How I Took a Leap into Web Development
In 2021, I did something that terrified and thrilled me in equal measure. In the midst of Covid lockdowns I packed up my life, my cat Paco, and my ambitions and moved to a city 19 hours drive away from home to start fresh. After 14 years in healthcare administration (12 of them in the one job), I knew deep down that I wanted something more fulfilling, something that challenged me and sparked my creativity. I just didn’t know what that was yet.
A Life-Changing Break
Before making that bold move, I had taken six months off work to travel overseas. Stepping away from my daily routine ended up giving me the clarity I had been craving. I knew I wanted to study, to grow, to do something that excited me. But what?
Like so many others searching for purpose, I tried taking personality tests, read self-help books, and explored different career paths. I kept coming back to the same realisation, I wanted a mix both of creativity and problem-solving. But what field would give me both?
Discovering My Path to Web Development
To ease back into studying, I enrolled in a pre-university course. One day, an example in the course work briefly mentioned web development. At the time, I had no idea what a web developer actually did, but something about it intrigued me. That night, I went down a rabbit hole of research, and the more I read, the more excited I became.
I started watching YouTube tutorials, experimenting with basic coding exercises, and playing around with HTML and CSS. There was something so satisfying about writing lines of code and seeing them transform into a functioning webpage. I was hooked. This was it. This was what I had been searching for.
Taking the Leap: Moving for My Education
Once I made up my mind, I didn’t look back. I enrolled in a Certificate III and Diploma of IT (Web Development) course, but there was one catch, the only in-person course was located in a city 19 hours drive from where I lived. The decision wasn’t easy, but deep down, I knew I had to do it. So, I transferred my job, packed up my belongings (and Paco), and moved to Brisbane.
Learning web development was exhilarating but also overwhelming. Some days, everything clicked. Other days, I stared at my screen, stuck on a problem that seemed impossible to solve. But each small victory kept me moving forward. There’s an indescribable feeling when your code finally works after hours (or weeks!) of trial and error.
The Challenges Along the Way
This journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Debugging code can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Imposter syndrome sneaks in, whispering that you’re not good enough. There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I had made the right choice.
But I kept pushing through. Every bug I fixed, every concept I finally understood, and every project I completed reinforced my belief that I was on the right path. I wasn’t just learning a new skill, I was reshaping my entire future.
During my studies, I also met my now-husband, a talented graphic designer who was also studying at the time and now also not-for-profit company (not the same as mine). Having a partner who shares an appreciation for creativity has been incredibly motivating. Now, we live in the city with Paco, supporting each other in our creative pursuits.
Where I Am Now
Graduating with my Cert III and Diploma in IT (Web Development) was a huge milestone, but in many ways, my journey is just beginning. I am now working on my professional development, with my managers allowing me to gain experience with the web development team and attend monthly meetings with an amazing mentor (hi Paul!), I’m continuously learning and improving.
I started this website as a way to document my growth, share my experiences, and showcase the projects I’ve worked on. Writing about my journey not only will help solidify what I’ve learnt but will also serve as a reminder of how far I’ve come.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s never too late to change your life. In my late 30s, I began the process of completely shifting my career, and while it’s been challenging, it’s also been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your next step, know that change is possible. Learning something new can be intimidating, but the opportunities it opens up are worth every struggle.
This is just the beginning of my journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Here’s to building, learning, and growing—one line of code at a time.
