engaged. From a programming standpoint, in any domain, you have an ability to inject a snapshot of your brain into the larger entity that is whatever given piece of software you are working on. In a way it is like music, where you can digest thoughts through improvisation and then dump them out, all while working within an agreed upon rule set or constraints. At this point it's probably a cliche to say but you can open a laptop and change the world. The more you know, the more you realize you can do, and I think that there are very few fields with a ceiling as high as computer science. It leaves you with the feeling that exploration in the space is infinite, and that is definitely intoxicating.
This is exactly what I told my girlfriend when she asked me how hard would it be to learn programming. I immediatly thought "Knowing how to google for what you're after and knowing how to use it once you find it". I wouldn't be nowhere near where I am today with no google, period.
My father insists that I should study civil engineering. But, I want to have a degree in Applied Mathematics and Major in Computer Science. I love programming! And I’m afraid that I would end up living a life with regrets since there’s a high chance that my father won’t support me in my educational pursuits if I continued pursuing computer science. I’m really afraid about my future. Any advice?
Your father has no obligation to pay for your schooling. Millions of people put themselves through school. It is your choice, and his choice as well. You're facing the same opportunity cost dilemma that most people experience, except you are fortunate enough to have the option of studying civil engineering without footing the bill, either way you should be primarily grateful to be in that position.
You can even learn coding on ur own if you intelligent infact you should learn python and start with automating the boring stuff and learn a automate the boring stuff and automate things make scripts for people earn some money on side even if you are doing civil on side.
I literally just pivotted from Civil to Cloud few months ago, really enjoy it much more, love tech company culture and the salary is the cherry on top. what did you end up doing?
Computer Science isn't a career field. As Lex notes well. If you find something in industry that is fun, try to do that thing as much as you can. Learn the tools, learn the domain, do it as much as you can. The toughest part is you often can't get data that is in that space, e.g. Markets other than general stock data. Most of the stuff in that field you can't get API access to data as it's gated.
I'm 45 and in construction design with an emphasis on 3D design, but computer science is all up in my head and dreams. Should I take the plunge? This vid (& Lex in general) is really inspirational. Thanks
I'm an architect, now I'm doing an internship as a Big Data Developer 😁 I'm interested in generative design. If you have the time you should totally learn Python
Awesome answer. I could be lying in bed , bored out of my mind and a sudden programming idea would strike me and I would somehow find the energy to tirelessly create that program.
@@YeetYeetYe thanks man! I'm going to do it! Do you have any advice? I have been playing in python and I've been scripting in Pine Script because of how visual it is.
@@Tabu11211 I have heard good things about FreeCodeCamp as well as The Odin Project. Python is also a solid starting point, but I don't know about any good resources to learn that.
"...even with robotics projects you can build a little robot that uh, does some basic task, maybe does some basic computer vision; maybe just passes you butter exactly when your toast is hot.."
Sadly, programming isn’t for everyone. I tried my best at school, but couldn’t wrap my head around it for the life of me. I don’t know if it’s because languages confused me or I have some sort of dyslexia but after multiple failed attempts, frustrations, and racked up student loan debt I simply tapped out. Someone should get a Nobel Prize if they were able to get me to understand "and" and “if” statement, or pass Calculus ll, cuz I have a better chance of refinancing Egypt’s deficit than figuring computer science. It's really disingenuous to assume everyone can program or code, nor should it be mandatory.
Programming is generally taught badly at schools. Competent programmers tend not to teach at schools because they get paid several times more in actual software companies. This is a problem in pretty much every country. Freshly graduated junior programmers basically have to learn from scratch once they land an entry level job. They even have to unlearn plenty of bad habits. I mean no disrespect to anyone, there are always outliers and exceptions - I'm saying how things are ON AVERAGE though.
@@vibovitold And it was even worse back in 1999, when TH-cam, Khan Academy, and the litany of other online tutorials did not exist. Unless you grew up in a household that nurtured computer technology, your ability to thrive as a programmer was less than 15%. And that's being very generous.
we need sheppards of the land ... they literally feed our passions ... :) and freedom ... fresh air+sleep+clean water+food+consideration== freedom to be passionate and curious ... "Shibumi" ... ... Google it :) FeodoraneBromontQuébec
My advice is just find C64 and create something fun with it. When fun is accomplished you can do whatever you like ;) And by the way please do not go for world of computer science just because of the money you think you will make... You won't enjoy it if you don't have the passion for computer thingies.
I don't know why being a programmer would pass for "computer science". Just because you use computers? Is slapping together CRUD apps for a living - "computer science"? I'm a senior software engineer - and not even a CS graduate, which isn't at all uncommon - and I'd never say I'm involved in "computer science" by any stretch. Does a career in politics, like sitting on a city council, make someone a POLITICAL SCIENTIST then? : ) This isn't a "broad" definition, it's simply incorrect. I'm in the industry, not science. Perhaps people (like the author of the question) just think it makes it sound more fancy.
Our field is saturated with people going to programming schools where you learn to program and get a job in a month LOL. They aren't prepared for real world programming, but they can wire up a UI and data adapter.
You’re right, but you don’t know what the person asking the question was thinking. He/She might have an enthusiasm for computer science and try to go to grad school to study it.
Three easy steps that anybody can do, including truckers: Step 1: Have way above average intelligence. Step 2: Be an obsessive and only code all day every day, nothing else. Coding is your hobby. Coding is your love. Coding is your family. Coding only, nothing else. Ever. Step 3: Never actually get hired because coding is an industry of gifted people and no matter how hard you work, other people always make you look like a toddler and you stand no chance of meeting the exponentially growing list of job application requirements. Boom, done. Now you're a programmer!
Agreed: Googling an answer is an essential skill
Google-Fu is a legitimate career saving skill 🤣
Googling answers is essentially the job description of senior software engineers.
Step one, Google how to Google
In 2023 I'm more of a ChatGPT and Bing type of guy.
In computer science, you don't need huge resources to build huge incredible things, let's say mechanical engineers, with all due respect to this profession but they need a lot of pieces, machines and a suitable workspace just to build a small basic engine, but you only need your computer to build nearly anything in computer science, and that's a thing that I always admired about it.
Mechanical engineer here and I completely agree. That's why I started learning coding 😅
Just because I'm a programmer doesn't make me (or require that I am) a computer scientist though, does it : )
Agree with this, studied mechanical engineering. With programming, you can be the architect and the builder.
How about a karstic water spring with 3 permeable layers, with 3 conditions : some conduits, fissures and smaller cracks, matrix flow. Also leakage most in the lower 2 layers, all 3 layers -faulted- exposed to the surface, with aquitards between them. 1 main river, 1 smaller, both not connected with other aquifers, in the basin. Several other springs higher up, but most not monitored. There is leaking or feeding dep. on hydraulic heads vs river water level vs target source altitude.
There are only 2 very sparse hydr. heads series - 1-2 months length in 20 years - for 2600 km², not knowing the exact layer.
What are your pieces/building blocks?
@Alexander Treue true, but you can get pretty fair with simulators, just never the final product like Cs.
I have a 20 year career in I.T. and I agree with Lex.
Creating a computer program by yourself is like building a piece of furniture.
It has components to it and with each component you start to see it take shape.
When you finally finish you can sit back and enjoy the masterpiece YOU built and watch it work for you.
The passion and fulfillment for it builds naturally, you just have to start.
And YES...Google is your best friend.
With that said...
I think Lex is speaking from the perspective of the world of Academia where freedom to create is at its highest.
It is easy to maintain passion in a free environment of learning and research where free thinking is rewarded.
However, working on a programming team, or for “management” in a company it is easy to loose the passion and creativity for programming because you have to follow “their” programming rules. You may not have created any of those rules, template or mission, and you definitely cannot look at the finished product as “your creation.” It becomes “work” very fast.
My advice: If you are moving from medical IT to programming, just be sure to self examine why you dislike your medical IT job first because you may ultimately experience the same disappointments in the business programming world.
Thanks Matt S! Great advice.
Great advice indeed. As freelance 3d artist now learning to create my own games, I can see how the autonomy and freedom of exploration is the big reason for my sustained passion for my craft. The furniture analogy is so relatable as well.
A flawless answer.
Great advice, the grass is always greener on the other side - the next job/company always seems better than your current job/company. However, when it comes to a complete career field change, I think there is much more that can change besides company culture.
Well said!
Finding this video at 36 myself that only started to learn Python 5 days ago just adds fuel to my new journey. Just because i wanted a little program that i need on ocassion.
Thank you Lex , inspiring once again !
What is your learning resource?
Not OP but I just started learning a few weeks ago. I just downloaded a pdf of Eric Matthes' Python Crash Course and have really been enjoying it
@@bane2256 Sorry forgot to tag you
@@franksilva4175 cool, thanks
@@bane2256 I'm literally about to start learning python as a 32 yo lool. Mid life switch gang
Well said, simple yet so wise “Allow yourself to experience creation” we are creators. 👍
This video is a main driving factor behind me taking programming more serious, and I've genuinely never been more satisfied with being able to problem solve than I am now. Google is an essential skill, but being able to finally read those answers that I'm googling for and understand them... priceless.
One thing that can help is build something in a field that you are passionate about. You like synths? Build a software synth or a drum machine. You like sports? Build something to calculate your favorite sport stats and so on…
Great video Lex. I career pivoted into data first, and now machine learning over the past 3 years. I do not hold a college degree, and I’m in my mid 30’s.
Friends reading this that may want to make a similar change: stay curious, be determined and when it’s time to search for a job, make them tell you no. You can’t win a game you don’t show up for.
I think a good way to get into coding is learning python, it's such an easy language to learn, and once you know the basics you can do tons of stuff for yourself. Even text based games, those used to be my favorite thing to make on python.
This is one of the most amazing speech of all time. Lex just said something more like a poet than a podcast.
Wise, wise words. I would take one step further in saying build something you can share. Whether that's a prediction from a machine learning model, a simple web app, a windows program, whatever but being able to share your work will really empower you.
Dmt is one hell of a guide
"Experience the joy of creation. [...] That's one of the magical things about computer science. It allows you to create things. "
Nicely put
Everything is a fight, and nothing is for free, is what lex communicates to us.
Lex you are one of the jewels of the Internet. Thank you for doing all you do.
Lex just nailed it, i got into coding only because i was curious as to how all this stuff is made and as an artist i didn't think i was going to fall in love with it.
Coding is an art, that allows you to express your ideas through technology, it has all the ups and downs of a video game and the same sense of achievement when you solve a problem or puzzle, but at the end of the journey, you have this thing you created that you can share with the world that will hopefully make someone's life a little easier
Great advice. Thats more or less exactly the steps that worked for me! From no clue to infra-consultant with passion, excitement and google.
I am a data science 2nd year undergrad student...
I guess my ears just got lit listening to this career mantras !
#lovefromIndia
Thanks Lex i'm actually going back to school to have IT knowledge. I have creativity, loving learning new thing and always improvement my self just like evolution normally do in the long run.
I want to help build the future with my code and ideas behind it. Keep up the good work Lex!
For me proof checking and building programming languages is what I enjoy
Take the CS50 class at edx.
Spot on. I am 45 and started learning python 7 years ago. Today I find myself close to launching my very own and first complex web app. Rephrasing Steve Jobs, “stay hungry, stay fool”
You can’t go wrong with Regular Expressions!
One of the easiest ways to learn basic programming and build something useful pretty fast is to learn web development. That's how I started now I can also program microcontrollers, sensors and other IOT stuff. I've done some mobile app development and now I'm thinking of pivoting to game development. Still 90% of your time will be googling things doesn't matter what you decide to learn.
I pivoted to Web Dev from Education 10 months ago and it's going alright, hard stuff but satisfying and powerful. I actually want to do ML but I knew this would be a good place to start, and knowing Lex is 5 years older than me, i have made my goal to be deep into the field of ML in 5 years.
That’s a great goal, i hope you get there! How long did it take you to make that first jump?
@@KD-vg2yn thank you for reminding me of this post. I am currently working my second position in the industry and making more money than i ever have been by a factor of about x8
I did about 1600 hours of study in the first 6 months, then got my first job through a peer who was also studying around the time I was. Worked that job for about 7 months and then go laid off, was a crap job anyway so i didn't mind. Then got the position i am in now which is awesome.
Those first 6 months were hell. I moved back into my parents house and was doing 3:30am-10pm days everyday for 6 months. But worth it in the end for sure. I am even working 100% remote so i can work anywhere, so naturally i moved to a state with better taxes and better weather haha
@@FirstLast-gk6lg HAHA better taxes and better weather is what I need right now lol! That's amazing man! I'm glad you are killing it, and sometimes getting laid off or other bad things can be the best things for us in the end!
I'm just starting my journey and I think I'm going to start with the Odin project!
Thank you for sharing your story, it's pretty motivating to be honest. Just what I needed to hear right now!
@@KD-vg2yn Hell yeah man, I am glad it helps. I know I heard a lot of people tell their stories when I was getting started. And 100% it's amazing how life works and sometimes it seems to close a door but really it opens another door.
Truly grind is rewarded in this industry, because at the end of the day companies expect you to be able to learn technology, not necessarily already know it. So being able and willing to plunge yourself into new technology is what hiring managers are looking for. I don't have a CS degree and after your first industry experience no body cares if you do or don't. Just that you are willing to put in the work and learn the tech.
Feel free to bounce any questions my way, if I have a useful answer for you, I'll give it.
Best of luck brother, you're going to do great things.
@@FirstLast-gk6lg Hey. Are you an Engineer ?
I was thinking about it last night after watching some NASA projects related documentaries. There are tons of great methods of working that are pretty solid that is we need to bring into IT projects. The IT industry would benefit a lot actually from the level of consciousnesness and methodical work that we have pretty stablished in other high tech industries for many decades now.
* also important: to know how long is long enough to search and understand something. generally called patience ;)
+1 for starting with javascript
Creating stuff is what brought me to coding
I am a 34 year old that changed careers to mobile development last year. I don’t have a CS background. Agreed with everything Lex said and wanted to add a bit more.
Definitely do start with small projects. There are a ton of free online material and don’t be afraid of just trying stuff out. The goal here is not writing good code but to actually make something work and learn in the process.
I did a 13-week coding bootcamp. Bootcamps are not necessary but you definitely benefit from being able to ask questions live and getting connections via networking.
It is doable in your 30s. I have seen 50 year old guys with no CS background become mobile developers. If you have passion for it you will make it.
Big fan Lex. Love your content.
I learned to code in university. I majored in psych and minored in comp sci. TBH I think it gives you a bit of an edge and more flexibility in terms of careers
I'm excited about everything (in computing (like data science, ML, microcontrollers, RISC V, hacking, web app) and keep doing small projects in everything and fear I won't get good enough at anything to get a job after college...
That's where I'm at, finding a job in computer science is so difficult to comprehend. I've learned C++, Java, Matlab, HTML, and developed small apps on Android, have taken intro courses at my local community college for all of the above, have made some small programs on my own time, and I still have no idea how close I am to being able to get employed in the field.
I know I did really well in all of those classes and had a much easier time than my fellow students, but still don't have enough confidence to apply for a job because the field is so vast and vague as an outsider. Really wish those classes had given like, an example of a project and the "assignments" the individual coders are given by their employer, something to measure myself against to be like "oh yeah I could totally figure that out and be a useful team member given those goals and parameters."
I really enjoy coding but have moved away from it in the last year because actually getting a job in the industry still feels unreachable (probably due to my own ignorance.) It's a tough thing to hobby yourself into in my experience for that reason.
@@samus598 My man, you shouldn't fear applying for what you want to do. Yeah there's a lot of programmers, but there's a heck of a lot of them needed. I recently talked to a recruiter for a job in back end development for my government, and she told me that having all the licenses and diplomas don't matter, as long as you have the technical experience, understanding and knowledge of what you're working on, you have a very high chance of getting hired. If you create yourself a portfolio and put it out there like you're proud of it, you can only be praised for it! I hope you'll find a way
Well said. You always get better by pushing yourself. But not by pushing too much at once! When learning a new coding lang - that is hard enough. So select simple first projects. Build up in complexity with each program.
And yes, passion can be ignited. We should remind ourselves of why it is cool and take time to appreciate it! State reasons why it is cool, why you like it. Write down a list of good things that happened, even when you had a bad day. Review your day, even mistakes and bad times, can be a blessing - you can learn from it and get better.
1:01 so true, good quote, very good quote
actually starts earlier than 1:01
and i mean good quote as in "every human needs to hear this"
we all need to do SOMETHING creative, i think its good for the soul
even if u just draw doodles while waiting for your pasta to cook
After 15 years of being an electrician, my body is done. Im all in on the computer science. Im been teaching myself C++ for the most part, also been enjoying swift too. But without a paper from some school or years of working experience, im afraid I'm just a 38 year old cripple, who will most likely be on the streets in a years time
You are really inspiring and helping to make the world a better place. Especially on the TH-cam side of things
I stopped caring about computer science, to be honest.
Learning in school is the most fun i can have. I get free range to be as creative as i can, and be the best in my class. The way i see it, it's all puzzles, and i'm great at solving them and writing great codes. But once the basics, algorithmic mind and logical thinking settle in with all my classmates, everyone gets unified into writing the same blocks, doing the same things, and looking the exact same in the workplace. There is no way or reason to stand out from the lot. So... what is it about me ? Why have any ambition for a career if my job can be done by the next available guy ? It simply doesn't matter. And the idea i had about how "the future is computers", like, we made that up, it doesn't mean it's right or the best we can come up with.
Your episode with Rick Rubin really struck something in me, about how people don't matter, and it's the next idea/content/meme that will outlive us. Plus, all the talk about AI pretty much renders humans useless, if machines can come up with better ways of thinking and carry thoughts further than we ever could. And they will realize that, and they will certainly act on it.
I am depressed and unambitious and stuck in life at 30. I only care for good music, good cinema, and cats. I think art is the truest thing we could ever come up with to attain some sort of truth and squeeze our braincells into real creativity. And i think we absolutely need to reevaluate our relationship with nature.
You can make music or movies.
This was so perfect. Thank you
Scripts to rename files or match naming conventions that you want to use are very helpful, that is where I started in Python!
Genuine request here: can somebody who's really passionate about an aspect of computer science to tell me what about it fascinates them?
I can offer you more of a generalized view of what intrigues me. The entirety of the puzzle or puzzle piece is what I think keeps people engaged. From a programming standpoint, in any domain, you have an ability to inject a snapshot of your brain into the larger entity that is whatever given piece of software you are working on. In a way it is like music, where you can digest thoughts through improvisation and then dump them out, all while working within an agreed upon rule set or constraints. At this point it's probably a cliche to say but you can open a laptop and change the world. The more you know, the more you realize you can do, and I think that there are very few fields with a ceiling as high as computer science. It leaves you with the feeling that exploration in the space is infinite, and that is definitely intoxicating.
This is exactly what I told my girlfriend when she asked me how hard would it be to learn programming. I immediatly thought "Knowing how to google for what you're after and knowing how to use it once you find it". I wouldn't be nowhere near where I am today with no google, period.
Excellent tips here. Thanks Lex. I really like your podcast.
Was literally just staring blankly into the ether wondering this same thing lol.
I really like your videos man, it's giving me hope to get into coding.
My father insists that I should study civil engineering. But, I want to have a degree in Applied Mathematics and Major in Computer Science. I love programming! And I’m afraid that I would end up living a life with regrets since there’s a high chance that my father won’t support me in my educational pursuits if I continued pursuing computer science.
I’m really afraid about my future.
Any advice?
Your father has no obligation to pay for your schooling. Millions of people put themselves through school. It is your choice, and his choice as well.
You're facing the same opportunity cost dilemma that most people experience, except you are fortunate enough to have the option of studying civil engineering without footing the bill, either way you should be primarily grateful to be in that position.
Talking to your dad about why you are interested in computer science and the benefits might help
You can even learn coding on ur own if you intelligent infact you should learn python and start with automating the boring stuff and learn a automate the boring stuff and automate things make scripts for people earn some money on side even if you are doing civil on side.
I literally just pivotted from Civil to Cloud few months ago, really enjoy it much more, love tech company culture and the salary is the cherry on top.
what did you end up doing?
@@ldld7210 lol tech company culture? Like mass layoffs?
Computer Science isn't a career field. As Lex notes well.
If you find something in industry that is fun, try to do that thing as much as you can. Learn the tools, learn the domain, do it as much as you can. The toughest part is you often can't get data that is in that space, e.g. Markets other than general stock data. Most of the stuff in that field you can't get API access to data as it's gated.
Passion and Google ❤️
my Her moment advice i need from lex right now. luv you
This helped me so much!
Boom! Wisdom from Lex, once again. Stay Golden Ponyboy!
How do you pivot out of tech?
This was such great advice! Ty, Lex!
Thank you Lex!
alright, now if i can only figure how to pivot careers from those related to computer science...
I havent had the chance to watch yet: but my question tends to be "How can I pivot away from CS/Software Engineering with only dev jobs on a resume".
Thank you God for this encouraging video.
I'm 45 and in construction design with an emphasis on 3D design, but computer science is all up in my head and dreams. Should I take the plunge? This vid (& Lex in general) is really inspirational. Thanks
I'm an architect, now I'm doing an internship as a Big Data Developer 😁 I'm interested in generative design. If you have the time you should totally learn Python
I would guess both go quite well together. There is a lot of software and tech in 3D design
Thank you
Lex is the best.
Nailed it.
Thank you Lex.
36 and learning python myself.
I love this video so much
awesome insight once again!
Awesome answer. I could be lying in bed , bored out of my mind and a sudden programming idea would strike me and I would somehow find the energy to tirelessly create that program.
I was worried that because I'm 29 as of this post, that I wouldn't be able to get in the field. I think I might actually have a chance now.
Dude! 29 is so young. People make the transition into tech in their 30s, 40s, 50s even 60s and later. It's never too late.
@@YeetYeetYe thanks man! I'm going to do it! Do you have any advice? I have been playing in python and I've been scripting in Pine Script because of how visual it is.
@@Tabu11211 I have heard good things about FreeCodeCamp as well as The Odin Project. Python is also a solid starting point, but I don't know about any good resources to learn that.
This is soooooo true
"...even with robotics projects you can build a little robot that uh, does some basic task, maybe does some basic computer vision; maybe just passes you butter exactly when your toast is hot.."
Need advice on how to get out of computer science
become a programmer, once you reach 45 and you aren't a manager you will be dismissed for younger and cheaper programmers.
At this point I’m not even afraid to admit I’m in love with lex fridman. He has a chokehold on every girl in quantum computation haha
Do you have a video on how to google? :D
Sadly, programming isn’t for everyone. I tried my best at school, but couldn’t wrap my head around it for the life of me. I don’t know if it’s because languages confused me or I have some sort of dyslexia but after multiple failed attempts, frustrations, and racked up student loan debt I simply tapped out.
Someone should get a Nobel Prize if they were able to get me to understand "and" and “if” statement, or pass Calculus ll, cuz I have a better chance of refinancing Egypt’s deficit than figuring computer science.
It's really disingenuous to assume everyone can program or code, nor should it be mandatory.
Programming is generally taught badly at schools. Competent programmers tend not to teach at schools because they get paid several times more in actual software companies. This is a problem in pretty much every country. Freshly graduated junior programmers basically have to learn from scratch once they land an entry level job. They even have to unlearn plenty of bad habits. I mean no disrespect to anyone, there are always outliers and exceptions - I'm saying how things are ON AVERAGE though.
@@vibovitold And it was even worse back in 1999, when TH-cam, Khan Academy, and the litany of other online tutorials did not exist. Unless you grew up in a household that nurtured computer technology, your ability to thrive as a programmer was less than 15%. And that's being very generous.
Someday it just clicks and then it get's a lot easier and then it gets a lot harder again...
@@ex1tium At my age, you just can't teach this dog a new trick.
I create things to help other people. I actually have never created any applications for myself.
I think this video should have love button ❤️
Awesome 🙏
I want be a farmer idk y but I feel it deeply
we need sheppards of the land ... they literally feed our passions ... :)
and freedom ...
fresh air+sleep+clean water+food+consideration== freedom to be passionate and curious ...
"Shibumi" ... ... Google it :)
FeodoraneBromontQuébec
My advice is just find C64 and create something fun with it. When fun is accomplished you can do whatever you like ;) And by the way please do not go for world of computer science just because of the money you think you will make... You won't enjoy it if you don't have the passion for computer thingies.
'Allow yourself the joy of creation'. Lex you are cool. Java script is cool. I suck at it 😁
What can I do If I have a teacher that makes me do a test without using google? Search for another teacher? Maybe on google?
Passion as skill? Humm, thats sounds interesting
I had more money when I started this job in California than I do now
You are the best
Someone asked me the other day, did you learn that in school.
Nope I googled it. 🤣
You forgot the part where you teach how to go from robotics to professional youtuber
I am diploma holder in mechanical engineering. I will be doing engineering in next few months should I change brach to computer science ?
Yes, the possibilities are endless. Computer science is the future.
Beautifully romantic answer! Thanks Lex!
I don't know why being a programmer would pass for "computer science". Just because you use computers? Is slapping together CRUD apps for a living - "computer science"? I'm a senior software engineer - and not even a CS graduate, which isn't at all uncommon - and I'd never say I'm involved in "computer science" by any stretch.
Does a career in politics, like sitting on a city council, make someone a POLITICAL SCIENTIST then? : ) This isn't a "broad" definition, it's simply incorrect. I'm in the industry, not science. Perhaps people (like the author of the question) just think it makes it sound more fancy.
Our field is saturated with people going to programming schools where you learn to program and get a job in a month LOL. They aren't prepared for real world programming, but they can wire up a UI and data adapter.
@@lee4547 What's "our field"? And what do you consider as a necessary prerequisite for "real life programming"?
you just posted you are a “senior software engineer”? Read your own post instead of trolling someone that agrees with you.
You’re right, but you don’t know what the person asking the question was thinking. He/She might have an enthusiasm for computer science and try to go to grad school to study it.
Linux or Windows or Both? Whats ya fav OS?
dual boot! or run the other(s) in a vm! computers are relatively cheap in the 2020s and you can learn all of them! (bsd, linux, mac, win)
mostly I found working in IT company , the "creations" become work ..and you mostly lose interest in computer science .
Update: passion and chatgpt
What about html
Are you Bulgarian?
Three easy steps that anybody can do, including truckers:
Step 1: Have way above average intelligence.
Step 2: Be an obsessive and only code all day every day, nothing else. Coding is your hobby. Coding is your love. Coding is your family. Coding only, nothing else. Ever.
Step 3: Never actually get hired because coding is an industry of gifted people and no matter how hard you work, other people always make you look like a toddler and you stand no chance of meeting the exponentially growing list of job application requirements.
Boom, done. Now you're a programmer!
step 4: Develop chronic depression.
I got a degree in compooter science.....and it stinks!!!!!
I learned a lot of computer science just by watching this podcast. It is like getting a PhD in the mindset of Lucifer. Got to say, I love that.
I think I'm not coment sometimes I mistake
In a sense, it’s a bs answer. Once you become rich like lex from TH-cam or anything else. The first thing you will do is quit your “passionate” job.
Remove the to, and replace with from. This sh*t is wack yoooo
xxx
I'm sorry for that missinformation