Financial limitations and family responsibilities are among the top considerations when people apply to Momentum courses, and we believe these considerations are even more top of mind for parents. But, switching careers and making the pivot to tech as a parent is possible. Our graduates are living proof. Graduates like Craig Brunengraber and Micky McKeon were able to switch careers and now experience the long-term benefits, including more family time and future-proof careers in technology.

“After graduating from Momentum and starting my new career in tech, I now come home at a reasonable hour,” Craig says. “I’ve been having a traditional family dinner every night for the first time in over a decade.” He continues, “There are certain things money can’t buy, and that lifestyle exists in tech and that’s been a godsend.”

After graduating from Momentum and starting my new career in tech, I now come home at a reasonable hour.

So How Do You Switch Careers?

Having a good sense of what to expect and establishing a strategy before committing to code school will help you switch careers like a pro. With the right support and resources, you can see return on investment before you know it. According to Craig, “Short-term sacrifices get you to the long-term goals.” Our graduates share their advice on how to switch careers through code school:

1. Set a Schedule

“If you want to commit to code school, figure out your schedule first,” Momentum graduate Micky McKeon, tells us. For Micky, Momentum’s full-time Monday through Friday schedule meant that he had to consider each weekday in advance. He looked at the hours he would be home, the hours his partner would be home, and the times his children needed to be transported from one place to another.

But, in this time of remote learning, setting a schedule may be even more important with kids at home. Creating a daily routine for yourself and for your kids – and posting it somewhere the family can see – will help manage anxiety and benefit the family. You can schedule breaks with the kids to play with them, help with schoolwork, or get some fresh air.

Creating a daily routine for yourself and for your kids – and posting it somewhere the family can see – will help manage anxiety and benefit the family.

2. Communicate with your community

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Micky says. “Reach out to your friends and let them know your concerns and see if people can maybe watch your kids for free at some point. Let people know you need help.”

Craig adds, “Plan in advance with your network to eliminate stress. From experience, if you ask for help, you will find support.” But, kids will be kids, and you can expect your children to interrupt class from time to time. Communicate with your instructors and teammates ahead of time about your situation.

Chances are other folks are in the same situation (and can share pointers, too!). The more you can manage expectations and anticipate distractions, the more you can successfully navigate remote learning and feel at ease about switching careers.

Code school is an investment with proven financial return.

3. Research financial resources

Switching careers is simplified with the right financial opportunities available to you. Code school is an investment with proven financial return. So even if paying directly is not an option for you, there are good alternatives available. Momentum lets you choose the way you pay, so you can work with our lending partners to find the best financial option for you. If childcare is a concern, Momentum offers Cost of Living funds specifically for childcare through our lending partner Skills Fund.

At Momentum, we don’t want financial limitations to be a barrier for parents trying to switch careers into tech. We’d love to chat with you and help find the best payment option for you. For Craig, “The payoff [was] well worth it.” Let’s help you get started and switch careers like a pro.