Ask HN: Changing careers, from teaching to development?

2 points by copperx ↗ HN
I currently teach Computer Science (CS1 & CS2, Data Structures, Computer Architecture) at a Community College in a tenure track position, but I've finally realized that my true calling is development. In these last 5 years, as side projects, I've developed two big Rails apps for a local company, along with iOS and Android apps.

I've been programming since I was 12, but after I finished my Masters I wanted to try teaching, and because of family medical issues I've stayed at my teaching job for five years.

I have a Master's degree in CS from a state school, teaching experience, but I have never held a full-time programming job. I am in my mid 30s.

Ideally, I would like to be at a Big 5 company, but I feel like I would be both under-qualified for a Senior position and a bit old for an entry-level position (but I would be perfectly OK with it).

Has anyone made a similar transition? Any suggestions?

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