Is Being 31 with 3 Years of Experience a Failure for a Software Developer?

Recently, I was rejected on two occasions solely based on my age, which brought up a critical question: is there actually a failure to be embarrassed about in the software development field when I was only 31 with 3 years of experience?

No, It Isn’t

My journey into the software development world began at 30, with a Master’s degree in a relevant field and no prior experience. Despite the initial doubt and rejection, giving up on pursuing my dream because of two rejections is a quick route to failure. After all, as someone stated, you have not even hit your peak yet.

Common Rejection in the Industry

During my early career, I encountered rejection—a lot of it. On average, I was turned down for around five jobs for every one I got accepted for. There is no exact statistic I kept because it was just a constant part of the journey. Understanding and preparing for rejection is key, as it is a common phenomenon in the field.

Age Discrimination in Iran and the USA

Location plays a significant role in how age is perceived in the job market. If you live in Iran, I’m not certain about the labor laws concerning age discrimination. However, in the USA, it is illegal for an employer to reject an applicant solely based on their age, as long as their age is above 40. In your case, this does not apply, so the rejection might have been based on other factors.

Interpreting Rejection

Some employers might see a gap of 3 years between completing college and starting professional work as a sign of failure, assuming you weren’t a good enough developer to secure a job. However, there can be many legitimate reasons for this gap. Here are some scenarios:

Trying another career or starting a business and discovering a passion for software development. Caring for an older parent or younger siblings, delaying the start of your career until age 28. Delaying college due to financial or medical issues, but now you are ready to work.

Personal Experience: Sometimes, some interviewers had similar personal histories, making them more likely to understand and value candidates who started late in their current career. If re-entering the workforce after a long break is your situation, you might be even more valuable to employers than someone fresh out of college.

Defining Fairness and Moving Forward

Unfortunately, some employers will continue to make unfair assumptions about you based on your age and experience. It’s essential to let go of those who see you through a narrow lens. Seek out employers who see your potential and will value you for what you bring to the table.

On the other hand, if you find that you are genuinely not drawn to the software development field or lack the aptitude for it, it may be time to consider a different career path. There are many other fields where you can excel and find fulfillment.

In conclusion, facing rejection in the software development field should not be seen as a failure but rather as part of the journey. Stay resilient and focused on your goals, and you will find success, regardless of the age or experience you bring to the table.