Don't Let Others Guide Your Path

Hey everyone, how's it going?

Many people enter the IT market accepting positions that weren't exactly what they wanted, as a starting point for their careers. However, as they gain more experience, opportunities, and salary increases, they end up stuck on this path due to a series of factors that life imposes.

There are also those who start without knowing exactly what they want, choosing the first opportunity that comes up to gain experience. Sometimes the area of the found opportunity ends up being more interesting than imagined, leading to natural deepening. However, often, throughout this discovery process, the person realizes that their true interest lies in another IT area.

Over time, responsibilities such as bills to pay, a higher cost of living, and supporting a family make changing to another IT area challenging. Migrating areas often requires accepting lower salaries to start again in an entry position, which can be difficult for those who already have established financial commitments.

The IT market is constantly evolving, with new areas and positions emerging from time to time. Being attentive to these changes can open doors to opportunities in emerging sectors, where competition may be lower and transition easier. However, it's important to consider that many areas within IT are interdependent; rarely does a completely disconnected new area emerge. Thus, even if new areas appear, not all will be easily available for migration without prior adequate knowledge.

Even if you started without a clear objective, as you discover what you really want, it's important to seek opportunities to approach your true interest. One should not let a job opportunity define their professional trajectory. Each person should fight to follow what they truly desire, even if it means facing challenges and leaving the comfort zone. The decision to persist in pursuit of what you love may be more difficult, but in the long run, it provides unique fulfillment and true personal and professional happiness.

To make the transition from one area to another, it's necessary to face a period of double effort. This means dedicating time outside working hours to study, learn new skills, and gain knowledge in the area of interest. This phase can be challenging, especially when you have personal and professional commitments, but it's a crucial step for those who truly want to change careers.

During this process, it's important to demonstrate proactivity and use the knowledge you already possess in the current area to enrich your understanding of the destination area. For example, if you come from an infrastructure area and want to migrate to development, you can use your knowledge about system architecture to bring a unique perspective to software projects. By connecting your past experiences with the new area, you not only demonstrate versatility but also add value.

Additionally, seek opportunities within the company itself to get involved in projects related to the area of interest. Participating in internal initiatives, collaborating with colleagues from other teams, or taking on small responsibilities in the new field can increase your visibility and show you're committed to the change. It's a way to build a relevant portfolio and gain practical experience without necessarily abandoning your current job. Some companies offer career tracking programs that can help in this transition, guiding about necessary competencies and facilitating contact with the desired area.

Tips to help:

• Create study repositories and tutorials to show what you master.
• Participate in area events to gain engagement with the new tribe personally.
• Mark your presence online on relevant Discord, Slack, and YouTube channels.
• Get the certifications that the market is seeking.
• Collaborate with open source projects that can give you visibility.
• If necessary, start a project yourself creating your own opportunity.

Finally, if after some time you still haven't reached your goal, consider creating a blog or a YouTube channel to share your knowledge on the subject. At this point, you'll have already accumulated a lot of content and experience to teach others. Remember: who is not seen, is not remembered. Being active and visible can open unexpected doors and attract opportunities in the area of interest.

The transition process isn't easy and requires patience and determination, but with clear planning and a long-term strategy, it's possible to achieve the desired change. The key is to stay focused, constantly seek new knowledge, and not give up.