I also came to the tech sector having previously worked in a field where the only way to get established was by working for free (publishing in my case) and was

I also came to the tech sector having previously worked in a field where the only way to get established was by working for free (publishing in my case) and was surprised to find I couldn't do the same to get a programming job. Tech is different, and the fastest way to get an employer to stop taking you seriously is to ask for less than you appear to be worth.