I didn't have access to a computer until I was almost 20. Incredibly fascinated by it, I sucked up all the knowledge I could. I started with general IT which tu

I didn't have access to a computer until I was almost 20. Incredibly fascinated by it, I sucked up all the knowledge I could. I started with general IT which turned into a generic call center help desk job. I did that for a few years while learning to code on my own. Mostly basic web related stuff which I parlayed into helping out part time on a project at the company I worked for at the time. Once I had some real resume experience on my hands I was able to work that into a full time programming job at a very small company on a team of three people doing workflow management software. It was very close to dotcom bubble days and I probably got the job because I was willing to work for cheap compared to other developers at the time. Mostly because it was more than I was making before and I didn't know what I could have been making. Outside of a few unrelated courses I have still have no formal training, certifications, or degrees and am entirely self-taught. Today, I work as a technology lead in the innovation lab at a large reputable company doing machine learning, deep learning, blockchain/crypto, tech evaluations, investment portfolio bootstrapping. Most of what I work on is turned into a product (new or enhancement) or acquisition for the company. I think there are multitudes more opportunities than were available when I was starting out. My advice is to always keep learning on your own and from others. Don't let yourself get to comfortable and find projects that are challenging and interesting to work on.