Crossing the Rubycon: How to Learn to Code and Build a Programming Career

by Nadia Zhuk

This is a comprehensive self-help book for aspiring coders, filled with concrete, practical advice as well as useful insider tips and encouraging stories about learning to code and finding a programming job as a code newbie. Unlike most learn-to-code books, this one is actually written by someone who had no technical background whatsoever just several years ago—a former journalist and translator who managed to teach herself to code and find a paid full-time job as a software developer in just 9 months. Drawing upon her experience in journalism, Nadia Zhuk, now a software engineer at Zendesk, has written a detailed and captivating book that incorporates a heartfelt first-person account of her own career change into a well-structured how-to guide that you might want to revisit multiple times as you make your way in the world of IT. The book debunks popular misconceptions about being a programmer, gives a general overview of the industry and helps you figure out which career path might suit you best. It then guides you through the best practices of learning to code, finding your first coding job and getting through your early years as a self-taught programmer. The book also recommends the best resources for self-studying for those who chose Ruby on Rails as their primary technology. The advice is generic enough to be helpful in finding comparable resources for other technologies. Table of Contents Chapter My Non-technical Background Chapter Excuses for Not Learning to Code Chapter Choosing Your Adventure Chapter Step-by-step Guide to Teaching Yourself to Code Chapter How to Find a Job Chapter My Life as a Professional Programmer Chapter Tips for New Programmers Chapter Going Forward Praise for the Book Nadia Zhuk has written an engaging, inspiring, and practical account of her journey into the often challenging, sometimes frustrating, and always fascinating world of computer programming. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of learning to code and would like to know more about what might be in store, Nadia’s book is a great place to start! Michael Hartl, author of the Ruby on Rails Tutorial

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 8, 2020

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Reviews

[Katrin Blanchare · Rating 5 out of 5]

''...You might be a junior programmer, but you are not a junior person... Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.''

You know what? I was completely absorbed in this book. It is not so much about Ruby peculiarities, as about staying firm and purposeful deciding to change your life once and for all.

Nadya is a perfect storyteller. She is sincere, witty and kind of valiant :-). I couldn't but read and keep reflecting all the time... The book is full of emotional experience, doubts and anguish, tips and personal advice. It's about the diverse path of an ordinary girl who beats all the odds of life's ups and downs. Crossing the Rubycon is a must-read not just for everyone specialized in some way with I.T. field, but for every young person who wants to change something and become a better professional.

''... For at least a few months before I decided to quit, I would get defensive whenever someone talked to me about some exciting new career opportunities. Everything is fine, I would say. Yet I was already checking out the job market. Like someone in an awful marriage, I was pretending everything was hunky-dory while secretly looking for a divorce lawyer.''

Here I'm applauding, such a familiar feeling!

In this unprecedented time, only those who can combine their soft and hard skills will become tomorrow’s leaders and problemsolvers. And I truly believe that this book may help you become smarter, or become your source of inspiration, or your kind tutor. :-)

[Izabela Kańtoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars not because there is some mystery discovered in it and I learned how to live. I gave this book a 5 stars rating because I can see my story there. Also, I feel like I stopped in the middle of my way and this book gave me a ton of reasons to keep going and work a little bit harder. I really like the author's honesty, empathy, and self-reflection. Crossing the Rubycon is excellent for people who want to change something, but don't know where to start. I can see people repetitively asking questions on how to break into the tech world. I would love to just give them this book and let them start the coding adventure.

[Masha Karachun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely happy and proud to recommend this self-help book for programmers-to-be by a good friend of mine and a talented self-taught coder Nadia Zhuk! It has practical advice, useful tips and all the motivation you need to keep going!

I am in the middle of reading and feel totally engaged, will get back with a more detailed review once I am through! It is clear already the book can offer much more than I expected!

[Alena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Radically honest book. Nadia not only shared her experience and debunked a bunch of myths around IT, but provided a wide list of materials and extremely helpful "how-to" guides on how approach self-learning journey.
This book is a gem, that I constantly recommend to my friends and acquaintances, who are interested in "breaking into IT".

[Marie-Andree Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really glad to have read this book. It was well written and each chapter was relevant and captivating. As a software developer working at Zendesk too, and as a professional musician who started learning "computer stuff" at 30 to drastically change career and be a programer (well, that's where the money is, right? not in some nice piano pieces that make people cry, who needs that anyway?!), reading Crossing the Rubycon made me feel like I was no longer the only one of my kind. It was so heartwarming to read Nadia's journey and to learn about her struggles as well as her successes. She tells it with honesty and authenticity and it certainly inspires anyone who reads it to get to work and improve their life despite all the challenges that come with it.

It's not a tech book, but there are some really great tips and ideas on how to enter the tech world when you have no idea what you are doing. She also references many good books.

Here's who I think would benefit from reading this book:

- People who aspire to be a programmer but have no technical background
- Anyone interested in a career in technology but not sure where to start (not just programmers)
- Managers who would like to better understand their employees who have an atypical career
- Anyone who just enjoy reading a nice and inspiring personal story with its ups and downs that turns out to be a success in the end

Finally, I mostly work with Python, but reading this book definitely made me want to learn Ruby too!

[Łukasz Badura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing The Rubycon is a great account of the author's personal journey of switching careers and becoming a software engineer. The book is a quick and enjoyable read. It's full of very practical advice and tips on how to start your journey in the tech world. Apart from pragmatic advice, the author provides a lot of personal experience in a very open and honest way.

Working in tech myself I strongly believe that the tech industry (regardless of it's flaws) can enable many people to work towards a better life for themselves and their families. The industry is growing and nowadays is very approachable to people regardless of background. Nadia's book is a great tool to convince people who doubt themselves, to consider this career path, and also to improve their chances for success.

[Ghadeer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really want to become a software engineer, there is close to nothing that can prevent you from doing that. You are not too old, too stupid, or too poor for this. You have all the time you need. You have access to all the resources you require to learn to code. If I’ve done it, you can do it as well.

Although I come form a technical background, this book was really useful for me. For a fresh grad feeling that everything is falling apart, this was a future message that
"Everything will workout if you focus on your goal"
And it is a first to see someone talking about what they really did to build their career in tech not just some general tips, so that was an important point in the book.
I think the only thing I didn't like was the first chapter in the book when she was talking about her background and how she decided to take the step and learn to code. It made me feel a little bored. But overall, it was a great book to give you some clear point about where to start.

[Ömer Faruk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reached Nadia's book from one of Michael Hartl's emails and I'm really grateful to find it. I've read it at once and as a non-tech lawyer, I find my new perspective. Thanks :)

[Nadia Zhuk]

Just re-read it. Still love it ❤️

[Anastasia Teleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. A friend of mine, who knows the author in person, recommended to read it. I believe that's a perfect read for those who desire but are too afraid to pivot their careers because they are unsure whether they can learn something new or whether they would fit in a new industry. Nadia is a living example that everything is possible no matter your background, income, country of origin, or whatever you think the obstacles are. I especially liked the part where she described how scared she was of getting fired because she knew she didn't have enough experience to solve the tasks she was assigned. I can totally relate to that. I can also say from my experience that it's a normal thing to feel - every new job is pretty stressful in the beginning. Nadia showed that with enough persistence and hard work everything is possible. It's a truly inspiring story, and thank you, Nadia, for sharing it!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great find. I found Nadia's book from one of my LinkedIn connections (a senior software engineer who I don't know personally). This engineer recommended this book. Nadia describes clearly and honestly how she got into coding.

I jumped into coding, software development much later than Nadia but her story resonates with me because she also started as a complete beginner and non technical. Her reasons for changing careers also lined up with my reasons.

Her book is easy to read with short chapters and good anecdotes of the different parts of her journey. She describes why she picked Ruby/Rails, why she didn't start with JavaScript (most in demand) and why WordPress is hardly mentioned in the coding world, even though it is in huge demand and has a ton of freelance jobs.

I highly recommend Nadia's book. She is self-taught and persevered in a new career. Plus she knows how to write.

[Dayane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia's story is super impressive and inspiring. It gave me a huge motivation boost to study and addressed many of the unhelpful things I've been telling myself as a tester getting into the world of feature development at the moment.
Also, as an immigrant myself, Nadia's book was extremely relatable. The 'crabs in the buckets' as she put were always there, the anxiety about residency permits and the burnouts, and the difficulties that perfectionism and insecurity can create.
I can't wait to check the learning resources she shared in the book as well, and I really liked the detail that was added to each recommendation regarding their suitability (if best for beginners on the language, non-technical people, etc).
I think even people who never thought of coding might be inspired to give it a try after reading this book!

[Mina]

This book was beautifully written and down to Earth. Nadia not only shared the good things about coding journey, but also the struggles along the way.

I am truly impressed and inspired by Nadia's determination, persistence and hard work throughout her journey.

I would highly recommend this book to all the self learners out there, as I can guarantee that you won't be able to put the book down once you start it!

[Jakub Kopyś · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I didn't expect this book to be this "personal", but ultimately, this might be the reason I loved it for. Thanks to this approach it turned out to be not only informative, but also very easy and pleasant to read.

If you are thinking about becoming a programmer but have your doubts, I couldn't recommend it more. I feel like it gives a very realistic and down-to-earth view of such experience.

[Юлия Белобрудова]

The book is awesome ! I've devoured it within a couple of days. The author's valuable hands-on experience is coupled with practical tips and guidelines. A must read not only for aspiring techs, but also for everyone to make sure everything is possible, even to crack a code! It's not a pure description of know-how to trailblaze a career path, but an inspiration in itself!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to clear doubts about switching to tech without a certificate, this is the perfect book for you, I am happy that I read this book.

[Cipto Suhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story Nadia's first job as Ruby dev.
It give me motivation to more deep dive learn code.

[Krunal Sisodia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the event that you need to clear questions about changing to tech without an authentication, this is the ideal book for you, I am glad that I read this book.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a very good book for anyone starting out in IT or looking to become a software developer, no matter what your background is. It is possible! ^^

[Xin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nadia’s work is full of inspiring personal stories and practical tips for career-building. Her book offers much more than the lesson of “how to learn to code and build a programming career”, as suggested in its subtitle; it is also a glorious and adventurous journey of walking through a deep, dark valley at a point in life with hope and resilience. It is approachable, engaging and inspiring. It is a must-read for any career-changers who want to enter tech.

[Olena Hulakova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Искренняя, живая история о девушке из небольшого городка в Беларуси, которая благодаря своему интеллекту, упорству и невероятному трудолюбию смогла самостоятельно освоить навыки программирования, найти первую желанную работу и сразу же сменить страну проживания.

Книгу я прочла на одном дыхании.
Переживала вместе с героиней все ее достижения и неудачи.
Кто самостоятельно покорял мир IT, тот очень хорошо поймет все чувства и эмоции, которыми делится автор.

Книга Crossing the Rubycon - это не просто история успеха, это подробный гид о том, как избежать ошибок;
это честные вопросы, которые нужно задать себе перед началом долгого пути обучения, чтобы понять, действительно ли программирование - это именно то, чем вы хотите заниматься;
это подробный и пошаговый план, с чего начать, какие учебники и ресурсы использовать, на что не нужно тратить время, и чему стоит уделять особое внимание.

На мой взгляд, Crossing the Rubycon - это книга - ментор, которая сэкономит невероятное количество времени и энергии любому, кто начинает свой путь в мире IT как программист.

P.S. Слежу за успехами автора. В прошлом году Nadia Zhuk получила позицию в международной компании и переехала жить в Лондон. 😉 Это продолжение истории...
Очень надеюсь, что нас ждет новая книга с историей покорения Великобритании.

[Artem Huletski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vitebsk Redemption.
Well, I expected to learn more about coding than cv preparation and interview process. Motivational part is good though, due to the well-known starting point and similar mentality.

[Nika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book, the story behind it, and the fact that this story wrote 1) a self-educated person from a non-tech field and 2) a woman who entered the tech market and has succeeded in the very competitive field that resonated with me. As a woman from a non-tech field, I was looking for such kinds of success stories, and this book inspired me a lot! Although the story is very personal and you can treat it as a novel, I found a lot of insights that helped me a lot when I was looking for my first job (spoiler: I took Nadia's advice from the book and this and other things helped me to land a job after 3 months of searching). In addition, the book is very easy and pleasant to read.