How To Break Into Tech as a SAHM

I didn’t have much going for me when I started my tech career:

1. I identify as she/her/hers (the tech field has predominantly been a male-led industry. I’ve heard of females shaving their heads and wearing suits so they can achieve success and respect similar to their male counterparts.)
2. I am a parent — a mom.
3. I stay home full time with my kiddos. …which means I have to choose between work and entertaining my 5yo and 2yo. Sometimes I am able to do both at the same time.
4. I homeschool a kindergartener and a preschooler.
5. We’re in the middle of a pandemic so I can’t just take them somewhere to play while I work on my computer (i.e. local cafe, McDonald’s, etc.). I can’t hire a babysitter either… especially while we all got sick with Covid.
6. My degree is a B.A. in Music with Concentrations in Education and Performance. I spent a lifetime studying my craft and working professionally. I devoted three hours of practice per day, volunteer-time in local ensembles, and countless hours teaching private lessons. I didn’t have experience in tech until I started my own business and built my website in WordPress.

Does this sound familiar?

I’m currently writing this blog at 10:30pm while my kiddos sleep. Somehow I’m able to get 7–9 hours of sleep per night and have enough energy to do it all again the next day.

Here are my secrets:

1. I’m proud to be a minority in the tech industry. It’s what makes me unique and allows me to offer a different perspective. This encourages diversity which encourages innovation…. all companies need people like me.
2. Yes, my kids have many demands, but I know what to expect each day from start to finish. I know when they will be reminding me about their vitamins, when they need to snuggle, when they need to drink more water, and etc. I’m excellent at staying on a schedule.
3. I am amazing at multi-tasking!!
4. I can step into many shoes and get the job done.
5. I have found the perfect times to work during the day: in the early morning, during screen-time, throughout nap-time, in the evenings when my husband is home, and at night when the kids go to sleep. Because I get several breaks during the day this keeps my mind sharp and I’m able to work efficiently.
6. Studying music has allowed me to be self-disciplined, focused, scheduled, and devoted!!

Why did I get into tech?

I owned a private music lessons business where I was the sole owner and operator. I did everyone from teaching lessons to payroll. I even built and maintained my own websites. I started learning how to code and became intrigued by the world of programming. About three years ago I was invited to take a trial class that introduced me to frontend and backend programming. After two years of debate, self-taught classes, and an obsessed fascination with programming I finally decided to attend Flatiron School’s online bootcamp for Full Stack Software Engineering. It was the best decision I have made!

In the end, I’d do it all again.