A few months ago, a user on r/ITCareerQuestions posted something that resonated with thousands: “I’m a former teacher making $45K. Everyone says ‘just get into tech.’ But is it actually realistic for someone with zero technical background?”

The responses ranged from “I was a barista and now I’m a security analyst” to “I tried for two years and gave up.” So which is it?

Here’s the honest answer: the tech industry absorbed over 10,000 career changers through programs like Ironhack alone in recent years. The average bootcamp graduate is 29 years old, and many successful transitioners are in their 40s and 50s. But the path isn’t what most “get into tech” articles tell you.

This isn’t going to be another puff piece about how anyone can become a software engineer in 12 weeks. Instead, let’s have an honest conversation about whether tech actually makes sense for your situation—and if so, which path gives you the best shot.

The Numbers Nobody Talks About

Before you quit your job to learn Python, let’s look at what actually happens to career changers:

The good news:

The uncomfortable truth:

The difference between success and failure usually isn’t intelligence or talent. It’s strategy.

5 Signs Tech Might Actually Be Right for You

Forget the “anyone can code” messaging. Here are actual indicators that a tech transition makes sense:

1. You Solve Problems by Breaking Them Down

Not “you’re good at puzzles”—that’s cliché. The real question: when faced with something complex, do you naturally decompose it into smaller pieces?

Teachers break down curricula into lesson plans. Project managers break deliverables into tasks. Nurses triage patient symptoms into actionable steps. If you do this instinctively, you’re already thinking like a technologist.

2. You’ve Hit a Ceiling—Not Just a Bad Week

There’s a difference between “I hate my boss” and “this career path tops out at $55K no matter what I do.” Tech makes sense when you’ve genuinely exhausted growth opportunities in your current field.

The median tech salary is $104,000—more than double the national median. But if you’re just running from a bad situation, you’ll likely find new problems in tech too.

3. You’re Willing to Feel Incompetent for a While

This is the filter most people fail. The first few months of learning tech—whether through a bootcamp, self-study, or certification prep—involve constant failure.

Your code won’t work. Your lab environments will break. You’ll feel stupid. If your ego can’t handle being a beginner again, this isn’t your path.

4. You Have 6-18 Months of Runway

Quick entry roles like IT support or data analysis require 3-6 months of focused learning. More technical roles like cybersecurity or software development typically need 12-18 months of part-time study.

People with clear transition plans are 2x more likely to succeed. That plan needs to include financial reality.

5. Your Current Skills Transfer More Than You Think

Here’s what most career changers miss: tech companies are desperate for people who understand non-tech industries.

A former nurse who understands healthcare workflows is incredibly valuable to health tech companies. A teacher who can explain complex concepts clearly is perfect for technical writing or UX research. The accountant who’s lived inside spreadsheets has a head start on data analysis.

Your “non-technical” background isn’t a liability—it’s your competitive advantage against CS graduates who’ve never worked outside academia.

5 Signs Tech Probably Isn’t Your Best Move

Equally important: recognizing when tech isn’t the answer.

1. You’re Chasing Money, Not Interest

Tech salaries are high. But plenty of people earn six figures outside tech. If you have zero curiosity about how technology works and just want a paycheck, you’ll burn out within two years—and that’s if you even get hired.

Hiring managers can smell “I’m just here for the money” from a mile away.

2. You Expect Work-Life Balance Immediately

Entry-level tech isn’t the remote-work paradise Instagram suggests. Help desk roles often involve shift work. Junior developers frequently work long hours debugging production issues. The work-life balance improves with seniority—but you have to earn that seniority first.

3. You’re Avoiding Something Rather Than Moving Toward Something

“I hate my job” is not a career strategy. If you can’t articulate what specifically attracts you to tech beyond escaping your current situation, spend more time researching before committing.

4. You Need Immediate Income

If you can’t afford 3-6 months of reduced income (or time investment after work), the transition becomes exponentially harder. Some people make it work by studying nights and weekends for 18+ months, but that’s a marathon few finish.

5. You’re Doing This Because Someone Else Said You Should

“My friend said I should learn to code” or “my partner thinks tech is stable” aren’t reasons to upend your career. The transition is hard enough when you’re intrinsically motivated—it’s nearly impossible when you’re doing it for someone else.

The 6 Best Entry Points (Ranked by Accessibility)

Not all tech roles require coding. Here’s an honest breakdown of where career changers actually land:

1. IT Support / Help Desk

Timeline: 3-6 months Starting salary: $45,000-$55,000 Best for: Customer service backgrounds, people who enjoy troubleshooting

This is the classic on-ramp. A CompTIA A+ certification plus customer service experience can land you interviews. The work involves solving people’s computer problems—sometimes tedious, but steady.

Build your skills faster with hands-on practice using platforms like Shell Samurai, which offers interactive terminal challenges that build real troubleshooting muscle memory.

Common progression: Help Desk → System Administrator → DevOps Engineer or IT Manager

2. UX/UI Design

Timeline: 4-8 months Starting salary: $56,000-$70,000 Best for: Creative backgrounds, psychology majors, anyone who notices when apps are frustrating

UX design is one of the most popular choices for career changers because it combines creative and analytical thinking. Your diverse background is actually seen as an asset here—understanding different user perspectives matters.

No coding required, though knowing HTML/CSS basics helps. Programs like Google’s UX Design Certificate on Coursera or bootcamps like Springboard provide structured paths.

3. Data Analytics

Timeline: 4-6 months Starting salary: $55,000-$65,000 Best for: Anyone comfortable with spreadsheets, former analysts in any field, research backgrounds

If you’ve ever built complex Excel formulas or analyzed trends in any capacity, you’re closer than you think. The Google Data Analytics Certificate teaches SQL and visualization tools in about 6 months of part-time study.

Data analytics sits at the intersection of business and technology—perfect for people who want tech salaries without hardcore coding.

4. Digital Marketing / SEO

Timeline: 3-6 months Starting salary: $45,000-$60,000 Best for: Marketing backgrounds, writers, business-minded people

Digital marketing is tech-adjacent and incredibly accessible. You’ll work with analytics tools, content management systems, and advertising platforms. Prior marketing, sales, or writing experience translates directly.

Certifications from Google, HubSpot, and Semrush are free and industry-recognized.

5. Technical Writing

Timeline: 2-4 months Starting salary: $60,000-$75,000 Best for: Writers, teachers, anyone who explains complex things simply

Ironic fact: people with technical backgrounds often make terrible technical writers because they assume too much knowledge. Your ability to ask “but what does that actually mean?” is the entire job.

Build a portfolio by documenting open-source projects or creating tutorials for tools you’re learning.

6. Cybersecurity

Timeline: 6-12 months Starting salary: $65,000-$85,000 Best for: Detail-oriented people, military backgrounds, anyone fascinated by security

Cybersecurity has a 3.5 million role shortage globally—one of the biggest talent gaps in tech. The CompTIA Security+ certification is your entry point, buildable in 4-6 months with focused study.

You’ll need hands-on practice. Platforms like TryHackMe and Shell Samurai offer structured, gamified learning for building real security skills. HackTheBox provides more advanced challenges once you’re comfortable with fundamentals.

Military veterans: Check out our guide on military-to-cybersecurity transitions.

The Skills That Actually Transfer (And How to Frame Them)

Here’s what 98% of employers actually want from career changers:

Communication

Tech is drowning in people who can code but can’t explain what they built. If you can write clearly, present ideas, and translate between technical and non-technical audiences, you’re already ahead of many CS graduates.

How to prove it: Your resume should be clear and jargon-free. In interviews, explain technical concepts you’ve learned without assuming knowledge.

Problem-Solving

88% of organizations consider problem-solving their most critical hiring criteria. Every job involves problem-solving—the key is articulating how you approach problems.

How to prove it: Use the STAR method to describe situations where you diagnosed an issue, identified root causes, and implemented solutions.

Project Management

Even informal project management experience matters. Coordinating tasks, meeting deadlines, and managing stakeholders are directly applicable to tech roles.

How to prove it: Quantify your impact. “Managed team of 5” becomes “Coordinated 5-person team to deliver $200K project on time and under budget.”

Customer Empathy

Understanding user frustration, anticipating needs, and translating complaints into actionable insights—this is UX research, product management, and technical support wrapped into one skill.

How to prove it: Share examples of improving processes based on user/customer feedback.

Learning Agility

Tech changes constantly. Your ability to pick up new tools and adapt quickly matters more than any single technical skill.

How to prove it: Show your learning trajectory. “I went from knowing nothing about [X] to [accomplishment] in [timeframe].”

The Realistic Timeline (3 Paths)

The Fast Track (3-6 Months)

Best for: IT Support, Digital Marketing, Technical Writing

  • Months 1-2: Complete foundational certification (CompTIA A+, Google certs)
  • Months 3-4: Build portfolio/gain hands-on experience via home labs or volunteer projects
  • Months 5-6: Apply aggressively while continuing to learn

This works if you can dedicate 15-20 hours weekly and already have strong transferable skills.

The Standard Path (6-12 Months)

Best for: Data Analytics, UX Design, Entry-Level Cybersecurity

  • Months 1-3: Complete structured learning program (bootcamp or intensive certificate)
  • Months 4-6: Build portfolio projects, contribute to open source
  • Months 7-9: Network actively, apply to roles
  • Months 10-12: Land first role (job searching takes 3-6 months average)

This is realistic for most career changers studying part-time.

The Deep Technical Path (12-18 Months)

Best for: Software Development, DevOps, Senior Cybersecurity

  • Months 1-6: Learn programming fundamentals deeply (not just syntax—actual computer science concepts)
  • Months 7-12: Build substantial projects, potentially attend bootcamp
  • Months 13-18: Job search while continuing to build skills

This is the path for people targeting $100K+ roles that require significant technical depth.

The 7 Biggest Mistakes Career Changers Make

Based on countless Reddit discussions and industry research, here’s where people trip up:

You can’t just update your resume and apply. Career changing requires building proof of capability—portfolio projects, certifications, demonstrable skills.

Fix: Before applying anywhere, build 2-3 concrete projects that prove you can do the work.

2. Suffering in Silence

Networking accounts for 70% of successful career changes. Yet most career changers study alone, never telling anyone what they’re doing until they’re “ready.”

Fix: Join communities now. r/ITCareerQuestions, local tech meetups, LinkedIn Learning groups. Tell people what you’re working toward.

3. Underestimating the Financial Reality

Taking a pay cut initially is common. Bootcamp costs range from $10,000-$20,000. Self-study is cheaper but takes longer.

Fix: Build a 6-month emergency fund before starting. If that’s impossible, plan for an 18-month part-time transition while keeping income stable.

4. Chasing Certificates Without Skills

A certification proves you passed a test. A portfolio proves you can do the work. Hiring managers increasingly care more about the latter.

Fix: For every certification you pursue, complete a hands-on project demonstrating that knowledge. CompTIA A+ pass? Build a home lab. Security+ certified? Document a CTF walkthrough.

5. Expecting Employers to Value Your Past Life

Your 10 years of teaching experience matter—but only if you translate them into tech-relevant language. Employers aren’t going to connect the dots for you.

Fix: Rewrite your entire resume through a tech lens. “Managed classroom of 30 students” becomes “Delivered technical instruction to groups of 30+, adapting communication style to varied learning needs.”

6. Ignoring the Human Element

Projects succeed or fail based on relationships, not technical decisions. Career changers who only focus on technical skills miss half the picture.

Fix: Develop your professional presence. Update your LinkedIn, practice technical communication, learn to handle interviews well.

7. Giving Up Too Early

The average tech job search takes 3-6 months—and that’s for experienced professionals. As a career changer, expect it to take longer. Many people quit right before the breakthrough.

Fix: Set realistic expectations. If you’re applying for 6 months with no interviews, your materials need work. If you’re getting interviews but no offers, your interview skills need work. Either way, the problem is identifiable and fixable.

Building Your First 90-Day Plan

If you’ve made it this far and still think tech is right for you, here’s how to start:

Days 1-30: Foundation

  1. Pick your target role from the 6 entry points above. Don’t try to do everything.
  2. Identify 2-3 certifications or courses that matter for that role
  3. Set up your learning environment (study space, time blocks, accountability partner)
  4. Join 2-3 communities where people in your target role gather

Resources:

Days 31-60: Skill Building

  1. Complete at least one certification or course milestone
  2. Start your first portfolio project (even small)
  3. Begin networking—reach out to 3-5 people in your target role for informational interviews
  4. Track what you’re learning publicly (LinkedIn posts, GitHub commits, blog)

Resources:

  • GitHub for hosting projects and code
  • LinkedIn for professional networking
  • Meetup for local tech events

Days 61-90: Acceleration

  1. Complete your first certification
  2. Finish at least one substantial portfolio project
  3. Start applying to entry-level roles (yes, even if you don’t feel ready)
  4. Refine your resume based on feedback from the tech community

After 90 days, you should have: one certification (or significant course completion), one portfolio project, and active presence in tech communities. This puts you ahead of most career changers.

Real Talk: What Hiring Managers Actually Say

We scraped discussions from LinkedIn, Reddit, and industry forums. Here’s what hiring managers consistently mention:

“I’d rather hire someone with obvious passion and a smaller portfolio than someone with credentials and no enthusiasm.”

“The career changer who can explain WHY they want this role—connecting their past experience to the job—always beats the candidate who just lists skills.”

“Your previous career is an advantage if you use it right. We’re building healthcare software. The former nurse who understands healthcare beats the CS graduate who doesn’t, every time.”

“What separates career changers who get hired: they’ve clearly done the work. Labs, projects, side builds. They’re not asking me to take a chance—they’re showing proof.”

The Bottom Line

Tech can absolutely be your next career. About 25% of tech employees don’t have four-year degrees. Companies like IBM are specifically building programs to hire non-traditional candidates. The door is genuinely open.

But it requires honest self-assessment. Not everyone should enter tech—and that’s fine. If you’re chasing someone else’s dream, fleeing a bad situation without a clear destination, or expecting it to be easy, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

However, if you’ve genuinely evaluated the signs, chosen a realistic entry point, and committed to the 6-18 month timeline, you have excellent odds. 70% of workers are considering career changes—but most won’t follow through. The ones who do, with clear plans and consistent effort, usually succeed.

Your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it realistically take to transition from a non-tech job to tech?

For accessible roles like IT support, digital marketing, or technical writing, expect 3-6 months of focused effort. For more technical roles like software development or cybersecurity, plan for 12-18 months. Part-time study while working extends these timelines. The biggest variable isn’t the role—it’s how much time you can dedicate weekly. Studies show career changers with clear plans are twice as likely to succeed.

Can I get into tech without a degree?

Absolutely—about 25% of tech employees don’t have four-year degrees. What matters is demonstrable skills: certifications, portfolio projects, and the ability to perform in interviews. Companies like Google, Apple, and IBM have removed degree requirements for many positions. Industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, and platform-specific credentials often carry more weight than academic degrees.

What tech roles don’t require coding?

Several high-paying tech roles require minimal or no coding: UX/UI Design ($56K-$98K), Technical Writing ($60K-$75K), IT Support/System Administration ($45K-$85K), Project/Product Management ($70K-$120K), Digital Marketing/SEO ($45K-$80K), and Technical Sales ($60K-$100K+). Even cybersecurity roles like security analysts don’t necessarily require programming—though understanding scripting helps at senior levels.

What’s the biggest mistake career changers make?

The #1 mistake is treating a career change like a regular job search. You can’t just apply with your existing resume and expect callbacks. Career changing requires building proof: certifications, portfolio projects, GitHub contributions, or documented learning. 45% of career changers cite lack of relevant experience as their biggest hurdle—the solution is creating that relevant experience before you need it.

Is it too late to switch to tech at 40 or 50?

Not at all. The average coding bootcamp graduate is 29, but many successful tech career changers are in their 40s and 50s. Your accumulated professional experience—managing stakeholders, understanding business processes, communicating across departments—is valuable in tech. Age discrimination exists in some companies, but many organizations specifically value the maturity and reliability that experienced professionals bring. Check out our age-inclusive career change guide for specific strategies.

Sources and Citations