It was surreal being in a big city at a big tech company. There was swag and expensive equipment waiting for me at my very own desk, free lunch and so many beverages! I’m a beverage fiend so this was all very acceptable. I commuted on the train each morning and squeezed in some gym time occasionally before heading home at night.

I felt so relieved and yet defeated, but mostly excited. I was having fun. I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to wear down my body all day or shout small talk at strangers doing something in the service industry like I always imagined I would have to do. Although my hourly wage was pitiful by tech industry standards for someone coming out of coding bootcamp, I was already making more than my parent’s income combined.

When I told my brother the news, he said “that’s not a real job”. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do more, laugh uncontrollably in agreement or get defensive and feel hurt. Looking back on it now, I find it hilarious.