I’ll be straight with you, when my cousin asked me if she should quit her marketing job to pursue a career in tech, I paused. Not because tech isn’t a great field (spoiler: it absolutely is), but because I wanted to give her the full picture. No sugar coating, no hype, just the honest truth about what it’s really like to build a career in technology today.
So, let’s have that same conversation. Is technology a good career path? Should you make the leap? Let’s dig in.
The Short Answer: Yes, But With Context
Here’s the deal: technology is one of the strongest career paths you can choose in 2025. The numbers don’t lie, tech roles are projected to grow 15% by 2031, far outpacing most other industries. But like any major life decision, it’s not a simple yes or no. It depends on who you are, what you value, and what you’re willing to put into it.
Think of it this way: tech is like living in a city that never sleeps. It’s exciting, full of opportunities, and constantly buzzing with energy. But it also means you need to keep pace, adapt quickly, and sometimes work harder than you’d like.
Why Technology Could Be Your Best Career Move
1. The Money Talk (Let’s Be Real)
Let’s address the elephant in the room, tech pays well. Really well.
The average salary for tech professionals hit $112,521 in 2024, with year over year growth continuing into 2025. But here’s what makes it even better: even entry level positions offer competitive pay that puts you ahead of most other fields.
Some eye opening numbers:
- Entry level software engineers can expect $90,000 to $170,000
- Machine learning engineers average around $165,999
- Entry level tech positions typically range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually
And here’s the kicker, certified tech professionals earn on average $2,000 more per year than their non certified peers. For those with over 20 years of experience, that gap widens to over $6,000 annually.
But it’s not just about the base salary. Tech companies often sweeten the deal with comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, generous vacation policies, stock options, and flexible work arrangements.
2. Job Security in an Uncertain World
Remember the pandemic? While many industries struggled, tech actually thrived. Why? Because businesses realized they needed technology to survive, and that hasn’t changed.
A recent study shows tech added 240,000 jobs in 2023, up nearly 50% from 2022, with tech jobs growing faster than any other category at 4.2% in 2024. Even more impressive? Cybersecurity employment alone is forecasted to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, creating nearly 17,000 new jobs per year.
The reality is simple: every company, from your local coffee shop to multinational corporations, needs tech professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% growth in tech roles by 2031, which means job openings will continue to increase year after year.
3. Work From Anywhere (Yes, Really)
I’m writing this from a coffee shop, and honestly, that’s one of the best perks of working in tech. Tech is leading the way in flexible work, with remote options now common across the industry thanks to tools like video conferencing and cloud platforms.
This isn’t just about working in your pajamas (though that’s nice). It means:
- Living in a lower cost of area while earning big city salaries
- Spending more time with family
- Designing your workday around your life, not the other way around
- Access to job opportunities regardless of where you live
4. Constant Learning Keeps You Sharp
Here’s something I genuinely love about tech: you’re never bored. The field evolves so rapidly that you’re constantly learning, growing, and tackling new challenges.
As a growing industry, the tech world puts you at the forefront of technological advancement, with sectors like blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing leading innovation.
Think about it, five years ago, we weren’t talking about ChatGPT. Ten years ago, “data scientist” wasn’t really a common job title. The industry creates entirely new career paths as technology evolves, which means opportunities for growth are virtually limitless.
5. You Don’t Need a Computer Science Degree
This might surprise you, but here’s a truth that more people need to hear: the tech job market is slowly transitioning to a skills based market, reducing dependence on expensive four year college degrees and opening opportunities to anyone willing to self teach.
A software engineer at Meta notes that it’s quite common to see tech workers without a degree build incredible careers, often starting at startups and moving on to established large companies with great perks and six digit salaries.
What matters more? Your portfolio, your skills, and your ability to prove you can do the work. Certifications, bootcamps, and self directed learning can get you there much faster (and cheaper) than a traditional degree.
The Other Side: What They Don’t Always Tell You
Now, let’s talk about the challenges, because pretending they don’t exist would be doing you a disservice.
1. The Pace Can Be Exhausting
Workload has emerged as the number one challenge for IT professionals, with nearly every company relying on technology and driving up demand for skills tech professionals bring to the table.
Tech moves fast. What’s cutting edge today might be outdated in a year. IT professionals must constantly update their skills to stay relevant in the field, and this pressure to keep up with the latest technologies can be overwhelming and may lead to burnout if not managed properly.
I’ve seen talented developers burn out because they felt like they were always playing catch up. The continuous learning that makes tech exciting can also make it demanding.
2. Burnout is Real
Let’s not dance around this. Due to the intense nature of IT jobs, professionals are susceptible to burnout from the combination of long working hours, tight deadlines, and high stakes projects that can take a toll on mental and physical well being.
Long hours are typical in the tech industry, particularly during critical project phases and new product launches, which can be detrimental to one’s health and relationships.
The key? Setting boundaries, prioritizing self care, and finding a company culture that values work life balance. They exist, you just need to be intentional about seeking them out.
3. Screen Time Overload
If you’re considering tech, you need to be comfortable with this fact: a career in technology frequently entails spending long hours in front of screens and remaining constantly connected.
For some people, this is a dealbreaker. Eye strain, headaches, and the sedentary nature of the work are real concerns. You’ll need to be proactive about taking breaks, exercising, and maintaining your physical health.
4. The Competition Can Be Fierce
The tech industry attracts some of the brightest brains from around the globe, and it may be challenging to stand out from the crowd amid this intense competition.
Especially for popular roles like software engineering, you might be competing with candidates from all over the world. You’ll need to continuously sharpen your skills, build a strong network, and find ways to differentiate yourself.
5. Imposter Syndrome is Common
Here’s something nobody talks about enough: even experienced tech professionals sometimes feel like they don’t know enough. With technology evolving so quickly and the breadth of knowledge seemingly endless, it’s easy to feel inadequate.
The good news? Almost everyone feels this way at some point. The tech community is generally supportive, and there are countless resources to help you grow.
The Most In Demand Tech Careers Right Now
If you’re sold on tech but not sure which direction to go, here are the hottest paths in 2025:
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
AI engineers are in high demand across industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, playing a crucial role in driving innovation and implementing AI solutions that automate processes, improve decision making, and enhance overall efficiency.
Cybersecurity
With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, with employment projected to increase 32% between 2022 and 2032.
Cloud Computing
Cloud Architect ranks as the fourth most in demand role for 2025, commanding six figure salaries across all 50 U.S. states. Companies are moving their infrastructure to the cloud, creating massive demand for cloud experts.
Data Science & Analytics
Data scientists require advanced technical and non technical skills, such as communicating complex ideas and making decisions based on data. With emerging AI and machine learning technologies being so data intensive, expect increased demand for all big data professionals.
Software Development
Despite industry watchers expecting demand to slow with the growing adoption of AI, software developers remain central to creating applications and systems across sectors and industries.
How to Actually Break Into Tech (Even With Zero Experience)
Okay, so you’re interested. Now what? Here’s your realistic roadmap:
Step 1: Figure Out Your Niche
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Identify your interests, what areas of IT pique your curiosity? Cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, or something else? Research different paths to see what aligns with your passion and skills.
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy solving puzzles and logical problems?
- Am I drawn to visual design and user experience?
- Do I love working with data and finding patterns?
- Am I passionate about security and protecting systems?
Step 2: Choose Your Learning Path
You have options:
Bootcamps: Bootcamps train students to an entry level standard in around six to eight months on average, and graduates start looking for jobs straight away. They’re intensive, focused, and job oriented.
Certifications: Certifications are considered the best way for employers to verify the skills and knowledge of a new hire. Consider certifications like CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Google Data Analytics Certificate.
Self Learning: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, freeCodeCamp, and YouTube offer free or affordable courses. Consider courses that offer hands on projects and real life scenario simulations, as these help you build an actual portfolio.
Traditional Degree: Not every IT position requires a formal college degree, but having one significantly puts you in an advantageous position, especially for more sought after jobs.
Step 3: Build Your Portfolio
This is crucial. Undertake projects relevant to your dream career and showcase them in your portfolio, these projects provide the ideal platform to demonstrate your abilities while gaining valuable practice.
Your portfolio should include:
- Personal projects that solve real problems
- Contributions to open source projects
- Detailed case studies showing your problem solving process
- Clean, documented code (for developers)
Step 4: Network Like Your Career Depends On It (Because It Does)
Your network is your net worth, particularly in such a competitive industry. Join relevant online forums, social media groups, and professional networks like LinkedIn, GitHub, and Stack Overflow.
Attend tech meetups, conferences, and webinars. Don’t be shy about reaching out to people for informational interviews. Most tech professionals are surprisingly willing to help newcomers.
Step 5: Start Applying (Before You Feel Ready)
Here’s a secret: you’ll never feel 100% ready. Among tech workers who were recently laid off in an October 2022 survey, 37% found a new job within one month, and 79% found a new job within three months. The demand is real.
Start applying when you’re about 70% ready. The interview process itself is a learning experience, and you’ll improve with practice.
Essential Skills You’ll Need
Beyond technical skills, focus on these:
Technical Skills (depending on your path):
- Python and JavaScript as versatile programming languages
- Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Data analysis and cybersecurity fundamentals
- AI and machine learning frameworks
Soft Skills (equally important):
- Creative thinking, communication, collaboration, problem solving, time management, and analytical skills
- The ability to explain complex technical concepts to non technical people
- Adaptability and continuous learning mindset
- Teamwork and project management
Real Talk: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Into Tech
Tech Might Be Perfect For You If:
- You enjoy problem solving and logical thinking
- You’re comfortable with continuous learning
- You can handle screen time and sedentary work
- You’re excited by innovation and change
- You value flexibility and remote work options
- You’re willing to be patient with yourself while learning
Tech Might Not Be For You If:
- You need high levels of face to face interaction daily
- You struggle with stress and tight deadlines
- You’re not interested in keeping skills current
- You need immediate perfection and struggle with failure
- You’re looking for a completely stable, unchanging role
The Bottom Line
So, is technology a good career path? For most people looking for stability, growth, and good pay, absolutely yes.
But here’s my real advice: don’t just chase the salary. Choose tech because you’re genuinely interested in it. Because when things get tough (and they will), that genuine interest is what will keep you going. It’s what will make the late night debugging sessions feel less like torture and more like solving an engaging puzzle.
Technology is a promising career path, and the tech job market’s trajectory for the next decade is equally promising, with emerging trends and innovations reshaping the landscape. The opportunities are massive, the field is growing, and there’s room for people from all backgrounds.
My cousin? She made the switch. It wasn’t easy, there were moments of doubt, late study nights, and plenty of “what am I doing?” moments. But two years later, she’s thriving as a data analyst at a fintech startup, working remotely from her dream city, and earning more than she ever did in marketing.
Could that be you? Maybe. The tech industry doesn’t care about your age, your background, or where you went to school. It cares about what you can do, how you solve problems, and whether you’re willing to keep learning.
The door is open. Are you ready to walk through it?
Want to learn more about breaking into tech? Start by exploring free coding resources like freeCodeCamp, take a certification course on Coursera, or join tech communities on Reddit and Discord. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
