Taking the leap into a career shift can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. The questions swirl: am I ready for this? What if I fail? Is it too late? These thoughts are natural for anyone who’s about to make a big, life-changing decision. For Tun Khine, a Flatiron School alumnus who pivoted from 13 years in international civil service to a flourishing career in tech, the questions were no different.
Looking back now, Tun’s career transformation serves as a blueprint for others who are considering their own leap of faith. Here’s what Tun wishes everyone knew before embarking on their tech career transition, a series of lessons to inform and inspire your next steps.
1. Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Time
Timing dilemmas are among the biggest hurdles for career changers. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’ll do it when work slows down,” or, “I need to be absolutely sure before I commit.” But what’s the cost of hesitation? For Tun, realizing how long growth had been put off was eye-opening.
He reflected, “I started to realize it wasn’t too late to make a change in my career.”
Flatiron School helped him turn aspirations into actionable steps. The program not only lays a clear path forward but also provides the support to keep moving forward—perfect timing or not. Waiting for the “perfect” time only extends your current limitations. Tun’s advice? Start now. Every small step creates momentum, and that momentum can change everything.
2. Harness the Power of Fear
Fear often masquerades as a sign to stop. What if this doesn’t work out? What if I’m terrible at coding? What if I chose the wrong direction? While these are valid concerns, Tun learned to see fear as part of the process.
Failure, he discovered, was never the enemy. “The challenges along the way weren’t signs I wasn’t capable; they were opportunities to uncover what I’d learn and improve.”
His path from entry-level support engineer to web services manager proves that improvement comes through perseverance. It isn’t about having all the answers before you begin; it’s about being willing to learn along the way.
3. Finding Support Makes All the Difference
Too often, career changers take on the impossible task of doing it all alone. Tun learned early on that the right network of people can be the key difference between feeling stuck and thriving.
“My small cohort of supportive peers made all the difference,” he recalled about his Flatiron School experience. “They became integral to my motivation.”
Flatiron School experience creates the kind of community that fuels success. Whether it’s collaboration during group projects or connections made through alumni networks, you’re never on this path alone. And when setbacks arise, as they always do, having a cheering section ensures you have the motivation to rise to the challenge.
4. The Best Growth Comes from the Basics
When reflecting on lessons learned, Tun always mentions the foundational skills gained early on. He found that the curriculum’s structured approach gave him the foundation to step into the industry with confidence.
He started his career in a support engineering role, learning the “behind-the-scenes” aspects of software and systems management. This didn’t just shape his skills; it gave him the courage to take larger leaps, like contributing to complex projects like donation platforms and custom tools.
Remember, every skill learned is a block in the foundation of your success. Tun’s ability to tackle new challenges later came because of the fundamentals gained early in his learning.
5. Mindset Is Your Most Powerful Tool
If you’re reading this and you’ve hesitated to begin, heed this final yet crucial lesson from Tun’s story: the key difference between success and standing still is often mindset.
He reflects on the mix of doubt and optimism that propelled his transformation. “Looking back, I realize now it wasn’t about waiting to believe entirely in myself. It was about proving to myself, gradually, that I could do this.”
The combination of courage, commitment, and a strong support system is what enabled him to succeed in his transition. And while those tools cannot erase hesitation for good, they help ensure that fear never stands in the way of progress.
Start Building Your Future Today
Tun’s journey reflects that of many others who discovered their potential at Flatiron School and turned ambition into action. What makes it powerful is the realization that career pivots are accessible to anyone.
Whether you’re driven by a search for financial growth, better work-life balance, or a passion long left unexplored, the time to start is now, not tomorrow, not next month. Right now, there’s an opportunity to reimagine what’s possible for your life.
Tun’s message resonates because it’s true for all of us; we’re capable of more than we give ourselves credit for. And with the right support and setup, there’s no limit to what might be achieved.
Are you ready to take that first step toward a more fulfilling future? Explore how Flatiron School can guide you toward a successful transition into tech. Opportunities are waiting. You just need to start. Visit Flatiron School today to learn more.
