Started to learn Java at 39, with two jobs and two kids at my back. It was a hell on Earth. I've slept no more than four hours at night and drank liters of coffee and energy drinks daily just to stay awake. It took two years just to learn the basics. But guys, It was worth it! I started to work in a software company at 41, as the oldest junior programmer in history. :D Now I'm working as a software developer in Java/Spring Boot/Angular, from home and I'm in pajama for a whole day. And sometimes with a beer in front of a screen because hey, why not. I keep learning because I'm far from an experienced developer, but my team is awesome and always ready to help and point me in the right direction. I have a lot of time, and my stress level is zero. Cheers to all of you mid-agers looking for a brighter future in IT!

@catsapp

2 жыл бұрын

In 40 I enter iT as web-designer, now am50++ switching to js php )

@khanapakanarecipes

2 жыл бұрын

bro how much u making now ?

@groseron

2 жыл бұрын

@@khanapakanarecipes Here in Houston I've seen many entry-level coding jobs ranging from 80k to 100k+. It depends on the language(s), discipline you're strongest at, portfolio, experience, etc. But that's not too bad just for entry level in this city!

@khanapakanarecipes

2 жыл бұрын

@@groseron Currently I am taking bootcamp which will end in almost 6 months more. Here we learn MERN, JAVA, .net, LAMP Stack. In future, I want to focus on JAVA as I heard growth opp are more in JAVA. I am building my awesome portfolio and by end of the bootcamp, they will give us certificates and final projects. So can I expect same level of income if I crack the interview? One more thing I will apply for study visa. as an international student in MS.

@sugaslate14

2 жыл бұрын

I need to read shit like this. I’m 35 and a welder by trade. Been learning programming for about 3 weeks, so thanks for the motivation man!

Never too late to start anything imo, if you wanna do something just do it, your dad is a great example to all of us

This got me emotional. I'm 48, disabled vet, feeling very lost in life. To see you two communicate was amazing. I totally agree with dad with really you can't do something you hate even if it is a ton of money. I don't know anything about coding, but I feel like it is a good fit for me. As I've gotten older I realize how much I don't know and enjoy learning. Thank you so much for this video, it really is inspiring.

@LookBehindYou535

2 жыл бұрын

It's the second time I see your comment! Saw one previously on CS50 course. You're going to make it buddy! There are even older people who start their coding journey, and even disability is not a problem nowadays. Most companies are more than happy if you work remotely, so good luck! Do not let your current situation define you!

I am 51 and teaching myself html and Css, sure age plays a part, but what you think you can achieve, is what sets the limit to what you can achieve, regardless of age.

@brk932

2 жыл бұрын

Your flexibility, adaptability, ability to learn on the fly mid-project ... and My God ... patience to read half-assed documentation ... like 900 pages every few months.

@peterbelanger4094

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 52, been trying to get something going for 20 years, failed. Everybody is 'learning to code' the market is beyond flooded. It's not a golden ticket. If you don't know anybody who can get you in, don't waste your time. It's all about WHO you know, not what you know. It's true for every profession. And age discrimination is rampant in tech.

@gdiaz8827

2 жыл бұрын

am 52 doing the udemy web dev course

@gdiaz8827

2 жыл бұрын

@@peterbelanger4094 Trying being a 50 something minority, double discrimination

@enriqueruiz320

2 жыл бұрын

me too, I'm studying Angular 💪💪💪

That made me feel so better about my current situation. I started my first code lines this year, and as a 32 years old lad, most of the time, I see myself wondering if I'm really able to succeed because of my age.

@primozbabsek6744

2 жыл бұрын

I started at 30. Have not written any code before and I had no related work experience when I got first web dev job when I was 31. now at 34 i see it was definitely a great decision. It's never too late to start.

@Loki_Dokie

2 жыл бұрын

@Primoz babsek awesome, what type of work do you do?

@primozbabsek6744

2 жыл бұрын

started as front end web dev in React environment (didn't know a thing about React back then but convinced everyone and myself I am eager to learn), now full stack web dev (currently as CTO actually (it's temp and I was lucky to get it. But happy to take my chances :) )

@Loki_Dokie

2 жыл бұрын

@Primoz babsek very good! I enjoy the learning phase, things click on certain topics eventually and it's line woah thats cool, makes you feel good lol

@primozbabsek6744

2 жыл бұрын

@@Loki_Dokie learning phase is always motivation push. But keep doing the same and keep learning even after. Coding is a never ending learning experience

Bro, you are so lucky having your dad like that, in front of you, and stuff. God bless your family much more!!!

@kevinoduor425

Жыл бұрын

one thing I have learned is that it takes the grace of God for one to pass the mantle to the kin. they have broken the barrier so even their generation will find it so easy to code. i just love Gods doing.

Thanks. This was so inspiring! I'm 43, been learning python and have just started a CS with artificial intelligence masters.

Wow! this is cool. I'm currently 42 almost 43. Im in a certification program for Cyber security. I have been a little worried about how I stack up against the young devs. This really shines a-lot of inspiration on me so thank you!

You know you've chosen the right 'adventure' when the YT algorithm hands you an entire support team like this to help cheer you on...wow...this was spot on for me. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing 🤗🤗

@thelandumiso8473

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't have the words to put it but you just said exactly how I feel. I jusr started this year, I'm 4 months in and turning 31 this year.

@geekiedj

2 жыл бұрын

Spot on! Literally!

I started my bachelor degree in CS at 38. I’m about half way through, it’s hard but I’m loving it!

@Diddykong8775

2 жыл бұрын

CS graduate here. Great decision!! You are at a great age!

This convo couldn't have came at a better time. As I'm 38 and just starting to get into coding. I'm just fascinated by computers. But the way you and your dad explained everything. That made this last hour feel like minutes. Congrats to you both.

No joke, I was just recently thinking about pops 😊 I just got my first Dev position at age 50 and he immediately came to mind! Thanks so much for this video, he's so awesome!

@kennygunderman

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, congratulations!

@chantuff9377

2 жыл бұрын

@@kennygunderman thank you 😊

@withthesun13

2 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome congratulations. I’m 38 and taking some certificate classes at a community college now, looking forward to start working soon as well.

@chantuff9377

2 жыл бұрын

@@withthesun13 thank you! I did a 12 week coding bootcamp September 2021 and started my Dev role 2/14/22 and I'm still in shock 😲. You've got this 👍

@withthesun13

2 жыл бұрын

@@chantuff9377 wow, that’s fast. What did you learn during this 12 weeks?

I am just starting at 42 years old. Reinventing myself after working a good paying job. Thanks Ken! 😊

@confidential303

2 жыл бұрын

great to hear, I am also in my 40 but I feel I have real passion for it, but getting in a dead end in a maze of all programming language, so many times I feel like I quit, I really need someone to motivate me.In my friend circles if I talk a little bit technical they will getting mad at me, because I am teaching them what they don't like. Like I was learning TCP/IP. :(

@md.nournoby4523

2 жыл бұрын

@@confidential303 hi

@SuperBadGPT

2 жыл бұрын

@@confidential303 what kind of obstacles are you facing exactly ? Get a mentor which is working as Software developer or Software Engineering Manager. They should be able to guide you. It can get overwhelming, be specific in choosing projects and move ahead. Feeling lost is natural part of being a programmer.

@AlbertoGonzalez-hi1og

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 43 and about to start as well..do you mind sharing your learning path? Is there like a group of people you know that are about to start? I'm afraid to start by myself son I'm looking for some others to start with me and give each other some encouragement..thanks

@peterbelanger4094

2 жыл бұрын

Modern corporations love to hire diversity, you don't even need to know anything, just not be a certain demographic.

I can so relate to everything. I learned coding in my teens in 1987. Coded on an off became an EE and decided to study CS at 44. Now I'm a dev 3 YOE 50 years of age.

Great interview, I'm 40 and started a CS degree in January 2022. I am loving it. Its nice to hear your father's story. I'm in sales and know where he is coming from when he mentions the stress.

@fusion9619

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a little younger, not much, and I'm thinking about doing that. Not sure I'll bother with the degree, though. I just want to build, and the things I want to build require either business savvy or coding, and I'm not good at either.

@mjt9779

2 жыл бұрын

@@fusion9619 start with learning some code, that's what I did. Took an Udemy web dev course and progressed from there.

@antran4465

2 жыл бұрын

Congrats. I hope you will got it.

Thanks a lot Kenny for the video. Now I"m 45 and I am walking my path like your father.

When your Dad said "Burning desire" I'm sold. He was so focused nothing got in his way. I relate because I had that burning desire and that's why I'm a Software Engineer till this day. Awesome!!!! Thanks for posting.

I started as a Jr developer at 40 making 15/hr when I heard stories of guys aging out of software development and working at Trader Joe's. I improved my skills and was making six figures by 46 in a Sr position which was the most I ever made.

Been an addict for almost a decade, now im 27 and just started to learn to code. Thank you for the video made me realize it is never too late. Thank you❤️ and hats down to your dad such a cool person. Made my day :)

@johnsizemore1666

2 жыл бұрын

Turn that addictive side of your brain into knowledge, fitness and spirit and you will go far. Just don't get successful with cash and let that Demon back in. Go to a therapist is you get weak..Who knows maybe build an app that will help others get help. Good luck. Best revenge on those that dismissed you, is success ..

@EShopHero

2 жыл бұрын

Respect

@johnsizemore1666

2 жыл бұрын

@FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST I wrote a prayer in my Bible. Not fame or fortune. But at the time very unlikely. It came true. Amen.

Thank you for this video! It really makes me feel much better I'm a 47 years old man, starting to go back to school and even doing a youtube channel!

This is such a valuable conversation. Thank you for including us all. Your dad was giving you some valuable lessons that all of us will embrace. Thanks again.

Thanks for sharing this video. I was excited and needed to hear an experience like this. I am 55 years old, a whole life as a physical education teacher and trainer, and now I have been studying programming for 4 years. With little effort, an hour before going to work, an hour after returning from work, Saturdays, Sundays. Not always moving forward because sometimes something is not understood and it is difficult when one studies online to find the solution. But lately it happens to me that I'm waiting to get home to continue the course I'm doing or practice. It is almost an entertainment, a hobby. But little by little I am reinventing myself as a programmer and I plan to work in the future. I feel like a boy studying. Thank you

Oh man, when you talked about those companies and organizations you worked for between the the ages of 17-20, couldnt help but remember the time at the retirement home we worked at where i had a family emergency that i didnt want to divulge to the head chef but needed to leave, and he said "were all a family here, so you can either tell me the family emergency or get fired." Now 10 years later I'm making my own moves in tech just like you - soon to become an analyst engineer on a team who wouldnt even question something like that. Couldn't be any happier doing anything else. Thanks for the great podcast!

@kennygunderman

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the retirement home we worked at was exactly the place I had in mind lmao. I can’t believe they did that to you, but that sounds about right. Those people were so cut throat to a bunch of teenagers making minimum wage 😭😭 But I am glad you are making moves homie! So awesome you are supporting and watching my videos. Congratulations on becoming an analyst engineer! That’s huge.

Extremely glad that I found this video. Motivational enough for a 31 year old turning 32 this October and trying to learn coding.

Great interview, father and son proud each other. I am 51 transitioning into a career change with coding required, started from zero. Got tired of doing the same until retirement, 25 years was enough, learning R and Python. Thank you for your video

This was randomly in my feed and I’m glad I stayed till the end. Your dad is cool as hell and pretty inspiring.

Very inspiring. I am beginning to learn at 53 and found this interview refreshing and inspiring. Thank you!

Thanks Kenny for doing this. I've been learning code here and there since my early 20s. Finally now at 45, I'm serious about coding and plan to get the basics of Web Dev completed within the next 3 months. Keep coding ya olde coders.

My little cousin has no GCSES, basically fail life already in the eyes of an Asian family, he was polishing shoes in London’s financial district… during lockdown he taught himself to code now he’s like 22 on a £38,000 salary.

@bkstandard882

2 жыл бұрын

There's no such thing as a 21 year old failure.

Thanks for this. I am 33 years old, a senior CAD designer and looking to jump over to software. Started my journey into Software engineering a few months ago and have been feeling like an idiot. This provided some great perspective and a more long-term vision. Appreciate it guys, thank you.

@himadrisonai8291

Жыл бұрын

U r brave...... seriously....

Love this guy. Yeah I took my first intro to programming class at age 49, got a Bachelor's in Soft Dev, and now about a year into my first enterprise level job with Accenture. Love it. Great field.

One of the best podcast I ever seen/heard. And I’ve heard thousands. You should definitely do more. I would love to hear other stories

Bro. Your Father's wisdom adds great value to your channel. You should have him more often here. Thank you for sharing.

What a beautiful story :) I'm 42 and started IT classes last week ( always wanted to do it ). I hope I'll reinvent myself with as much of success as your dad. Best wishes to both of you :)

Nice interview! I love his story! I changed my career from real estate to IT company as an engineer at 29 years old. I thought I was late... 45 years old to change career really needs brave, endeavor, and perseverance. I admire your father. And I wish I could have a relationship like this with my father :P

@Vamo_Alla

Жыл бұрын

Great you got in IT, congrats!! Myself has been trying to decide if I do web developer or real estate 😅it’s hard to decide, since I’m almost 45 years old. What made you do that switch from real estate to IT? I appreciate your reply!!

It was really amazing to hear ur dad achieving his dream, talking with this level of enthusiasm, positive energy, and hope, and what tick for time the most how realistic he is and loved how he profited from his life experiences ... Thank you for the opportunity to hear this podcast

This is SO inspirational and real, thank you for sharing this insightful video/podcast with us! This was awesome!

My first day coding I was 33. Got my CS degree at 37. Been working six years as SWE. I’m financially doing better than people my age 15 years into their careers. Broke six figures two years after degree.

@janreichenbach265

2 жыл бұрын

At what institution did you get your degree. Community College ?

this was so inspiring. I'm just now getting into learning how to code and I'll be 35 in 2 weeks. Thank you for this!

Hey I just want to say, I watched the first interview you did with your Dad about 7 months ago and I was more inspired by that video than anything else I have heard about becoming a developer. I had been coding a little while at that point but was not fully sure if I wanted to quit my steady job and go and do a coding bootcamp. I ended up taking that plunge and I am starting in my first job as a frontend developer next week. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome message, you guys are one rad Father/Son combo! Keep inspiring!!

@MrZealot11

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations man! I’m just now starting to learn. What boot camp did you do? Thanks!

His father is absolutely legit the wisdom the humility is great his groovy delivery of his opinions is really refreshing too!

Dude I rock with your pops so hard. Such a "with it" cat, good vibe, not trying to pretend he's somebody else... good dude. SOLID vid. Take this thumbs up!

This is so inspiring. I’m 30, female and have just written my first lines of code. Thanks for sharing this video.

@peterbelanger4094

2 жыл бұрын

Don't worry, they will hire you because of your gender, you don't need to know anything.

@dosa5819

2 жыл бұрын

same 30

@Raccoon_Chic

2 жыл бұрын

Same at being also 30 :) I’m going back to community college to work on getting an associates degree in software developing this fall

@Josenrl

2 жыл бұрын

30 again,🙂

Such an inspiration, PERSISTENCE! Thanks for this post and if I may be presumptuous, your dad is an awesome father, seeing the good banter you two have.

As a 39 year-old that’s been learning to code for the past 1-2 months, I appreciate this video! Pretty awesome that you both ended up in tech too.

Out of the thousands of videos that feel like false reassurance with cringy background tracks, this video was a needle in a gigantic haystack. Thank you very much for the open dialogue and sharing your father's experience. This is both reassuring and very informative. Wow.

It's always great to see these types of stories. It should give older people hope for their own futures.

I absolutely loved this topic and the conversation between you and your father. I feel so inspired by your father and his journey since I am a woman in my 50's. Thank you

Very motivating. Thanks to you and your Dad for posting this. I’m 54 and starting to learn Swift to hopefully get a job in mobile development. I’ve been in and out of IT (network engineering, web design) but I haven’t been in it for years and I’ve always wanted to learn to program. I am now and enjoying it.

@TheB1nary

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 52 and have been in IT (infrastructure) for twenty years. Now moving into DevOps and although challenging, can bring lots to the table that much younger folk aren’t able to. Good luck to you my friend!!

@catsapp

2 жыл бұрын

am 50++ and was a web-designer and html css master, now learning php js

@himadrisonai8291

Жыл бұрын

@@TheB1nary I am learning Linux and AWS....what about job opportunity on these domains?

at the beginning i thought... "aaa ok, a son and dad thing, like a fun interview" ... but after watching more and mote minutes, i saw two opinions and ofc wisdom from two generations... really cool and informative 😊👍

So much gold right here! Love the to and fro flow between father and son. Keep iterating. No end to learning for sure. Inspired.

Thank you for posting this interview ⭐️ I needed to hear this awesomely honest and insightful conversation. Truly inspiring 🙌

Thanks for this! I'm in my forties and learning how to code, it's been an awesome learning journey and I can't tell you how encouraging it was to find this video. Thanks so much for posting!

He’s so cool. Thanks for bringing ur dad to share his perspective again.

Holy cow! This was encouraging! Thanks so much for sharing your story! I loved reading everyone's comments as well and how everyone's journeys to become a dev!

Your dad is awesome! So many dads have put their dreams on pause to care for their families. Your father is a credit to all those parents who have been forced to make those hard choices. Great interview!

Networking helped me get my first coding job. I transitioned from a teaching career to a programmer gradually, but when I knew the right people to communicate with that really boosted my chances of getting my first job. You will learn so much faster when you work with your team. It was hard at first working with different personality types especially, but don't give up and keep pushing forward. Your video was really valuable to me and reminded myself of when I started to learn to code. I just kept pumping out those projects and you keep improving as time progresses.

I am so GLAD you did this video! This TRULY has motivated and helped me a LOT! Thank You!

"You never give up on your dreams. That little still quiet voice inside your head that says 'you know what? I'd be really good at that.' you gotta listen to that" Perfect advise and insight/reminder to everyone here.

Loved the content and the real down to earth convo man

I started coding at 55. People make too big a deal about age. Just go for it. If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way.

This was a great conversation and your dad seems really cool. Thank you for the video.

I am actually 45 and I restarted my career by literally resigning and starting with career in Programming! I am loving it.

Such an inspirational conversation. A father-son conversation you will have to look back on forever. As a 45 year old, it is encouraging to see someone who successfully redefined their career.

Please bring your dad more times. He is honest and inspiring. Very positive.

Man I've been waiting for this one. I've already watched the video before with your father. It's so inspirational that I just wanted to see more of him 😂

I could listen to the two of you talk all day.

This was very encouraging. As someone in the industry in his mid-40s, I felt my career was about to end. It's good to see other developers continuing on into their 50s.

@brucewayne99999

2 жыл бұрын

Why did u feel your career was about to end?

@Adam-yf3ss

2 жыл бұрын

@@brucewayne99999 just feeling like I would age out of programming since a Stack Overflow survey puts 45+ programmers in 1% of the market.

you and your dad are so cool! and the advice and topics you touched on were so insightful to everyone. thanks. i think everyone needs a family vlog from u guys!

You have no idea how much I needed to watch this video. I have college degrees and experience in other former fields but not in tech. Eating my humble pie and learning as much as I can. Thank you!

You guys have great back and forth banter. Do more stuff together! Love this video. I'm 41, and just started thinking about getting into web/software development. You're 100% correct it is a little intimidating when you see most videos of younger 20 somethings learning it, or have they been in it for awhile now. Gives me so much motivation to move forward with my plan! I'm starting the self taught route. I was going to college for cybersecurity, decided to change to software/web development. Was enrolled in a different school for that, but I'm finding a lot of the online schools aren't offering much more than they self taught route for way less money.

Love this!! Your father has such an amazing vibe…enjoyed his story!! Thanks for sharing!!!

I was born in '64 too. Your dad is a cool dude. You're a lucky guy. He as well. There's nothing more important than family

I wish I could have conversations with my dad like this. Your Father seems like a great guy, and you can tell by the way he looks at you and speaks to you that he loves and respects you.

@himadrisonai8291

Жыл бұрын

Same..my dad never speaks frankly with me...

First time watching your Dad's story. - very inspiring and love how real he is about everything and his struggles and going back to code at 45. Having done it myself at 45... I am glad I did. Thank you for sharing.

@mic12300

6 ай бұрын

You would be surprised at how much people are looking for honest content makers on youtube yet the majority are putting out bs ing content in order to play the youtube algorithm.

This is a great insightful conversation, your dad is a super cool guy!

Thanks Kenny and Dad, it was awesome. Hope to see another talk in the future.

Just turning 41 today, and stumbled across this video. PERFECT TIMING. I've been doing the start stop learning just as they say in the beginning, and have some of the same issues as most other people. I don't have a family depending on me, but my job now pays too well to just walk away from the intense stress. Time to get back in it. Great video guys!

What I got the most from this Video was your guys relationship. There are some people that are not looking for a big career or paystub but a good relationship with their old man. Truly inspiring chat! Thanks

Verry epic interview with your dad man. You are doing an excelent job at interviewing him. Your dad has exelent speaking skils and a treasure of wisdom. I think people will like to see him speaking more, perhaps at other topics also.

I am really impressed with of your father's "never give up mentality". Thanks for sharing.

This was awesome. Love your dad’s genuine testimony

Thank you so much for this video! I’m a 51-year-old in my second month of studying Web development and this video has been so inspiring. Thank you for giving me hope as I start this new journey.

I love this video so much! I feel so inspired to take action and follow my dreams to be a Software Engineer!

I love this video. Love your dad and his perception/outlook in life. Thank you for sharing his experience.

dad looks really proud of his son. awesome story. thanks!

Nice work brother! I love the realness of you & your pops just talking. MI love

I turn 36 today and this is the second video on this topic I got recommended today. Being a developer I feel old already, nice to see some ppl with real life experience joining. Keep up the great work

Wonderful example of its never too late. Thank you for this video Kenny. I refuse to give up.

I don't relate in any way to what Mr. Gunderman went through, as in transitioning from something else to tech or starting in tech "late" (I don't really agree with this expression, it's never late) and yet I learned so much with this talk and there where so many times where I just stopped for a moment, rewinded and went "well, that's me..." This is probably one of the best talks I've heard in the past few years, thank you for sharing this. You have no idea how much of a game changer this talk is/will be for many people. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Love the relationship, honesty and advice. Thank you.

Don't let this be the first and last episode of Gundy and Son! We NEED it on the REG. You are both great legends, keep up the good work.

Kenny's dad is such an inspiration to people in their 40's

interesting i have tried lots of things non gets done, am 43 trying to become a developer even if parttime..thanks for encouragement

Holy!!! Your Dad is my new Hero! Wow, on point with all his dialect and knowledge. Wow!!!

Your dad is a awesome role model. Love him and Appreciate him you only get 1.

I'm 44 and trying to learn to code. I started when I was 40 and have struggled to find my footing enough between family, job, and a severe case of ADD. I'm currently trying to focus on learning android development. I'm hoping to start applying for jobs some time this year. I watched your first video with your dad and this one just popped up in my feed. So thankful for the extra boost in motivation. It really helps that I'm not the only one learning to code in midlife. Thank you.

Love this epi. It encourage me. Keep this channel.

this is like all the advice i need to hear right now. Thank you Kenny!

Really enjoyed the interview Kenny. I was going to only watch twenty minutes, but I'm glad I stayed for the whole thing.