This is my experience. I hope it will be useful to you. I am interpreting "starting out" as "finding a new job". It can also mean "starting day 1 on your new job", but I have less to say on that matter.

It's not necessarily easy to get a job. Don't set expectations too high, and then it's a bit easier. Don't even expect to get invited to the high expectation places (e.g. FAANG), even if you think you followed the right path. My path was: bachelor information science + master computer science (security/multimedia) + internships + TA jobs in programming + 1 year iOS programming + 1 year web development. I am still looking after 2 years. Now companies value me less due to the lack of experience (about 1.4 years unaccountable).

The best job opportunities I've gotten by far is through my friends or people that liked me. I got most of them when I was studying. 2 strategies here: be more likeable, or relentlessly meet as many people as you can (ensure high throughput) and let the people that like you stick to you and discuss business with them. In my experience, both are hard to do since meeting people takes time (out of your job search and keeping skills up to date).

I used to be a coding bootcamp instructor, and the irony is that the students who I used to train have far better positions in me. Some of them still look up to me (while my confidence has taken a big hit) and have invited me to become a senior developer at their company. It's quite funny, because most companies nowadays have trouble to take me on as a medior or even a junior. I don't claim to be a senior or junior. What I will claim, titles are nonsensical because they aren't standardized.

If you happen to go down my path, it will take a toll on your mental health and your sanity. Here is how to stay (somewhat) sane:

* Keep challenging yourself in coding projects, no matter how many companies reject you, keep pushing yourself. The more fun part is to do this with friends.

* Keep teaching people how to code when you know they can learn something from you.

* Keep all other stuff that you have going on in your life rolling (e.g. relationships, hobbies, etc.).

* Keep your costs to an absolute minimum, don't be afraid to stay with your family if you can. You can't use the extra added financial stress.

* If you can't stay with your family or keep your costs down, then lower your expectations and take any job, preferably in IT. Keep looking for a better job. Stay at your new job for 6 months at a minimum. Do your utmost best to kick ass at your new job.

* When you happen to have friends in desirable software positions (I have that since quite recently), apply to their places and ask them to relay what everyone is thinking to you. So far, this is the only way I have been able to get good feedback on my resume letter and motivation letters. The world will be grateful for it (without knowing it) because my resume and motivation letters are now 4 times shorter. This comment is longer than both of them combined.

* Try to stay positive and be careful with showing this form of vulnerability to friends or people on the internet, do so selectively. In my experience, people find stuff like this tough to read and can't handle it too well.

I hope it helps.