Learning to code so that you can land a job in tech can feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from Codecademy’s community — to show how people like you (yes, you!) can embark on a learning journey and end up with a totally new career. We hope these stories serve as a reminder that there’s no single path to a more fulfilling work life.
Today’s story is from Torey Kesteven, a 31-year-old former political communications leader turned freelancer living in both Canada and Colombia, Latin America. Read more stories from Codecademy learners here — and be sure to share your story here.
Why I chose to learn to code
“I did a Bachelor of Arts and worked in political communications for several years. Working my way up to a senior role, I got burnt out during the pandemic. Constant news, constant pressure. So I left government communications and took a role in a nonprofit for a year. During this time, it become clear to me that I really wanted to travel more in Latin America. So as soon as travel became normal, I took off to Latin America — kind of an ‘eat, pray, love journey.’ I quit my job. I was looking for some clarity.
I didn’t really like the direction my career was going. I found myself climbing the career ladder but feeling unfulfilled. That’s when I found UI/UX. I did an internship, and now I’m freelancing.
The design industry is super competitive. It’s hard to find long-term roles, and the preferred qualifications include HTML and CSS. I wanted to learn more about coding but was not really sure where to start. My partner is a Software Developer and he was encouraging me to dive in.
I found Codecademy and honestly really, really love the platform. Specifically, that it has a built-in text editor — I didn’t have to go and download something and could start immediately.
I began with an HTML course, then a CSS Course, and now I’m working my way through the Front-End Engineering career path. I think like the way the market is going — we’re seeing a lot of UX Engineer or UX Designer and Front-End Developer hybrid roles.”
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How I made time to learn
“Freelancing gave me quite a bit of flexibility with my schedule. I try to make it a goal for myself to code at least two or three days a week. Codecademy makes it quite easy to jump back in, which I really appreciate. I just try and stay consistent with it.”
How I saved up money to switch careers
“I was fortunate to have savings from my government job, and I also split my time between Canada and Colombia, where the cost of living is lower.
Workaway, a platform offering travelers room and board in exchange for volunteer work, was a great way to live affordably abroad while still having time to focus on learning or freelancing.”
How long it took me to land a job
“I finished my design program in February of 2024 and then got a 6-month internship. Last August, I got an opportunity to start freelancing while I was looking for long-term roles. One client led to the next project, and it built from there. My goal would be to have a permanent position in a design or development agency.
Part of the reason I went the coding route is that there are quite a few paths you can take in this industry. I realized through learning that I wanted to make big things and be a part of a team, and having a fuller understanding of code is what’s going to help me get there.
It’s key to be able to speak the developers’ language so that I can interact and collaborate effectively with them. Having those additional coding skills has really helped me stand out.”
What I wish I knew before I started learning
“Coding isn’t as scary as it seems, and you don’t have to know everything all at once. Platforms like Codecademy make the process approachable, so just take the first step and build on it gradually.
Having patience with yourself is important. It’s a completely new world, just like design was a new world, and then coding, and now development work.
Part of me was just a little frustrated with myself that I didn’t start sooner because I feel like I didn’t give myself enough credit. I’m a university-educated person who has done a lot of different things. It’s kind of freaky when you hear about ‘different languages’ but even just having a little bit of HTML and CSS is going to be beneficial.
And with starting any new thing, don’t look at the whole mountain. Take it one step at a time.”
Advice for Aspiring Coders
- Stay Open to New Possibilities: “I didn’t know exactly where coding would take me, but I knew it was a skill worth having. Be open to where the learning process can lead.”
- Leverage Flexible Learning Tools: “A platform like Codecademy is great because you can fit it into your schedule, whether you’re freelancing, working full-time, or traveling.”
- Take Risks, but Plan Ahead: “Big changes often require stepping out of your comfort zone, but smart planning—whether financial or logistical—can make the leap less intimidating.”
Not sure where to start? Check out our personality quiz! We’ll help you find the best programming language to learn based on your strengths and interests.
Want to share your Codecademy learner story? Drop us a line here. And don’t forget to join the discussions in our community.
