HARD HATS TO CODE

Career Switch to Software Engineering — With a Plan That Fits Your Life

A realistic 3-stage roadmap + execution checklist for career changers (30/40/50+) — built from a real transition, not theory.

No hype. No timelines. No shortcuts.

Three stages. One goal: getting hired.

A stage-based approach. You move forward by readiness — not speed.

Stage 1 — Building Foundations

Build confidence and core programming skills.

Best for: Complete beginners or shaky basics
Focus:
– Programming fundamentals
– Thinking in code
– One small finished project
Done when:
– You can read & write simple code
– You’ve finished one real project
Outcome: confidence + clear decision

Stage 2 — Preparation For Job

Build a credible profile for junior roles.

Best for: Learners with fundamentals
Focus:
– Backend fundamentals
– One strong, explainable project
– CV & LinkedIn positioning
– Interview basics
Done when:
– You can explain a project end-to-end
– You apply with confidence and get interviews
Outcome: job-ready profile

Stage 3 — Job Search & Hiring

Maximize your chances of getting hired.

Best for: Active applicants or near-ready applicants
Focus:
– Fixing weak areas
– Interview performance
– Application strategy
– Confidence under pressure
Done when:
– You accept a job offer
Outcome: career switch completed

Choose your pace:

Most career changers study 6–10 hours/week. Move faster or slower depending on your life.

  • Focused: ~10–15 hours/week
  • Balanced (most common): ~6–10 hours/week
  • Extended: ~3–5 hours/week


Pace affects time — not results.

Why this works

Clear order

Learn → build → show → apply No skipping. No guessing what comes next.

Built for busy adults

Designed around work, family, and limited time — not full-time study.

No fluff

Only steps that move you closer to interviews and hiring.

Most career switchers don’t fail because they’re not smart.

They fail because they don’t know:
  • what to do first
  • what to ignore
  • how to stay consistent when life gets busy
Courses are everywhere. Advice is everywhere.
Clarity is not.
This checklist gives you structure, so you can move forward with confidence.

What you’ll get (free)

  • 3-stage career switch roadmap (PDF)
    See the full journey and how the stages connect.
  • Stage-based execution checklist
    Know exactly what to do at each stage — and when you’re ready to move on.
  • Clear “done” criteria
    Stop guessing. Progress only when the signal is there.
  • Pace-flexible guidance
    Works at 3–15 hours/week. Adjust without falling behind.

That’s it. No extras.

Free. Practical. Unsubscribe anytime.

Career Switch Cover

Audrius — Construction → Backend Engineer

Why listen to me?

I spent ~20 years in construction project management.
On paper, everything looked “successful”.

I switched careers later in life and now work as a backend engineer.

This guide isn’t theory or motivation.
It’s the structure I wish I had when I started:

  • what to learn
  • what to ignore
  • how to prove skills
  • how to use LinkedIn as a career changer

Frequently Asked Questions

Get clarity on what to do next

Start at the right stage.
Move forward at a pace that fits your life.

Privacy note: No spam. No pressure. Unsubscribe anytime.

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