From IT Graduate to Python Developer: My 8-Year Gap Comeback
How I’m bridging the gap between theory and practice in the modern Python landscape.
The Apprehension After 8 Years Away
There’s a particular anxiety that comes from opening a code editor after nearly a decade away from programming. You remember the concepts—OOP, data structures, algorithms—but your fingers have forgotten the rhythm. The tech landscape has transformed, and you’re left wondering: “Can I still do this?”
That was me exactly one month ago. With an IT degree that felt increasingly theoretical and eight years spent away from active coding, I knew I needed a structured approach to become job-ready again.
Assessing the Damage: Theoretical Knowledge vs. Marketable Skills
My self-assessment revealed an interesting gap:
What I Had:
- Solid understanding of computer science fundamentals
- Comfort with Linux and Docker from self-hosting projects
- Problem-solving experience from personal Godot game development
- The methodical approach of someone who’d once been a top student
What I Lacked:
- Hands-on experience with modern web frameworks
- Understanding of current development workflows (Git, CI/CD)
- Portfolio of practical, deployable projects
- Confidence in my ability to write production-ready code
The theoretical knowledge was there, but the muscle memory was gone.
The Strategy: Project-First Learning
I decided on a 6-month, project-centric plan with these key principles:
- Skip Beginner Content — Leverage existing CS knowledge but focus on modern implementation
- Build Immediately — Start creating real projects from day one
- Use Modern Tools — Git, VS Codium, Docker from the very beginning
- Replace Unproductive Time — Dedicate 1–3 hours daily that would have gone to social media or games
I’m also working with an AI programming mentor to accelerate the learning process. The goal isn’t to have the AI write code for me, but to use it as a thinking partner—someone to explain concepts, suggest best practices, and help debug when I’m stuck.
First Victory: Environment Setup and “Hello, World” 2.0
The initial goal was simple: get a basic Flask app running and accessible across devices. The moment I accessed my local development server from my Android phone and saw “Hello, PyMentor!” displayed was surprisingly powerful. I’d created something real.
The Mindset Shift: From Consumption to Creation
The most significant change hasn’t been technical—it’s been psychological. I’m systematically replacing time that would have disappeared into social media or gaming with deliberate practice. The 25-minute coding sessions after morning coffee have become a non-negotiable habit.
Looking Ahead
The journey has just begun. Next up:
- Adding SQLite database to my Flask app
- Implementing user authentication
- Containerizing with Docker
- Deployment to a cloud platform
The 8-year gap feels less daunting now. Each small victory builds momentum.
To anyone considering a similar comeback: start building immediately. Your theoretical knowledge is more valuable than you think, and modern tools are more accessible than ever.
This article is part of my Python Comeback Journey — documenting my return to coding after an 8-year gap.
Next → How I Fixed My First Flask 404 Error
