In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, software engineering is one of the most sought-after careers. From creating apps and websites to building systems that power businesses, software engineers shape the digital world we live in. For stay-at-home moms looking to re-enter the workforce, software engineering presents an exciting and rewarding career option — one that offers flexibility, high demand, and endless opportunities for growth.

If you’ve always been curious about tech but felt like you were “too late” to start or unsure where to begin, don’t worry. It’s never too late to break into software engineering, and as a mom, your unique skills and determination will be your greatest assets. Here’s how you can take the first steps toward becoming a software engineer and why it’s the perfect career for stay-at-home mothers like you.

Why Software Engineering is the Perfect Career for Stay-at-Home Moms 

1. High Demand and Job Security: Software engineers are in high demand, and the demand continues to grow year after year. Every industry, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and education, relies on software. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for software developers is expected to grow by 22% from 2020 to 2030 — much faster than the average for other occupations.

2. Flexibility and Remote Opportunities: One of the best things about software engineering is that it can often be done remotely or with flexible hours. As a stay-at-home mom, this flexibility allows you to balance your career with your family responsibilities. Many tech companies offer work-from-home positions, part-time opportunities, and flexible schedules, allowing you to have both a fulfilling career and the time you need for your family.

3. Well-Paid and Rewarding Career Software engineering is a well-compensated field, with salaries significantly higher than the national average. According to recent data, the average annual salary for a software engineer in the U.S. is well over $100,000. For stay-at-home moms returning to work, this provides an excellent opportunity to not only build a career but also provide financial stability for their families.

4. Room for Growth The tech industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. This means there’s always something new to learn, keeping the work exciting and rewarding. Whether it’s working with cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or blockchain, software engineers are always at the forefront of innovation. As a mother, you can build a long-term career with continuous opportunities for growth and advancement.

Steps to break into Software Engineering

1. Learn the Basics

Starting from scratch can be intimidating, but there are plenty of resources to help you learn the fundamentals of software development. Begin by learning basic programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Ruby — these are popular and versatile languages that form the foundation of many applications.

There are many free and paid online courses that provide structured learning paths for beginners. Some great platforms include:

Codecademy

freeCodeCamp

Udemy

Coursera

edX

These platforms offer interactive lessons and hands-on coding practice, which is essential for understanding core programming concepts.

2. Choose a Specialization

Software engineering is a broad field, and there are various specializations you can pursue. Some of the most popular paths include:

Front-End Development: Building the user interface of websites and applications (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

Back-End Development: Creating the server-side logic and databases that power applications (Java, Python, Ruby, Node.js).

Full-Stack Development: A combination of both front-end and back-end development skills.

Mobile App Development: Developing apps for iOS or Android (Swift, Kotlin, React Native).

Data Science: Working with data to extract insights and build predictive models (Python, R, SQL).

Explore these areas to find the one that excites you the most. You can always switch tracks as you grow, but starting with one area will help you focus your learning efforts.

3. Build a Portfolio

A portfolio is essential for showcasing your skills as a software engineer, especially when you’re just starting out. Build small projects like personal websites, to-do apps, or interactive websites that demonstrate your ability to code. Make sure to host your projects on platforms like GitHub, where potential employers or clients can review your code and see your progress.

Additionally, you can contribute to open-source projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab, where you can collaborate with other developers and build a reputation in the developer community.

4. Network and Join Communities

Networking is crucial in tech, and there are countless online communities that can help you connect with other developers. Join tech groups on LinkedIn, Slack, or Discord, where you can share ideas, ask for advice, and collaborate with others. Participate in online coding events like Hackathons or Code Challenges to push yourself and meet like-minded individuals.

5. Apply for Jobs or Freelance Opportunities

Once you feel confident in your skills, start applying for entry-level software engineering positions. Companies are often open to hiring junior developers, especially if they can demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and a passion for learning.

Alternatively, freelancing can be a great way to get started and gain real-world experience. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr offer opportunities for developers to work with clients on smaller projects. Freelancing allows you to set your own hours and gain experience without committing to a full-time job.

Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts Here

Software engineering is a career that offers incredible potential for growth, flexibility, and financial independence — all of which are particularly appealing for stay-at-home moms looking to return to work. With dedication, the right resources, and a willingness to learn, you can break into this dynamic field and start building the career you’ve always wanted.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of starting over. Embrace the challenge and take small steps toward your goal. The coding world is full of opportunities, and you’re capable of achieving anything you set your mind to.

At The Coding Mum, we are here to support you every step of the way. From providing resources to offering mentorship, we’re committed to helping mothers like you succeed in tech. Together, we can build a community of empowered women who are shaping the future of technology.

Ready to get started? Start learning today and begin your exciting journey into software engineering!