Why Learning to Code is the New Black

If you plan to spend a lot of time working with technology, you should understand the language of your new environment. — 5 Reasons Entrepreneurs Should Learn to Code

The hardest part of learning to become a developer is where to start, what tools to use, which OS is best for your end-goals and what stack is best suited to your needs. I have been working for 6 months trying to get the best answers to these questions. You’d think it would be a pretty straight-forward and definitive answer however, the reality is: the question is like asking some one what’s the best way to get to heaven. Programmers are that passionate about their IDEs, OS, and language stack. I have to admit its rather endearing to read their heated discussions on the issue. In some forums this question isn’t even allowed to be asked due to the toxicity of the response thread.

But in an effort to help give you something, the following classes would be a great introduction into deciding if a career in technology could be a good fit.

These classes are are free and will teach low-income people, minorities or small business owners how to increase their business potential. Linux can be run on the systems you see in Goodwill so, there is no need to pirate Microsoft Windows software. Math may not be everyone’s friend and its certainly not the enemy but, you will need to know some amount of Math in your life. Especially, if you like keeping your hard earned money.

In this article, you may have noticed jargon being used without a clear non-tech explanation. I did this on purpose. I the world of coding, jargon is an unavoidable reality. Use of terminology is frequently done to gauge the level of knowledge or thickness of skin you have as a person.

Are you confident enough to ask when you do not know or determined enough to make a mental note and look it up for yourself?

A “I tired of having to constantly learn everyday” attitude can wear on a person’s aptitude and gives the hiring manager, or the peer you may be consulting with, a good indication of your shelf-life in their department. You will need to be a go-getter, teach people tolerance as you learn humility in order to succeed in the technology world. As much as the world would love to have all things equal, the reality is:

We are NOT equal in talent, aspirations, preferences or appearances in one specific way.

And why would we want to be? Our unique combinations make us well suited for some tasks, while other “dirty jobs” may no longer be our cup of tea. For example, I love to come up with ideas! Ideas to make things work together better or are, what I would call, fun! However, during my Gods of Mayhem project, I have discovered the intricacies of what it takes to make a good idea into a successful marketing campaign. To me, those marketing minuet details are more involved and just plain UGH! than all the frustrating, head-banging, curse fits I have ever had with learning to install the tools I need to build a simple app.

I don’t see the same reward.

I can struggle, fight, agonize over every little detail of a blog post, article, etc. and no matter how hard I try I may NEVER see the results I was looking for from my efforts. I’d rather drink rubbing alcohol infused with glass shards from a paper cup. Now, give me an app idea, website, whatever you can build with code and I will work like there is never going to be a tomorrow. Because I KNOW at the end of it all, if I can represent it on paper, in a logical manner — I can eventually code it.

When I code, I don’t need to wear uncomfortable shoes, designed by some sadistic pimp who still believes the binding of one’s feet is humane to be accepted.

When I code, I don’t have to wear clothes too tight or short because all the affordable retail outlets are trying to sell clothes to the SAME size, sam HEIGHT people. Have you noticed how men’s clothing is very sensible, well made, easy to find in a size considered freakish in women’s fashion and affordable?

When I code, the media’s standard for beauty means nothing to me. I’m too busy using my mind to build the future to notice. The people who want people with skills like me don’t care what I look like, all they care about is my code.

Yes ladies, boys will be boys. Just because a business has money and makes a profit doesn’t mean they are intellectually mature individuals. However, business men….business-minded people…those are the people to watch and learn from.

Don’t let your insecurities stop you from using your voice. There is more than one way to speak…keep trying.

*P.S. Did I mention, I am not a natural born writer either? Editors are who make me look good and…I’m ok with that reality too!