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danielv835

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pf_coach_v0.1

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User (the_greatsarcasmo): "Hi everyone, I need your advice!\n\nRight now I (21/f) am undertaking an apprenticeship with a government agency that is administrative work in the U.K. I can't go into much detail about what I do but it involves processing legal documents. It's a very good job and I'm also working on a BTEC in Business Administration; the apprenticeship finishes in April of 2018 and currently I'm making 16.9k a year and will be making 19k when I finish my BTEC which will be late next year though I have complete control over this and can finish sooner if I want (I don't get the pay rise though until 1.5 years into the apprenticeship and I've been here since April this year). \n\nIn the new year I'm moving into a house share with my partner and two good friends, this would bring my expenses down to £350 a month plus shared groceries. \n\nRecently my partner and I sat down and talked about our job situation, he's currently in a job he hates and has decided he'd like to go back to school, possibly in 2017. He encouraged me also to get back into my passion illustration as I gave it up during a very bad spell of depression in 2015, and I turned down an unconditional offer to study it this year because I was accepted on to this apprenticeship. \n\nNow since we had that talk I'm getting more and more bored with my current job, it's very monotonous and has stopped being intellectually challenging, the BTEC is very easy and not challenging at all (though I intend on finishing it as I come with with an IT diploma as well). \n\nI've now been in touch with the university I'd like to go to in my city which is in the top 2% of schools in my country about the course I'd like to go on, it'd be a great experience and includes a potential 12 week overseas exchange to study in Japan; I also know as I'm a mature student who's independent I'd be very likely to receive maintenance loans of £9k a year on top of my fees being covered. As for student loans in the U.K. you don't ever start paying them off until you're making £21k a year - which I wouldn't even make if I was given a permanent role with my current company.\n\nI've asked them about work hours and tried to see if I could use my flexible hours at work to accommodate the degree but I won't be able too as it's 5 days a week. So if I decided to start in 2017 I'd have to quit my job and get a part time position to make some extra cash.\n\nI have a loan with £2000 left to pay off, I pay £115 into it each month (I took this out to learn to drive). I don't have a car and will soon be carpooling to work, and my university would be so close to my house I wouldn't have to commute. \n\nWhat I can't decide on if whether I should go for 2017 entry or 2018 entry, regardless I will have to quit my position and pursue a part time or weekend one likely in retail (something I was hoping to be done with when I took this apprenticeship). \n\nWould it look bad on my CV if I were to end my apprenticeship 7 months early even though I'd be leaving with a BTEC qualification in business admin? Should I wait and finish the apprenticeship and enter uni in 2018? My previous position to this was in retail working in management and I have very good a-levels and a foundation diploma in art and design. \n\nWhich is the better decision financially and career wise? I desperately want to be an independent comic book artist. \n\nI should also note that I have unlimited access to overtime and at a very good rate, currently if I spend 7 days a month working 4 hours on weekdays and every Saturday I can boost my annual income (before tax) to £21k. \n\nOn top of my previous question - if I did decide to start in 2017, what would be the best financial plan to ensure I could live comfortably for 3 years and focus entirely on my degree as well as pay off my loan before starting my course?\n\nPlease help me personal finance, you're my only hope. \n\nEdit: I've decided to prolong until 2018 entry and look into a career break through work or a work from home option for when I go back to school (I really don't want to return to retail). This will give me some time to build a better portfolio and maybe experiment with some web comics and join a few classes at my old college. It's for the best and this way I can save more for when I go back and am on a reduced income.\n\nThank you guys for your advice, it was very much appreciated! Really helped me to have a constructive conversation with my fiancé and come to a conclusion on my next steps." Self: "Well, I'm retired (at 55) and looking back, but I am not a huge fan of the 'follow your dreams right now, regardless' school of thought that's so popular now. For what it's worth I lived in Japan for over a decade, visit there roughly every other year, and my American niece spent her Senior year in High School in Japan a few years ago. \n\nWith those small points on which to base my *opinion*, I would say that it would be foolish not to finish your apprenticeship. Here's the thing - you don't know what the future holds. If you finish your apprenticeship - you have it in you pocket -always. You know that you can always get a job in your field (even if it's boring) and that gives you some security; if an adventure goes wrong, that skill will be your shelter from the storm. \n\nIf you *don't* finish, and you find yourself in a situation someday where you *need that job* you will forever be explaining that it was just your personal decision to quit the apprenticeship and that you weren't having trouble with the work, and that they certainly never asked you to leave; of course not, and you were *almost* done so that's just as good as actually done, right? Next, as my wife found out, going back to finish education (your apprenticeship) after you've put it down for a while is not always as easy as just saying. "Hi! I'm back!".\n\nAs for Japan; I think you'll love it. I did, and I do, and I always will. However, your 12 weeks there will be, no matter how much fun, and how interesting, pretty much educationally wasted. The truth is that the language problem gets in the way. Unless the instructors are native English speakers, complex subjects are difficult to communicate about, and you certainly aren't going to be reading any college level Japanese textbooks in 90 days. Perhaps that doesn't matter so much for art, but you will able to talk about drawing, not complex plot lines or nuances.\n\nFortunately Japan has been around for some 2,000 years now, and it will still be there in 2018, waiting for you. \n\nSo, please, please finish your apprenticeship and then *absolutely* go to Japan... you may well love it and end up being there for a decade like I did.\n\nSincerely,\n\nYer old Uncle\nAmeobanot." User (the_greatsarcasmo): "Thank you so much for your reply - I've done a lot of thinking about everything and 2018 is definitely the smarter option. At the very least it gives me a whole extra year to develop and portfolio and at the best it ensures I have a backup plan in case this all goes tits up. "

User (the_greatsarcasmo): "Hi everyone, I need your advice!\n\nRight now I (21/f) am undertaking an apprenticeship with a government agency that is administrative work in the U.K. I can't go into much detail about what I do but it involves processing legal documents. It's a very good job and I'm also working on a BTEC in Business Administration; the apprenticeship finishes in April of 2018 and currently I'm making 16.9k a year and will be making 19k when I finish my BTEC which will be late next year though I have complete control over this and can finish sooner if I want (I don't get the pay rise though until 1.5 years into the apprenticeship and I've been here since April this year). \n\nIn the new year I'm moving into a house share with my partner and two good friends, this would bring my expenses down to £350 a month plus shared groceries. \n\nRecently my partner and I sat down and talked about our job situation, he's currently in a job he hates and has decided he'd like to go back to school, possibly in 2017. He encouraged me also to get back into my passion illustration as I gave it up during a very bad spell of depression in 2015, and I turned down an unconditional offer to study it this year because I was accepted on to this apprenticeship. \n\nNow since we had that talk I'm getting more and more bored with my current job, it's very monotonous and has stopped being intellectually challenging, the BTEC is very easy and not challenging at all (though I intend on finishing it as I come with with an IT diploma as well). \n\nI've now been in touch with the university I'd like to go to in my city which is in the top 2% of schools in my country about the course I'd like to go on, it'd be a great experience and includes a potential 12 week overseas exchange to study in Japan; I also know as I'm a mature student who's independent I'd be very likely to receive maintenance loans of £9k a year on top of my fees being covered. As for student loans in the U.K. you don't ever start paying them off until you're making £21k a year - which I wouldn't even make if I was given a permanent role with my current company.\n\nI've asked them about work hours and tried to see if I could use my flexible hours at work to accommodate the degree but I won't be able too as it's 5 days a week. So if I decided to start in 2017 I'd have to quit my job and get a part time position to make some extra cash.\n\nI have a loan with £2000 left to pay off, I pay £115 into it each month (I took this out to learn to drive). I don't have a car and will soon be carpooling to work, and my university would be so close to my house I wouldn't have to commute. \n\nWhat I can't decide on if whether I should go for 2017 entry or 2018 entry, regardless I will have to quit my position and pursue a part time or weekend one likely in retail (something I was hoping to be done with when I took this apprenticeship). \n\nWould it look bad on my CV if I were to end my apprenticeship 7 months early even though I'd be leaving with a BTEC qualification in business admin? Should I wait and finish the apprenticeship and enter uni in 2018? My previous position to this was in retail working in management and I have very good a-levels and a foundation diploma in art and design. \n\nWhich is the better decision financially and career wise? I desperately want to be an independent comic book artist. \n\nI should also note that I have unlimited access to overtime and at a very good rate, currently if I spend 7 days a month working 4 hours on weekdays and every Saturday I can boost my annual income (before tax) to £21k. \n\nOn top of my previous question - if I did decide to start in 2017, what would be the best financial plan to ensure I could live comfortably for 3 years and focus entirely on my degree as well as pay off my loan before starting my course?\n\nPlease help me personal finance, you're my only hope. \n\nEdit: I've decided to prolong until 2018 entry and look into a career break through work or a work from home option for when I go back to school (I really don't want to return to retail). This will give me some time to build a better portfolio and maybe experiment with some web comics and join a few classes at my old college. It's for the best and this way I can save more for when I go back and am on a reduced income.\n\nThank you guys for your advice, it was very much appreciated! Really helped me to have a constructive conversation with my fiancé and come to a conclusion on my next steps." Self: "I think this is a very good question you ask here, it's a decision only you can make for yourself. As someone who works in a creative agency and often has to do interviews for intern/trainee/junior positions I can give you my to two cents about your CV:\n\nIf you were interviewing for an office job I would be hesitant to hire someone who did not complete an apprenticeship and has not completed anything else that requires some serious investment of time and effort. It sucks so much hiring people who can start things and then leave a mess that you have to finish, and then leave after you spent months training them on the job. So yes, it's a huge red flag when people seem to lack perseverance. \n\nHowever, if you were interviewing for a creative position I couldn't care less about any retail or office jobs that you did. You can include them if you want, but if you completed an art programme after that, anything before that does not matter. What matters most is your portfolio, and that you can tell me about the work. It's great that you went to Japan if you have something to show for it. I also couldn't care less what top percentage the school was in." User (the_greatsarcasmo): "I disagree that it would come across as a red flag as it's nearly two years experience and would include a completed BTEC which I'm completing independently from the career path - and my previous roles have all been 2+ years experience, the previous being in management which I excelled at and have very good reviews from all my employees. It wouldn't leave a mess as they've hired so many of us I'd hardly be missed (but that's just me being bitter 😉).\n\nAnyway aside from that I do want to thank you for your comment! You really guys have been a great help being a third party advisor!! I spoke to my fiancé again about the plan and we've both agreed 2018 is the best plan for me as it leaves me in the best position to perhaps take a "career hiatus" or whatever you call it through my work and complete my degree, potentially working from home too. \n\nPlus it gives me a great chance to build my portfolio. I think I might take a few night classes at my old college though and focus on renovating my house to ease the artistic itch until then. :) "

User (sammyismybaby): "I dont really want to go through a formal estate planning. id rather just sit with my wife and the person we trust to take care of our son if something happens to both of us, sign something, (i guess notarize to make it more official?) and be done. i guess the life ins company would have to know for sure that the person we assigned is the appropriate person to release the life ins benefits to, so is there a way to designate that within the insurance policy?" Self: "You can designate someone as the beneficiary of your insurance policy should you and your wife unexpectedly pass, but there will be no guarantee they use it for the benefit of your son. Although it depends upon the state you live in, in general if you designate your minor child as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy it will be placed in a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act custodial account with a court-appointed custodian. If you left a will or other evidence behind that you wish a particular person to be appointed the guardian and financial custodian for your child then it is likely the court will appoint him or her as long as they are a competent adult. There is no free lunch as far as estate planning is concerned and you would be very wise to seek a brief consultation with an estate planning attorney in your state who can apprise you of the benefits (primarily, expediency in avoiding courts and control over the use of the assets) and drawbacks (primarily, cost and complexity) of establishing a trust on behalf of your children. IANAL just a guy who has been through probate court and done personal estate planning with my attorney."

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " Self: ">Your costs that contribute to your out-of-pocket maximum limit must include deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or similar charges and any other expenditure required of an individual which is a qualified medical expense for the essential health benefits. This limit does not have to count premiums, balance billing amounts for non-network providers and other out-of-network cost-sharing, or spending for non-essential health benefits.\n\n>Out-of-pocket maximums only apply to covered essential benefits. So if your plan doesn’t cover a service, or the service isn’t an essential benefit it may not count toward your maximum.\n\nSource: http://obamacarefacts.com/health-insurance/out-of-pocket-maximum/"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " bacon_music_love (bacon_music_love): "> 4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me.\n\n\nYou should always ask your insurance provider what things will cost, not your doctor. Offices see tons of patients with a variety of insurance companies, and realistically they can't be 100% sure what each plan covers and what patient cost will be. \n\nYour HR department can tell you what insurance company and what plan you have, and either HR or the insurance rep can give you a document that lists coverage for a variety of conditions. For example, they might pay 100% of preventative care, and 80% of most other things in-network, but only 50% if you go out of network. " User (Some_guitarist): "Sorry if I wasn't clear. I've got that information 100% after deductible in network, 70% out of after deductible. \n\nMy question is before I hit the deductible, it says I 'Pay a negotiated fee' for services. So, whatever the doctor would pay the insurance company is what I owe before I reach a deductible, right? \n\nI'd just like to find a way to know what that is prior to agreeing to the services, but it looks like it just varies too wildly. :/ " bacon_music_love (bacon_music_love): "Ah ok. The negotiated fee is usually just a discount from what the doctor's office tries to charge. Large insurance companies can negotiate with doctors because of the volume of patients they cover. On your EOB or bill it would show up as a write-off by the office or a discounted rate. The insurance company should have a list of fees for common things, so you'd just want to call before you go in. Your doctor might recommend a certain procedure, but they don't do it that day. So you call and ask how much it'll cost. \n\nHere's an example from my dentist bill this summer: My dentist submitted a claim to insurance asking for $500 for removing one wisdom tooth. The insurance has negotiated with this office that $300 is the "allowed amount" to charge for that removal. I already hit my deductible, and my insurance covers 80%, so I pay $60 and my insurance pays $240. Balance billing (charging you the remainder of what your insurance didn't cover, beyond your deductible and copay) is usually illegal, at least at in-network doctors. \n\nEven if you haven't hit your deductible yet, your insurance company probably has negotiated lower rates for procedures, so you still might not have to pay the full amount the doctor tries to initially bill."

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "On (3), keep in mind that only stuff covered by your HSA-sponsored health insurance plan will count towards the deductible. Meaning, if most of your medical expenses come from things like dental or vision (glasses, contacts), but your HSA-sponsored health insurance plan does not cover dental or vision, then the money you spend on these things will not count towards your deductible/out of pocket limit. \n\nAlso remember that if you have a HSA you cannot also have a FSA. Those not-covered vision and dental expenses can still be paid out of your HSA with HSA funds, but they just won't go towards meeting the 3k max OOP." alh9h (alh9h): "Just FYI, you can now have a limited-expense FSA (LEXFSA) that covers only dental and optical expenses in addition to an HSA. This is not available everywhere, however, as it depends on your employers offerings. "

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "> 1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution and their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\nThe limit is currently $3,350, but, yes, that's basically how it works.\n\n> 2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there?\n\nYou will pay $2,000 before your insurance pays anything, but it's not necessarily the case that insurance will pay all of the rest. Let's say you have ten $1000 procedures that insurance will pay 80% (i.e. the co-pay is 20%).\n\nBecause your deductible is $2,000, you'll pay for the first two procedures in full. Starting from the third procedure, you'd only have to pay $200 per procedure; insurance picks up the remaining $800. But then after Procedure 7, you've paid $3,000 (out-of-pocket max) for the entire year ($1000 for each of the first two procedures, $200 for each of the subsequent five). After that, insurance pays the rest.\n\nNote that preventative care is generally (always?) exempt from the deductible, so insurance will cover that immediately.\n\n> 3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\nYou can always take money out to reimburse yourself tax-free for medical expenses incurred since opening the account. If you take money out for any other purpose prior to 65 (or enrolling in Medicare, whichever comes first), you will be taxed and penalized on the withdrawals. After 65, you'd still be taxed, but there's no penalty (so it operates just like a 401k or IRA at that point).\n\n> 4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nThe negotiated rate has nothing to do with your HSA; that's determined by your plan. You can have a high-deductible plan without maintaining an HSA.\n\nIt's impossible to give you ballpark numbers because it varies considerably by the purpose of the visit and the procedure. Going to the doctor for a cough and having open-heart surgery obviously cost considerably different. Doctors can generally give you an estimate for how much something would cost based on the known negotiated rates and coverage, but note that they are just estimates – sometimes they are wrong, misunderstanding what insurance will and will not cover." Downvotes-All-Memes (Downvotes-All-Memes): "> The limit is currently $3,350, but, yes, that's basically how it works.\n\nYou may know this, but to be clear the 2017 limit (which is what OP probably signed up for) is/will be $3400." Self: "I didn't check to see what it was for next year, but I imagined that might have been the case. It wasn't initially clear to me whether he was talking about filling up his HSA allotment for this year or for next, but from context about planning for next year, it should have been obvious he was talking about 2017." User (Some_guitarist): "Yup! Talking about 2017!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "> 1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution and their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\nThe limit is currently $3,350, but, yes, that's basically how it works.\n\n> 2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there?\n\nYou will pay $2,000 before your insurance pays anything, but it's not necessarily the case that insurance will pay all of the rest. Let's say you have ten $1000 procedures that insurance will pay 80% (i.e. the co-pay is 20%).\n\nBecause your deductible is $2,000, you'll pay for the first two procedures in full. Starting from the third procedure, you'd only have to pay $200 per procedure; insurance picks up the remaining $800. But then after Procedure 7, you've paid $3,000 (out-of-pocket max) for the entire year ($1000 for each of the first two procedures, $200 for each of the subsequent five). After that, insurance pays the rest.\n\nNote that preventative care is generally (always?) exempt from the deductible, so insurance will cover that immediately.\n\n> 3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\nYou can always take money out to reimburse yourself tax-free for medical expenses incurred since opening the account. If you take money out for any other purpose prior to 65 (or enrolling in Medicare, whichever comes first), you will be taxed and penalized on the withdrawals. After 65, you'd still be taxed, but there's no penalty (so it operates just like a 401k or IRA at that point).\n\n> 4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nThe negotiated rate has nothing to do with your HSA; that's determined by your plan. You can have a high-deductible plan without maintaining an HSA.\n\nIt's impossible to give you ballpark numbers because it varies considerably by the purpose of the visit and the procedure. Going to the doctor for a cough and having open-heart surgery obviously cost considerably different. Doctors can generally give you an estimate for how much something would cost based on the known negotiated rates and coverage, but note that they are just estimates – sometimes they are wrong, misunderstanding what insurance will and will not cover." Downvotes-All-Memes (Downvotes-All-Memes): "> The limit is currently $3,350, but, yes, that's basically how it works.\n\nYou may know this, but to be clear the 2017 limit (which is what OP probably signed up for) is/will be $3400." User (Some_guitarist): "You got it!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "> 2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available.\n\nI might just be confused about your choice of words here, but I would not invest all of that money until you're well ahead of the game. I don't know about all HSA custodians, but mine has a "sweep" feature that I can turn on, so I set it to my max out of pocket and anything above that gets invested. You don't want to invest $2k and then have the market dip by a lot for whatever reason and then end up with less than you'd need to cover an emergency." User (Some_guitarist): "I have a pretty generous emergency fund, which I'll just beef up a little bit beforehand just in case since I can pay out of pocket. Thanks though!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "On (3), keep in mind that only stuff covered by your HSA-sponsored health insurance plan will count towards the deductible. Meaning, if most of your medical expenses come from things like dental or vision (glasses, contacts), but your HSA-sponsored health insurance plan does not cover dental or vision, then the money you spend on these things will not count towards your deductible/out of pocket limit. \n\nAlso remember that if you have a HSA you cannot also have a FSA. Those not-covered vision and dental expenses can still be paid out of your HSA with HSA funds, but they just won't go towards meeting the 3k max OOP." User (Some_guitarist): "Gotcha! It covers almost everything from what I'm reading! And no FSA, thanks!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "> 1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution and their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\nThe limit is currently $3,350, but, yes, that's basically how it works.\n\n> 2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there?\n\nYou will pay $2,000 before your insurance pays anything, but it's not necessarily the case that insurance will pay all of the rest. Let's say you have ten $1000 procedures that insurance will pay 80% (i.e. the co-pay is 20%).\n\nBecause your deductible is $2,000, you'll pay for the first two procedures in full. Starting from the third procedure, you'd only have to pay $200 per procedure; insurance picks up the remaining $800. But then after Procedure 7, you've paid $3,000 (out-of-pocket max) for the entire year ($1000 for each of the first two procedures, $200 for each of the subsequent five). After that, insurance pays the rest.\n\nNote that preventative care is generally (always?) exempt from the deductible, so insurance will cover that immediately.\n\n> 3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\nYou can always take money out to reimburse yourself tax-free for medical expenses incurred since opening the account. If you take money out for any other purpose prior to 65 (or enrolling in Medicare, whichever comes first), you will be taxed and penalized on the withdrawals. After 65, you'd still be taxed, but there's no penalty (so it operates just like a 401k or IRA at that point).\n\n> 4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nThe negotiated rate has nothing to do with your HSA; that's determined by your plan. You can have a high-deductible plan without maintaining an HSA.\n\nIt's impossible to give you ballpark numbers because it varies considerably by the purpose of the visit and the procedure. Going to the doctor for a cough and having open-heart surgery obviously cost considerably different. Doctors can generally give you an estimate for how much something would cost based on the known negotiated rates and coverage, but note that they are just estimates – sometimes they are wrong, misunderstanding what insurance will and will not cover." User (Some_guitarist): "Wow, thanks for the detailed response! Really appreciated. This answers so much for me. Follow up questions, if you have time.\n\n1) Preventative care does say '100% as mandated' as opposed to 100% after deductible. So if I go in for a general checkup (assuming it doesn't lead to heart surgery :) ) that would be covered?\n\nActually, I think that was my only question and you've pretty much already answered it. For real, thanks. Super-helpful answer! With the company contributing 1k I think I'm going to go for the HSA this year.\n" Self: "Yes, if you go in for a check-up, it is covered.\n\nYou can't have an issue that led to going to the doctor though. So, for example, if you say you've been feeling a bit sick and you go to the doctor, that's not preventative. But if you go for an annual check-up, that is." User (Some_guitarist): "Cool beans, thanks! Really appreciate the help!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " tadder52 (tadder52): "Just one comment on the paying out of pocket. My provider gives us a debit card so when ever I need to I just swipe the card and go from there. I have to keep the receipts for a while in case they want to verify the charge, but it's painless. " User (Some_guitarist): "They do. I would likely try and pay Out of Pocket and treat it as a mega IRA or whatever though!"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " bacon_music_love (bacon_music_love): "> 4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me.\n\n\nYou should always ask your insurance provider what things will cost, not your doctor. Offices see tons of patients with a variety of insurance companies, and realistically they can't be 100% sure what each plan covers and what patient cost will be. \n\nYour HR department can tell you what insurance company and what plan you have, and either HR or the insurance rep can give you a document that lists coverage for a variety of conditions. For example, they might pay 100% of preventative care, and 80% of most other things in-network, but only 50% if you go out of network. " User (Some_guitarist): "Sorry if I wasn't clear. I've got that information 100% after deductible in network, 70% out of after deductible. \n\nMy question is before I hit the deductible, it says I 'Pay a negotiated fee' for services. So, whatever the doctor would pay the insurance company is what I owe before I reach a deductible, right? \n\nI'd just like to find a way to know what that is prior to agreeing to the services, but it looks like it just varies too wildly. :/ " themcan (themcan): "I'm going to preface this with the standard YMMV, past performance is not indicative of future results, etc; but in the last couple years the "going to the doctor for a minor thing (strep test, pink eye, or similar) pre-deductible" has generally run me about $80-$125 as the negotiated rate. Obviously an ER trip or maternity care is more, and it's going to depend on where you live and what they negotiated, but that's my going-in expectation: am I worried enough or sick enough that I'm willing to drop about $100 on going to the doctor?" User (Some_guitarist): "Perfect, thanks! I figured YMMV all the way, but ~100-150$ is what I was expecting."

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " essari (essari): "> 2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go back in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\nJust to make sure you're clear on this--your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance coinsurance kicks in (e.g. 70% of the bill). Once you reach your deductible and you're paying your 30% of the bills, your annual out of pocket max will kick in at $3k, assuming you keep your care in-network. Throughout all this, the cost of any care you receive will be negotiated between the doctor and the insurance company--so you won't be paying "sticker price." *In theory*, you'll keep your medical costs under that of the HSA.\n\nNow, caveat, many (most? all?) HSAs effectively have a wall between in-network and out of network care. Anything you do out of network will not impact your in-network limits. So, your possible out of pocket is potentially significantly higher than the amount you can save each year in an HSA, depending on whether you can keep your care in-network (which is not easy to do in a hospital setting or if you need a specialist, ect)."

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "I had some questions about the same thing today, this thread is really helpful. My employer contributes to my HSA. I need to check and see if the account can be invested, but if they don't can I roll it over to another company so that I can start investing the money."

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " tadder52 (tadder52): "Just one comment on the paying out of pocket. My provider gives us a debit card so when ever I need to I just swipe the card and go from there. I have to keep the receipts for a while in case they want to verify the charge, but it's painless. " soverysmart (soverysmart): "You don't want to use the HSA debit card because then you don't get to grow the money tax-free. You want to pay out of pocket, keep the receipt, and then reimburse yourself when you're 80"

User (Some_guitarist): "I'm currently contributing the max to a Traditional 401k and the max to a Roth IRA. I almost never go to the doctor unless I am actually dying, so an HSA seems right up my ally for some tax sheltered savings. But I have a few (lot) of questions, if anyone has some free time!\n\n1) My company gives 1k to our HSA. My contribution *and* their contribution can only equal $3,400 right? So I can only contribute $2,400? So this is opposite a 401k where company contributions don't contribute to the 18k total.\n\n2) My deductible with this plan is 2k and my 'Out of Pocket' maximum is 3k. What does that mean? What's the difference there? If I invest the max 3.4k, I should be covered regardless of what happens, as it should never be greater than 2-3k right? I know that the 3.4k is 'Built up' through the year so it won't be immediately available. \n\n3) If I understand correctly with this plan I pay for everything either out-of-pocket or with the HSA and I can save the receipts for a million years to use for retirements if it's out of pocket. So tax free contributions, tax free growth, and tax free taking it out either with receipts or a certain age?\n\n4) If I do need to see a doctor for whatever reason, it says that I pay a 'Negotiated Rate', but I can't find any information on what that would be. I definitely assume it varies by center, but can anyone ballpark me just for a checkup? 50$? 500$? Can I talk to the people there, explain I have an HSA, and ask what the fee would be prior to going in?\n\nAll in all, as a healthy single 30yr old I think the HSA would probably be the way to go as I almost never visit the doctors office. The only reason I'm dragging my feet is we have a *really* good 500$ deductible standard plan for 64$ per pay period, and the HSA is 56$ per period. If it were considerably cheaper I'd jump on it pretty immediately. Still leaning towards it though!\n\nThoughts? Thanks guys/girls!" Self: "1) Correct. Unlike 401(k), contributions from all sources cannot exceed the annual limit.\n\n2) This is a health insurance question, not an HSA question. I think that out-of-network care cost, as an example, isn't going to be limited by your plan's OOP figure.\n\n3) Yes. Pay using HSA funds now, or reimburse yourself from HSA if you pay out of pocket, no deadline. The "triple tax free" happens as long as you use the money for qualified medical expenses, now or later. If you later (after age threshold) pull from HSA for non medical expense reasons, it is taxable, like a trad IRA.\n\n4) Another insurance question. Virtually impossible to answer. But the gist is your insurer negotiates lower costs that it will pay. This is good for you, compared to not being insured, because your share of cost is calculated based on the negotiated rate, not the sticker price the caregiver originally tries to charge. Having an HSA isn't relevant." User (Some_guitarist): "Thanks for your quick reply!\n\n1) Awesome, that's what I thought.\n\n2) Yeah, the insurance lady wasn't too helpful yesterday which is why I'm asking here. That doesn't quite work though, as anything Out-Of-Network is 5k Deductible 10k OOP maximum. Unless you're saying that if I spent 2k In-Network then 1k out of network then go *back* in network I'm covered? Is that what you mean?\n\n3) Okay, that makes sense. Best case scenario traditional IRA, better case scenario I save receipts and get it out free. Thanks!\n\n4) Dangit. So, can I ask the front-desk lady what my cost would be prior to going? Would they know? I hate the idea of going in to get a checkup with zero idea of what it's going to cost me. " pierroil (pierroil): "I paid $123 instead of $183 with a negotiated rate. I was still peeved about that (I'm Canadian ans moved to.the US a few months ago). But that's "negotiated rates" to give you an idea. "

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "You may find these links helpful:\n\n- [Credit-related wiki pages](http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/index#wiki_credit)\n- [Credit Cards](http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/creditcards) \n- [FICO / Credit Scores](http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/fico)\n- [Improving Credit Scores and Building Credit](http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/credit_building)\n\n*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/personalfinance) if you have any questions or concerns.*"

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "I am also a consultant, so I shall be watching this thread. I currently have a Discover card and a Capital One card, but I don't fly as much as you. Both of my credit cards started out as student cards and are now at around a $6000 and $10k limit."

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "Depends on what you are looking for in a card reward system. If you like to travel, go with a card that gives you travel miles. If you want some extra cash after spending on the card, go with a cash back card.\nhttps://www.nerdwallet.com/\nGreat site for comparing cards and their programs" User (probablyonaplane): "Thanks this is helpful - though for some reason it doesn't have the Delta reserve card which I was looking at. \n\nI wish they had more ways to narrow choices - by specific airlines, how much different cards would generate for specific redemption programs. "

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "/r/churning had better credit card advice than here"

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "/r/churning is your friend."

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "Chase Sapphire Reserve. 3% on travel and dining. The $450 annual fee is easily offset by the $300 credit each year. "

User (probablyonaplane): "I have a high credit score, and don't have a card specifically for expenses at the moment. I almost always fly Delta and stay in Starwood hotels. I spend at least 120k a year on cards. At most I want 3 that I am expensing on and to get these lined up before 2017 starts to maximize rewards for next year. \n\nShould I get an Amex that gives me points and MQMs for Delta or points for Starwood? Or should I get a card like the Chase Sapphire reserve? " Self: "If you are paying for your own airfare I would get the AMEX Platinum, it gives 5x MR points on airfare purchased from airlines. I would also get the AMEX SPG card for Starwood Hotels, this will give you up to 5x points at Starwood Hotels. The MR points are transferrable to Delta and other airlines. The SPG points are transferrable to tons of airlines and Marriott, plus Starwood hotels obviously. The Delta cards aren't bad but you only get 2x Delta points on those and MR points are more valuable since you can transfer those to other airlines if you want. If you go this route use private browsing and try to get the AMEX Plat 75k and SPG 30k signup bonuses."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My answer is based on your title alone, as I did not read the full body of text. No, 26 is not too late to start a new career. Do not get sucked into the "social norms" of society, instead do what makes you happy. "Social norms" are usually unhappy people that do the wrong thing anyways.\n\n If you think about it, you are not happy at 26, but you plan to settle with this career you are going to work for the next 20-30 years? Sounds insane. Time is going to fly by, so if you need to spend the next 5 years to enter a career that makes you happy, then just do it. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I'm 29 and I am just barely about to graduate with my Electrical Engineering degree. So no .... I hope 26 is not too old to be making career changes. \n\n\nI have a friend who makes six figures working in network security for a fortune 500 company. He is completely self taught and has no degree. He is very successful and well respected in his career field. \n\n\nEven he is telling me that he regrets not getting a 4 year degree because the lack of having that check mark on his resume is restricting him from some career choices he wishes he could make. \n\n\nIF I were you I would take my associates in general studies and try to get a bachelors in IT or computer science.\n\nYou can most assuredly get a coding job by online bootcamp, physical boot camp or self teaching. However, like my Netsec friend you may find that it will be more difficult for career advancement without the degree. \n\n\n\n\n"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Plenty of people start over older than 26. Go for it. I did at 31 and it was probably the best thing I ever did.\n\nThe fact that you're single and mobile with no kids is great. Do it before you get tied down."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You should plan to start your career over a handful of times in your lifetime. The age of the life time career is over, and technology moves so quickly it's hard to plan to do the same thing for more than a decade or two. \n\nI'm on my second career. I'm making plans for a third in ten or twenty years. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I'm a little older than you, and successfully on my 3rd career"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Its never too late man. Just try to find what will make you the happiest. It that ends up being where you currently are, fully rationalize the downsides so it will be easier to mentally deal with it later.\nMy wife has been a nurse less than a year, and is going through the same thing as you right now" User (donewithemsnewcareer): "I just am unsure how realistic it is based on my bills and savings I have currently. Will I have to be employed full time at my current job to fund my way through school?\n24 hours on, 48 hours off is an different schedule than most. My current job would make attending school on specific days not realistic. But then I am also unsure if I even need schooling from a traditional school, or if I can do some online bootcamp to learn at my own pace." bacon_music_love (bacon_music_love): "Are there other EMT jobs that have better hours? Could you find a different job that uses your skills and work part-time while in school? It would probably pay less, but still be enough to cover rent and food. If you want to keep your current job, there are plenty of colleges that offer classes and degree programs done entirely online. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Did you ever wonder if it was all for you."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I say no not too old. I'm 28 currently and heading back to college in January. I'm going to get a associates in web development and also plan on getting some certs also. I am currently a stay at home mom who nannies 2 kids on top of my one and was a hairstylist for 9 years before that(still do some hair on the side also). Hoping to be done with college by the time my daughters in kindergarten in 4 years and get a decent job that's 9-5. If it doesn't work out at least I can fall back on being a stylist(though the hours are horrible for having a family and it's hard on your body). Luckily for me my hubby makes good money and I make ok money being a nanny so we can pay for my college without loans which is a good bonus(I'm just doing community college part time).If you can afford that I'd say that's the way to go!"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You might find /r/cscareerquestions useful. It is dedicated to those thinking of/actively pursuing careers in computer science (and programming in general). There are pros and cons to every industry, but you may be able to determine if that is something you really want to do. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "No 26 is not too old. I worked retail and temp jobs in my 20s and early 30s. When I turned 32 I switched tracks and became a public librarian. I had to go back to school to get a master's in library science though. My mom helped me out with that part and I was living at home while going to school. I think it was a good move. The job I'm doing now is more fulfilling, I get paid more, the benefits are excellent and there's a way up for me. Don't get discouraged. Save up money, research how people get jobs post-school, and go back to school or learn how to code."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "26 is young! I was 27 when I went back to school for a master's in a new field. The average age in the program was 28.\n\nAnd anyway. Someone who is 26 is 4-8 years into their 45 years of working age. It would be pretty depressing if you couldn't change careers because you're 8% behind :)"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You are not too old. I was older then you when I changed careers. Best thing I ever did. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I graduated with an associates degree at 20 then worked then went back to school.\nGraduated with my BSEE at 28 and worked and went back to school.\nGraduated with my MSEE at 33.\n\nSo if you hear me laughing at hesitation to change careers at 26, I mean nothing bad by it. Do it now."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Echoing what everyone else is saying: absolutely not. I was a bartender until I was 27. Now I'm an (employed) lawyer at 30. It ended up being a benefit that I made the change later than most because I saved up some money to fund the initial low-to-no income period.\n\nIf you're unhappy, and think you might really like a different job, give it a shot. You can always go back later if finances get dire. Maybe set up informational interviews with some coders to talk about their thoughts on their career. People are always really willing to tell you what they would have done differently starting out."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Not at all. My dad was in the military for over 20 years, got out and has done quite a few different things. He worked as a type of guidance counselor at a community college, he ran a pasta factory, he helped a defense contractor turn bad suppliers into...well, less bad suppliers, and now he's the president of a small trust company. Any of these could have turned into a full career for him (finance basically has), some of them he just didn't care for.\n\nIt's never too late to do what you want, you just have to be prepared to put the work in."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Although I was a little bit younger than you and in a different situation, I made it work. I had engineering degrees and limited coding experience and just studied for about a year with any free time that I could get. Even on vacation I'd study a couple of hours per night. I'd highly recommend the book "cracking the coding interview" if you're serious about it. \n\nIt can be difficult to get your foot in the door for a software interview, but if you can show your stuff on a white board once in you'll be set. \n\nI ended up getting a 25% bump from an engineering salary alongside some really great benefits and perks. I'm really glad that I made the move and now that I'm working in the field it will be no problem to get another job if I move to another city. " JohnStud (JohnStud): "What languages did you self teach?" Self: "I mostly focused on learning C++ due to it's perceived difficulty. In the end, I landed a Java job with some C++ on the side, I mostly focused on Data Structures and Algorithms in general so that I could write them from scratch in whatever language the interviewer required."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "like others have said, you are young. If you want to get into IT, I suggest looking at helpdesk jobs. Those jobs are basically entry level IT providing desktop, phone, or admin support. All you really need is a Comptia cert like Security + which is pretty easy to get. From helpdesk, you can then move onto database administrator and even into jr. development role. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I'm currently in a career change and I'm 26. I was a lab tech and realized that it wasn't the direction I wanted to go. Did a lot of research in other fields and now am attending PA school. Never too old to change your career. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I didn't even start college until I was in my mid-twenties."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My sister is turning 30, she has a bachelor's and a master's degree, and is working in New York at Columbia University. To me, it's a dream situation, but she's not happy, so she's going to move back to Arizona to become a nurse. You can do whatever you want, screw what other people say." kimmy314 (kimmy314): "Pretty much this.\n\nI'm 25, will probably be 26-27 when I switch careers. I've heard stories of people switching careers in their late 40's. It's never too late as long as you have the ambition to make it happen." JCasperelli (JCasperelli): "Yup, same here. I'm 26 almost 27, currently a CNC operator/programmer making excellent money. I have always wanted to go into computers/IT. Thankfully, I have an awesome fiancee who wants to see me do what I love and we've formulated a mad decent financial plan to make it happen. In May I will be quitting my job and going back to school.\n\nI've always thought it's never too late to be what you want as long as you start working at it now.\n\nBest of luck to you and OP." QueenLemon (QueenLemon): "In the same boat. I quit my job as a flight attendant and went back to school a year ago. I'm 27, about to be 28. The key is to have a plan and savings. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Work one day, sleep one day, code one day. There are tons of free resources to learn to code. Find a project that interests you and start coding. After a year decide if you need/want to go to school."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I left my career of audio engineers (17 years, started at 13) at 30, and started a career in IT.\n5 years later im making double what i was as an engineer.\n\nIt really depends on the career choice and your ability to learn fast."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I took forever working my way through college. Computer science degree. Got my first computer job at age 26. 29 years ago. \n\nI know people who changed careers in their mid to late 30s and are glad they did. \n\nNo, 26 is not too late at all. Best wishes on your journey. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Lol, plenty of 26 year olds haven't started any career. Definitely not too late to completely change direction." RiceandBeansandChees (RiceandBeansandChees): "Right? OP is young and has plenty of time. It's just knowing how to make the best use of that time that's the issue. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Nope! I'm 30. Have been doing IT for 10years. Just enrolled in some college courses with the intent of changing career paths to do more programming/cloud computing. I signed up for classes bc i wouldn't finish the online bootcamps offered all over. \n\nBesides myself, there are a lot of older students, even in their 60s that are here looking to start something new.\n\nI heard a guy on a podcast talk about how he was a rodeo clown for years and then got into carpentry. Now he does home remodeling for celebrities in CA.\n\nYou could also look at government programs that would give you a grant towards funding for education or starting a business. Look up Matt Lasko as a source for more info on that route. Here is a link to his youtube\n\nhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwKJZfa7sWV_qKxQnLBUpjA" corbo25 (corbo25): "I worked in IT and re-assessed my situation after the tech bubble popped. Got an Accounting degree at 28 and am happy in Accounting now." s1337m (s1337m): "Are you worried about AI/automation taking over accounting?" corbo25 (corbo25): "Interesting question, never actually thought about it. I've seen some automation of AP/AR while reviewing accounting products. Those products don't actually replace skilled people, they replace data entry personnel.\n\n\nFrom the CPA firm standpoint (Tax / Audit), it's not going to happen. In small private industries I am in, not in my lifetime. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I work in IT and we hire lots of programmers. While having a degree is not 100% necessary a computer related one is. We also require a history of past projects and there is a test to make sure you know your stuff.\nA certification from a community college also is a great choice.\n\nYou are young. If you aren't happy than change your job. Build up that emergency savings first though." dudeuncharted (dudeuncharted): "Would get a programming certification get me hired just as easily as someone who got a bachelor's degree in programming. " Self: "Speaking from my workplace pov only, so grain of salt. \n\nNot as easily, but it doesn't discount you at all either. Because the real thing is the test at the end. We have people with computer science degrees or certificates pass it and programmers fail. \n\nIf you are interested in a place or doing a certain thing ask them what qualifications they prefer. They were will tell you ability to xzy, this much experience, this interest in additional task.\n\nAlthough if we had candidates that were evenly matched we prefer one with a better personality match to our office, but education may be looked at more closely at that time.\n\nCertifications are great! You learn the same stuff in a more efficient amount of time and they look nice on resumes."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Just a note as someone who is 25 and is "changing careers" after failing to get into medical school twice...don't spend your time on linkedin and trying to fit your narrative to someone else's. there's no point. if that's making you feel old or something. a career is something that if you're in for it, it'll happen. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I think the rule of thumb is age 39-40 is about the last time you should willingly change careers.\n\nAnd just from my experience, maybe look into wildland firefighting for a career change. It's basically militant landscaping with a emergency response twist. Medical certs/experience are very attractive to hiring officials. You're a shoe-in IF you apply to enough jobs. HOW TO: basically just call random USFS/BLM/NPS districts out west (google>national forests in oregon, nevada, etc>look up district office phone numbers). Simply call front desks (ASAP!) ask for who hires for 'fire' and tell your resume. Then apply on time (Apps usually open/close in the 1st half of January, fyi). Apply to 30-40 locations, you'll likely get 10+ offers with your background.\n\nWildland firefighting has several perks in your case 1) it'll be a big change of pace and maybe a move to a new area (common for maybe 1/3 of new firefighters), 2) it's not a major career change and will look more like an evolution on your resume, and 3) minimal commitment. You'll only work April/May-September/October, so you can move onto something different next fall or take a nice long vacation somewhere tropical or ski all winter. Pay will probably be $20-30k for <6months + $3-5k in unemployment benefits and they offer discounted housing and healthcare while youre employed.\n\nJust an idea.\n\nSource: me - former EMT, current federal wildland firefighter."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You're still young at 26. There's plenty of time to start a different career. \n\nAsk yourself. Is this (EMT) something you want to do for the rest of your life? If not, what would you like to do? That will answer your question.\n\nWhen I went to college there were a few people in their 40s getting degrees with the plan to change careers. I've spoke with a few of them since and they're happier now than they ever were before. If you can afford it it's never too late to change careers. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "If it is, then 27, 28 and so wil be even later, so 26 is the best moment you have. Also, for what I read, you have no dependants on you, so you can take the risk. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My brother was in a job he hated as well, he was a bit younger at the time though maybe 24. \n\nHe quit his job and went to Dev Bootcamp in Chicago. I believe it's a 9 week crash course in programming/developing and he absolutely loved it. He didn't get a job immediately after completing the course, but he did land a job after a month or two. This job paid close to what you're making now and has risen very quickly in the past few years.\n\n26 is absolutely not too late to switch, just make sure you have a plan."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I started a new career at 27, it's not to late. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I'm on my 4th at 59. Carpenter, general contractor, insurance sales for 18 years in the middle of life, timber buying & sales, and, next year when I complete my new shop building, furniture manufacturing. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Tons of time. Im a medic as well and looking into coding as a new line of work. Maybe get off of the 24 hour shifts (they were killing me). Try working some 12s and taking some classes. You have a ton of time to find something new. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Heck some people don't know what they are going to do until they are 30, or older."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Lol, plenty of 26 year olds haven't started any career. Definitely not too late to completely change direction." Lord_Wild (Lord_Wild): "Lol indeed, I'm at work right now. And in the cubicle next to me is 61 year old former newspaper print shop guy. He got a CCNA and is now a Network Operations tech. A 26 year old is going to change careers somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 to 5 times before they retire. Maybe more in the coming age of automation."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Have you thought about becoming a PA? Great job market, pay, and great scope. You obviously were interested in medicine, and PA schools love people with a good amount of experience. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I was a paramedic. I went back to school at 24 to become a nurse. I can not enthusiastically recommend the decision enough.\n\nIf you enjoy the healthcare parts and your schedule is what drives you crazy. Go deeper become a nurse and find an area you like working in. There are relatively short paths for you to find your way into nursing from paramedic (varying from 1-3 years) and the pay increase will have you breaking even in just a few years in most areas (even faster if you pick a higher nursing income area to work and work some ot)\n\n\nIf you ALSO dislike the working with people/healthcare aspects then I don't recommend nursing but I still say no where near too old to go back and find something else.\n\nFor what it's worth I'm 30 right now and in school again to get a masters in nursing and move into crna...."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "People in their 50s have changed their career. Seems like you already have your mind made"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You should check out r/cscareerquestions as your question is perfect for that subreddit.\n\nIt is possible to break into software development from your position, but it will require intelligence, dedication, and a significant time investment.\n\nI wouldn't recommend bootcamps since they generally don't teach you anything you can't teach yourself using Google (and neither do college classes).\n\nA company with low hiring standards like Revature might be a way to break into the industry. They train you and then employ you at $50000/yr (with no CoL adjustment!) for a two-year contract. It's a bad deal for many college grads, but it might be good for talented people that don't have degrees and are struggling to prove themselves."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My sister is turning 30, she has a bachelor's and a master's degree, and is working in New York at Columbia University. To me, it's a dream situation, but she's not happy, so she's going to move back to Arizona to become a nurse. You can do whatever you want, screw what other people say." kimmy314 (kimmy314): "Pretty much this.\n\nI'm 25, will probably be 26-27 when I switch careers. I've heard stories of people switching careers in their late 40's. It's never too late as long as you have the ambition to make it happen." JCasperelli (JCasperelli): "Yup, same here. I'm 26 almost 27, currently a CNC operator/programmer making excellent money. I have always wanted to go into computers/IT. Thankfully, I have an awesome fiancee who wants to see me do what I love and we've formulated a mad decent financial plan to make it happen. In May I will be quitting my job and going back to school.\n\nI've always thought it's never too late to be what you want as long as you start working at it now.\n\nBest of luck to you and OP." lagatita91 (lagatita91): "That's awesome, specially when you have someone to support you."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Can you take some more classes and earn your bachelors? PA school is a good option for someone with your healthcare experience, and you can make ~$100k, but it's a master's program which means you need a bachelor's degree and a bunch of science prerequisites."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I work in IT and we hire lots of programmers. While having a degree is not 100% necessary a computer related one is. We also require a history of past projects and there is a test to make sure you know your stuff.\nA certification from a community college also is a great choice.\n\nYou are young. If you aren't happy than change your job. Build up that emergency savings first though." busy-at-work (busy-at-work): "Side question, are you worried about AI killing programming jobs " Self: "What my team does is so niche that I'm not worried. In 10 or 20 years there may be options that help us work faster or take shortcuts. But for what we do it will be a long time before machines take over. :)" busy-at-work (busy-at-work): "How about the rest of the industry?" Self: "I can't really comment on the rest of the industry, just that what my work offers is unable to be done by ai. But I'm sure ai will do what it does best in the end." busy-at-work (busy-at-work): "Fair enough, thank you! "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "26 is too late to start a new career only if you are going to die at 25.\n\nEnjoy the new career path."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My wife did not start college until she was 25. She went back to school at 49 to make career change and is now sending out resumes for programmer positions. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "34 here... been working as a cook/Chef for 18 years. I'm changing my career in a couple months. Still not sure what I'm gonna do."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "It's never too late. You'll probably live another 60 years!"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "EMS has huge ptsd/burnout rate. With that in mind I retrained at 44 yo for nursing. Never too late to retrain unless you cannot handle the physical bit. Luck."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I changed career at 28 and went back a university to get my CS degree full-time while I worked part-time for $10/hour. I already had a BA, and was able to knock out the degree in two years. A year into it, I got a great internship and then was hired on full-time shortly after graduating. As stressful as it can be, I love my job (and the pay) and wouldn't trade it for anything.\n\nI started like you, questioned my career and decided to start teaching myself to code. Definitely not too late and I can't recommend going down this career path if you have mind and passion for it. See what kind of college credit you would already have with your associates at a nearby university. I recommend an in-state university because they're somewhat affordable, a lot of companies will recruit from there and you'll have more networking opportunities. School is expensive, but any student loans you take, you'll be able to pay off very quickly with no dependents and an aggressive payment plan.\n\nIf you go the coding bootcamp route, make sure you do your research. Potentially more risk, but I've met people that have gotten a fantastic job coming out of the right bootcamp. I still recommend a university degree because you'll get a better foundation with the core concepts like data structures, algorithms, design patterns, OOP, etc. and this will allow for greater versatility in the job market and other future opportunities. A lot of the larger, international companies that pay well still expect a college degree, but that changes if you already know someone.\n\nHope this helps and good luck."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "If you don't like your spot and you want to start doing something new, you should do it. I belive in you."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My SIL was a successful high powered corporate lawyer, hated it, became a speech therapist in her thirties.\n My brother was a programmer/animator, got his teaching credential in special education in his thirties and is much happier working with severely disabled teens."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "no its not too late "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I went to school to be a massage therapist when I was 42. I was about the average age of the students in the program. I would consider this my third or fourth career change, in my 20's I was an office manager and server/bartender; then in my 30's I was a stay at home mom. I assume I'll be doing something a bit different in 10 years or so."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "26 is nothing kid. 10 post ago I read about a 71 year old dad who just got his degree. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Check out the book Designing Your Life."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "At 42, I've changed careers almost every five years. Still haven't found what I want to be, besides retired.\n"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Never. I'm 40 and halfway through school for.my new career. Respiratory Therapist "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "You can start a new career right up until you die. You might not reach the pinnacle of the profession but so what. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "At 26 I went back to school, got an undergrad and law degree and started a new career at 33. I worked as much as I could through my undergrad, but accumulated debt through law school. I have a career I enjoy and a good income. It was a good decision. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I'm planning on completely changing my career and I'm 30."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Lol, plenty of 26 year olds haven't started any career. Definitely not too late to completely change direction." SoundVU (SoundVU): "I was around 25-26 when I switched gears from research scientist to clinical operations in big pharma." Gbiknel (Gbiknel): "Sell out\n\n\n\n\nJk"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "No. I did at 28. Still hunting for a new one. Good luck. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My sister is turning 30, she has a bachelor's and a master's degree, and is working in New York at Columbia University. To me, it's a dream situation, but she's not happy, so she's going to move back to Arizona to become a nurse. You can do whatever you want, screw what other people say." kimmy314 (kimmy314): "Pretty much this.\n\nI'm 25, will probably be 26-27 when I switch careers. I've heard stories of people switching careers in their late 40's. It's never too late as long as you have the ambition to make it happen." sotamatt (sotamatt): "I'm 30 and moving to another country to go back to school. This doesn't feel odd to me at all. I feel like I'm less than 1/4 of the way through my working life so it's not odd at all. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I left the military at age 25 and started completely over. Moved to a new city, went to college, graduated, and now I have great job prospects doing work that I enjoy. You're still super young, and even if you weren't, it's never too late to shift gears. The average person changes careers like 3-5 times in their life. I pulled that number out of my ass but I'm pretty sure I've read something like it before."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Well I sure hope not because I started a new career at 30."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "26 was when I decided on my first career. I'm 34 now and just started another route. \n\nPeople's brains don't even fully mature for decision making til 25 or 26. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "28 year old here that just quit a Job in a career I had put 7 years into and was making 6 figures to go to law school, its never too late."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "When I was 24 I was in college with a 40yr old changing careers. "

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "My sister is turning 30, she has a bachelor's and a master's degree, and is working in New York at Columbia University. To me, it's a dream situation, but she's not happy, so she's going to move back to Arizona to become a nurse. You can do whatever you want, screw what other people say." mattymax (mattymax): "I can't think of many university jobs, even at Columbia, that will pay enough to make Manhattan comfortable." chicago1729 (chicago1729): "> I can't think of many university jobs, even at Columbia, that will pay enough to make Manhattan comfortable.\n\nColumbia helps pay for housing in a variety of ways, but even just the salary can be very good. They also help pay for college and even private school tuition in many cases."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Earlier this year I was hired by a tech company who's name I will not expose. I have worked simple retail and been a cable guy, nothing else. I decided I was not happy and this year I took a shot and it paid off. I am 29 years old and I "just started" my career. I love my job, I love the atmosphere.\n\nAt the end of the day if you do not enjoy what you do, find something else! It's hard sometimes but we have but only one life to live. We should enjoy what we do and that holds true with career choices as well as personal. If you are not happy find somw line of work that makes you happy."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Answer: absolutely not. Change careers if you are unhappy or perhaps a better word would be unsatisfied. Don't limit yourself by personal fear."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "60 is pushing it. 65 is probably right out.\n\n50 can be difficult but is very doable and potentially very beneficial.\n\n40 is, if you're financially responsible, a pretty great time for a career change.\n\n26, of course, is terrible. You get cancer if you try to change career. That's just science."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "Definitely not. I am 26 and I switched careers this year by attending a web development bootcamp, and I can say it's definitely a viable path. I went with a full-time, in-person program, and I'm glad I did because it allowed me to focus 100% on learning to program while building a professional network. Choose a bootcamp that includes an internship placement if you can find one, or at least make sure they have good career services. You probably won't earn a lot more than your current salary at your first job after a bootcamp, so between the tuition and the time without income, it will take a while for it to pay off financially, but your lifestyle will improve immediately, and your future earning potential will be much higher." s4albarn (s4albarn): "As someone mid-way through a bootcamp, I find this reassuring."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "It's never too late, and 26 years old is young. Do you want to spend the next 30+ years in this career? So if the answer is no, then any time NOT preparing for your next job is wasted time. \n\nI think that life rewards those who take calculated risks. And you've definitely done your research, done the thinking...Good luck!"

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "I work in IT and we hire lots of programmers. While having a degree is not 100% necessary a computer related one is. We also require a history of past projects and there is a test to make sure you know your stuff.\nA certification from a community college also is a great choice.\n\nYou are young. If you aren't happy than change your job. Build up that emergency savings first though." chowchig (chowchig): "What kind of job would this be labeled as? \n\nLike would I look for a job looking for a programmer? Is something in the newspaper saying they are hiring an IT guy mean they want a programmer?" Self: "When we advertise it is labeled as Programmer and/or Junior Formatter, but the term formatter is pretty specific to my workplace as a term used to describe IT. In the job description it talks about coding, familiarity with certain programs and languages and a few other things. IT is such a broad term that it's complicated to be able to tell you what they are looking for without reading the description. IT in my workplace covers everything from Formatters, Network Admin, Infra, etc\n\nWe get a lot of our people from temp agencies. :) I don't know if you have thought of that before but it's a nice option. They do the work of finding the job for you, and the company gets to test drive employees before making a commitment. (And you also get to test the company to see if it's a place you would like to work.)" chowchig (chowchig): "I really wanted to try working at a temp agency but there are no offerings near me. Rural TN isn't doesn't seem to have much of a demand for IT."

User (donewithemsnewcareer): "First I will start off by giving some background. So, I am currently a 26 year old male living near in Illinois. I am single, have no kids, and am mobile. For the past three years I have been working in EMS, as and EMT-B and paramedic. I originally thought going into this career that I wanted to be a paramedic/firefighter, but after working as a paramedic for the past year and a half I am really starting to have my doubts about the job.\n\nI chose this job because it was a job that I thought I would really appreciate, and love working. Lately although I find the job okay, there are just some things about that really make me question if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The work schedule, we work 24 hour days then get 48 hours off. At first I thought this schedule was amazing, but lately with having nights where I literally do not sleep due to the amount of the calls make me really question this. Is it worth being gone for a whole 24 hours, only to want to sleep the following 24 hours so that I do not feel like a zombie? I am also questioning the pay that I will be receiving for this career. I currently make around $53,000 salary. The place I work with currently, I could expect to earn roughly another $10,000 if I stay with them. Ideally, I could get full time with a big fire department, start around $63,000 and top off around $85,000 after several years. There is also a physical strain on my body with this job. Lifting and moving people in awkward small areas of the home does take a toll on a person's back. I am unsure if this pay is really worth the lack of sleep, stress, and liability I have to deal with when people's live are literally in my hands on a day to day basis.\n\nThis brings up what I should do.. I am currently still employed, but am really thinking about changing careers. I have thought about learning some more coding (I have taken a few intro coding classes at a community college before with java, javascript, python). I enjoyed coding at the time, but never really considered it as a full time job until now. Looking online it seems like I don't necessarily need a degree to get employed, but I still will have to dedicate LOTS of time to get where I need to be to be employed.\n\nIs this even a viable route for me right now though? I currently live with 2 roommates, and pay roughly $600 dollars a month on rent, bills, food etc. I have around $5,000 in savings. No credit car debt, no car payment, no student loans, etc. I could most likely get assistance from my parents in regards to money if I were to choose a career change. But I am 26 years old.. and I already almost have the job that I thought I wanted (keyboard "thought"). It is probably worth noting also that I currently have an associates degree in General Sciences, as well as an associates in Emergency Services.\n\nAre these online bootcamps, or even an in person bootcamp a viable way to become a programmer? Is it worth getting a degree in computer science instead? Should I just continue my current job, and accept that $70,000 salary is the best I can do?\n\nI feel like I want more in my life, I want another goal to work towards, and I am becoming unsatisfied with my current work.\n" Self: "TL;DR \n\nIf you're living in third world country, I can say it's not a good Idea."