Realistic path into tech?

Zillow Group / Other
GdGM70

Go to company page Zillow Group Other

GdGM70
Jan 9 12 Comments

So: I was homeless as a kid, college was never really an option. Be that as it may, I lucked into a decent career, and I'm making a lot considering no degree, but I've hit the payroll cap for my field and am unlikely to even keep up with inflation at this point.

I've taught myself a lot of programming. Automated a lot of my own workload, and am currently working my way through freecodecamp.org

I took my position at Zillow thinking I'd use it as a foot in the door for the software side of things... now I suspect my whole team is next on the chopping block.

Since that door is almost assuredly closed, what advice does Blind have for what I can do to become hirable.
Are there any particular paid bootcamps that are more worth it than others?
Is getting a job as someone who is mainly self-taught still a thing anymore, or is that a relic of the past?

TC: 150k
YOE: 9


Edit to add: my current role and experience aren't in tech. I'm on the escrow side of things. The only title change I've ever add was going from "junior" to "senior"

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TOP 12 Comments
  • If you have some good projects on your resume I donโ€™t see a reason why you canโ€™t get it

    Also, enroll in some online courses from reputed universities that give you degree/certificate after completing the course. They add a lot of value too.

    Keep going buddy, you got it๐Ÿ‘Š good luck
    Jan 9 0
  • Google
    owqJ68

    Go to company page Google

    owqJ68
    Just start interviewing as a swe - you just need to get your door in the door and it sounds like you can build useful tools - that's all a swe needs to do.
    Jan 9 0
  • New
    cm4

    New

    cm4
    Hard to know for sure without knowing your job title but I would think youโ€™ll have 0 issues getting interviews for easily 200+ tc positions. Maybe edit and add what your title is now and past titles youโ€™ve held?
    Jan 9 2
    • Zillow Group / Other
      GdGM70

      Go to company page Zillow Group Other

      GdGM70
      OP
      Senior escrow officer. I've editted the post to make that more clear.

      Like I said, I'm not currently in tech, I was hoping Zillow would be that foot in the door. Not really sure how any of my actual professional experience would help me out or have any relevance.

      I've built a few programs to make my colleague's and my jobs easier, or to solve various household functions, but nothing really official.
      Jan 9
    • New
      cm4

      New

      cm4
      Any chance those things you have built could be leveraged into an internal move to an SWE position? Or colleagues that you have built tools for have moved to companies they can refer you to? Best bet IMO would be an internal move or referral leading directly to an interview at another company. If you can crack interviews I would think you can have success. Major props on getting to where you have considering your childhood btw. Youโ€™ve done incredible
      Jan 9
  • Square
    PrHD87

    Go to company page Square

    PrHD87
    Tbh just network your way to an interview. From there crush the interview and you got the offer!
    Jan 9 0
  • Are you attracted by the high salary or just the ability to code and create products?
    Jan 9 2