25 Years Later: How I Returned to My Dream of Becoming a Developer
You don’t need to be 20 to start
In 1999, I wanted to become a developer. At the time, I pictured myself more like a hacker - curious, diving deep, building things. But life went another way. 25 years later, I decided to return to that idea.
How is that possible? Let me tell you.
The First Spark
My first computer had a Cyrix processor and a bulky monitor. I bought a book about how computers work - I still remember how it smelled - and spent hours exploring. I built my first websites with Microsoft FrontPage, editing raw HTML by hand. Eventually, I started doing small freelance projects. One of them was a website for a local rock band.
The Detour
Then life shifted. I chose “serious” work. I worried about careers, relationships, the usual questions. My interests didn’t go away - but they got buried under obligations.
Over the years, I built a few businesses, including a medical clinic. And no matter the industry, I always looked for ways to bring tech into it, even in small ways.
The Turning Point
At 41, something changed. I began running daily - 41 days in a row, as it turned out. That streak triggered a question I hadn’t asked in years:
“What if I tried again?”
I didn’t want to look back someday and wonder what could’ve been. So I returned to code.
I started by catching up - reading, exploring, trying out tools. Python, JavaScript… eventually I landed on iOS development. It just clicked. It gave me the right balance between product, code, and business thinking.
Building apps from end to end feels right to me. I like knowing the full picture, from concept to implementation. As someone who’s spent his life turning ideas into businesses, this fits. And it feels good to create again.
The joy I felt at 16 - I feel it now.
A Thought for You
If you're in a similar place - thinking of trying something you’ve set aside for too long - know this:
You don’t need permission.
You don’t need perfect timing.
You don’t need to be “young enough.”
You just need to begin.
The years behind you aren't wasted. They shaped your view, your strengths, your story.
It’s not about making up for lost time.
It’s about deciding that now is still a great time to start.
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Thanks for reading!
Cheers, Andrey 👋
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