Lek | Thailand
Lek’s Journey to Reinvent Herself
At 56, Lek found herself questioning her next steps in life. After nearly three decades in IT, she took a long break to focus on her well-being. However, as the years passed, she started feeling uncertain about re-entering the workforce. With rapid technological changes and younger professionals dominating the industry, she wondered if she still had a place.
The Challenge of Returning After Years Away
Lek had spent years managing IT systems in a food and beverage company, but stepping away for seven years created a gap. While she once led teams and implemented tech solutions, the industry had evolved in ways she wasn’t sure she could keep up with. Many essential tools and platforms, such as cloud-based systems, hadn’t been part of her daily work before.
Looking for ways to regain her confidence, she started applying for jobs. However, she hesitated—would employers take her seriously after such a long break? Did she still have the skills to compete in the current job market? She knew she needed to upgrade her knowledge but wasn’t sure where to start.
Finding the Right Opportunity
One day, while scrolling through social media, she stumbled upon the Junior Software Developer Boot Camp of Generation Thailand. The program was designed for people looking to break into tech, offering hands-on coding lessons, soft skills training, and career preparation. Despite her doubts, she decided to apply.
She was aware that her past IT experience could be both a strength and a weakness. Although she understood programming logic, she had never worked in a modern software development environment. In some ways, she felt like a complete beginner, needing to unlearn outdated methods and approach coding with a fresh perspective.
Overcoming Learning Barriers
Stepping into the boot camp, Lek quickly realized that learning at 56 came with unique challenges. The fast-paced, intensive nature of the program was unlike anything she had experienced before. Unlike her younger classmates, she wasn’t accustomed to online learning or intensive coding boot camps. Even simple tools like Google Drive, which were second nature to younger generations, required her to spend extra time learning on her own.
At times, she struggled to keep up. Many of her classmates were fresh out of school, quick to grasp new concepts and adapt to the digital learning environment. But instead of letting that discourage her, Lek embraced the challenge. She attended every session, completed assignments on time, and consistently practiced outside of class. She wasn’t afraid to ask her younger classmates for help, and they patiently supported her in return.
A New Outlook on the Future
Through discipline and determination, Lek not only gained technical skills but also transformed her mindset. She became more disciplined, open to learning, and confident in her ability to adapt. While she doesn’t expect to become a full-time software developer, she now envisions roles where she can combine her past experience with her new skills—perhaps in consulting or advisory roles in tech.
Looking back, Lek is proud of herself. The journey wasn’t easy, but she proved that age is never a limitation to learning. For her, the most valuable lesson was stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing change, no matter how late in life it may seem.
