Career
Should I switch to a career in IT?
Should I retrain and move into tech from my current field, or keep building on what I already have?
Tech promises a higher pay ceiling, remote work and global demand — but the path runs through months of studying after work, a crowded junior market and starting over in seniority. Weigh the real costs against the real upside before you commit.
Template balance
Leaning yes
The pros have the edge, but it's not a landslide.
Higher long-term pay ceiling than most non-tech fields
Months of studying on evenings and weekends while holding my current job
How the verdict works
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Pros
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a technical degree to get into IT?
- For most entry roles, no. Employers in tech tend to care about demonstrated skills — a portfolio, projects, certifications — more than the diploma on the wall. Some areas are friendlier to self-taught newcomers than others: testing, support, data analysis and frontend development are common entry points, while research-heavy roles may still expect formal education. Pick a path where your existing background gives you an edge.
- Which IT role should I aim for first?
- Start from your strengths, not from whichever role is loudest online. If you like structure and detail, look at testing or data work; if you enjoy people and explaining things, consider support, project coordination or product roles; if building things excites you, try development. Spend a weekend on a free intro course in two or three directions before investing months in one — the cheapest mistake is the one you catch in week one.
- How long does it take to land the first job in IT?
- It varies widely — be skeptical of anyone promising a fixed timeline. Plan in seasons, not weeks: several months of consistent study, then a job search that can itself take months in a crowded junior market. Two things shorten it more than anything else: a small portfolio of real work, and leaning on your previous industry — a former accountant applying to fintech companies competes in a much smaller pool.
Should I retrain and move into tech from my current field, or keep building on what I already have?
Make it yours