Landing your first programming job can feel like stepping into a whole new world. You’ve studied, practiced, and maybe even built your own projects, but what’s it actually like once you’re getting paid to code? It’s a question many aspiring developers ask, and to give you a real glimpse, I’m going to share the story of my first programming job. It wasn’t exactly a smooth start, and it taught me some crucial lessons about what a programming career is truly about.
My journey began somewhat unconventionally. Initially, breaking into the field felt tough. I started in testing, which wasn’t my programming dream, but it was a foot in the door. Eventually, I transitioned into a role that was a mix of testing with a tiny bit of actual coding. However, I wouldn’t really count that as my true first programming job.
The real turning point came when I was living in Boise, Idaho, earning around $20 an hour at HP in that in-between role. Then, I got a call from a recruiter in sunny Santa Monica, California. The offer? A contract position at Xerox paying a staggering $75 an hour. Being just 19 at the time, my reaction was an immediate, “Yes! Sign me up!” I was ready to drive down there right away.
The interview process itself was a sign of the times – it was during the dot-com boom. The interviewer asked very basic questions about C++. No technical deep dives, mostly just confirming if I had any experience and a basic understanding of C++, and if I felt comfortable working on the project. Of course, I confidently said “yes” to everything. Incredibly, after a mere 10-minute interview, I landed a job at $75 an hour – over three times what I was previously making. For a 19-year-old, it felt like hitting the jackpot.
Excited and slightly terrified, I drove down to Santa Monica. The week before starting, I remember frantically trying to cram C++ knowledge from a book. Truthfully, I was in over my head. And here’s a critical mistake I made: even after getting the job, I was still clueless. Instead of focusing on intense learning and catching up, I just tried to get by. I wasn’t really absorbing much, and the job itself seemed a bit… unstructured. Looking back, it felt like they hired many contractors quickly without thoroughly vetting their skills. I definitely wasn’t qualified for that role at that time. I tried my best, but my limited knowledge meant I didn’t accomplish much, and crucially, I wasn’t proactively improving.
For the next six months, maybe a year, the gravy train rolled on. I was getting an unbelievable paycheck for minimal output, partly because there wasn’t a ton of demanding work, and partly because I was struggling to contribute meaningfully. Instead of seizing this as an opportunity to level up my skills and become truly valuable, I got complacent. I relaxed on learning, assuming this easy ride would last. Then, the dot-com bubble started to burst. Suddenly, a wave of contractors, including myself, were let go. I was left scrambling.
The moment I realized layoffs were coming, it was a wake-up call. I immediately started studying intensely, determined to develop the skills I lacked and prepare for the next opportunity. Things did eventually work out, and I bounced back. But that first “real” programming job, as lucrative as it was initially, was a harsh but invaluable lesson. To put it bluntly: I didn’t deserve it. I wasn’t qualified for that position, and my initial success was more luck than skill.
The key takeaway from that experience, especially for anyone wondering what a programming career is like, is this: “fake it ’til you make it” only works if you actually commit to “making it.” I was attempting to fake it, but I wasn’t genuinely learning and growing into the role.
I had a golden chance to use that time to master my craft, to become worthy of that generous salary and the responsibilities of a real programming job. But instead, I coasted, took things for granted, and wrongly assumed that innate intelligence alone was enough. I thought “being smart” had gotten me the job, but I lacked the actual skills and deep knowledge to sustain it.
The aftermath was a period of struggle, but ultimately, it was formative. I became far more disciplined, dedicated to continuous learning, and focused on honing my programming skills. That initial stumble actually set me on the path to becoming truly proficient. So, that’s the story of my first programming job. For those of you who have asked about it, I hope this gives you some insight. And if you have more questions, feel free to reach out.
