From Delivery Bags to Debugging Code

There was a time in my life when my days were measured by mileage, delivery times, and the weight of the bags I carried. I worked as a delivery driver, maneuvering through busy streets and quiet neighborhoods alike. My routine was simple. Wake up early, check the app for new orders, and spend the next eight to ten hours bringing meals to front doors and apartment lobbies. It was fast-paced, often exhausting, and never boring. But deep down, I knew it was never meant to be permanent.

What many people did not see was the second life I was living once my shift ended. After the last order was dropped off and the tips were counted, I would go home, change out of my uniform, and open up my laptop at the kitchen table. My real work was only beginning. Every night, I immersed myself in online IT courses, tutorials, and practice labs. While others were winding down from their day, I was starting mine all over again—this time in pursuit of a different kind of future.

At first, everything about technology felt overwhelming. I had no formal background, no mentors, and very little idea of where to begin. I started with free videos and beginner-friendly platforms that introduced me to topics like how the internet works, what coding is, and the basics of computer networks. There were nights when I could barely keep my eyes open, but I still pressed on. I made flashcards, scribbled down notes on sticky pads, and bookmarked every resource I could find.

The more I learned, the more curious I became. I started experimenting with HTML and CSS, building terrible-looking websites that, despite their appearance, filled me with pride. I moved on to Python, taking comfort in how the logic of code could make sense when the world around me often felt unpredictable. I began to see real progress in my understanding, and that small success kept me going.

Eventually, I decided it was time to take a shot. I began applying for entry-level roles in IT support. I knew I lacked experience, but I hoped my effort and passion would count for something. Most of the time, I received silence. Other times, I got polite rejections that all seemed to say the same thing: not enough experience. Still, I refused to give up. I kept studying, kept applying, and kept learning from every rejection.

Then one day, I got an interview at a small IT company. It was not a big-name firm, but to me, it felt like Google. I walked into that interview wearing a slightly wrinkled button-up shirt, nervous but honest. I told them everything. I explained how I had been delivering food during the day and teaching myself IT at night. I did not pretend to know everything. I simply explained how hard I had worked to learn and how much more I still wanted to grow. And to my surprise, they said yes.

Starting that job was one of the proudest moments of my life. I began with simple tasks like password resets, installing software, and helping users with common technical issues. It may not have seemed exciting to someone already in the field, but to me, it was everything. I finally had a desk. I had colleagues. I had a chance.

Since then, I have continued my education, never letting go of that habit I formed at the kitchen table. I now spend my evenings learning about cloud platforms, automation tools, and cybersecurity principles. The more I learn, the more valuable I become to my team and to the future I am building. I have taken on more responsibility, solved more complex problems, and helped train others who are just starting their own journeys.

This path has not been easy. It has taken discipline, patience, and a lot of faith. But every late night of study, every hour spent on tutorials after work, and every setback I faced along the way was worth it. I transformed a delivery route into a career path. And I am still going.

For anyone out there who feels stuck or unsure about the future, I want you to know that you do not have to stay where you are. Your current job does not define your potential. What you do with your spare time, how you choose to invest in yourself, and how persistent you are in the face of failure—those are the things that will change your life.

I am still learning. I am still growing. And I am still just getting started.

Disclaimer: This content is not to be relied upon as legal advice as it is for informational purposes only.