The Beginning of a Long and Fulfilling Journey!
By: Josh Woodworth
Tags: Journey, Flatiron School, Software Engineering, Career Change

By: Josh Woodworth

My girlfriend and I on our trip to California/Tahoe before school started

The First mile is always an intimidating task, whether it be for a marathon or a simple walk, but for Software Engineering Bootcamp that first mile takes on a completely different meaning.

It is the beginning of something more tiring than a marathon, more draining than a triathlon. However, the thought of the reward at this finish line is something that I cannot explain; the emotions are evidently clear in the excitement I feel and the eagerness to be a part of something so tedious and new.

My name is Josh Woodworth and I grew up with much of my life figured out. I never felt that I had to make many difficult decisions. I started playing golf at a young age and continued the sport throughout my childhood. I had other hobbies and activities, but always fell back on my love for the game of golf. It ended up taking me to college on a scholarship at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. My college years were incredible, I received a degree in business management with a minor in chemistry (I know, very random, but a story for another time!). Once my college days were complete, I moved into a job as an Assistant Professional where I was interning at a local Country Club. Golf, golf, golf, it was my life. Life was uncomplicated: I had minor decisions such as a degree/major change (a little more insight on the Chemistry degree), some personal decisions, but things where flowing. I was then offered the opportunity that every golfer dreams of; a chance to play professionally and pursue the PGA Tour.

NOT ALL SUNSHINE AND DAISIES

My first major decision and change was at this point, to stay at my job and be comfortable; or move to Arizona and try to make the tour… so PGA here I came.

This was going to be an incredible experience, but not in the ways I would have ever imagined. I struggled over these two years, having many ups and even more downs. The game I have always loved became a job, a job that I wasn’t succeeding at. I became frustrated, irritable, and at times didn’t even want to play or practice. I really began to lose the love for golf. This was the one thing I always had to fall back on, for jobs, stress relief, whatever it was, but I wasn’t feeling the passion while I played. I didn’t want to lose the enjoyment I had from the game by continuing to pursue it professionally. That was when I decided to make a change and began the path that got me to where I am now.

A NEW DIRECTION

I decided to try something new, needing a break from golf and realizing that starting a career was on the horizon. I had a background in sales, had the degree, and finally, I realized that I wanted to get back to Colorado. With a connection that I had for a role in Fire Alarm and Suppression Sales, I began working as a Sales Representative. It was new and exciting, something I could dive into and really give it my all: which I did! It was my first corporate job, I was making decent money, but did I actually enjoy the work? Realizing that it may not have been for me, I began struggling in sales, and the introvert in me started missing that time to myself, not enjoying having to be full extrovert 24/7. I was on a downward spiral, not knowing what I wanted and how to get it, feeling stuck in my monotonous routine. And then the Covid-19 pandemic hit, which ended up being a blessing in disguise.

NEEDED A CAREER CHANGE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER

Due to the pandemic and the toll that it was taking on my division at work, over 4,000 people were let go in a single day, and after almost 3 years of working there, I was one of them. It was tough, I didn’t know what was next, where I should go, or what to do. I was angry and confused for a long time, but I realized that I needed this, this was the kick I needed to change. For all of my life, things had been easy and right in front of me, but this was a time for me to step out of my comfort zone and make a difference in my life, with the support of the people (and dogs) that surrounded me.

After a few months of trying to figure out what my strengths and passions were, the idea of computer programming began to present itself. Lucky for me, my grandfather was in the profession during its early stages, and has written a few of his own programs. Looking at what he created sparked something in me, that led me to think that this was something I could do and be successful at! I then started to dive in and research the study of Software Engineering, and began taking some basic courses. I explored programs such as Java, HTML, Javascript and I had a great time learning it. It was challenging, but the challenge was something I enjoyed. I have always loved creating, problem solving, learning, and math: or basically everything that is involved in this field. I started looking into ways to make this a career, wondering if it was even possible? Another degree was out of the question and I knew learning on my own wouldn’t work because I need structure. I stumbled upon the term “bootcamp,” which seemed like a nice middle ground for what I was looking for; not a full degree, but still structured curriculum. It was especially enticing that the program would help with the job search once you finished and understood the material.

Thinking about how I got here is still crazy, and knowing I have so much more ahead is exciting. In this moment, I feel like this is the right place for me! I am beyond nervous, and I know I will struggle, have doubts, and second guess this decision. In the end however, all of the work is what will make this all worth it, to land that job and start a career in something I will be passionate about!