Consider Healthcare or VFX Instead of Saturated Web Dev Market

Based on the analysis of the Reddit discussion regarding the viability of web development in 2025 for a 29-year-old female currently in retail, here's a summary of the findings:

Summary of Discussion: The general consensus is strongly against pursuing web development, especially front-end, due to extreme market saturation, intense competition even for CS graduates, and the perceived threat of AI. Commenters point out that breaking into the field is incredibly difficult without exceptional dedication or pre-existing passion.

1. Hottest Skills, Tools, and Qualifications Identified:

• For Web Development (if pursued despite warnings):
  • Full-Stack Development: Considered slightly more viable than purely front-end development.
  • Significant Years of Experience (YoE): Many companies look for 5+ years of experience even for roles labeled "web developer" or "front-end engineer."
  • Computer Science Degree: While not a guarantee, it's often a baseline expectation.
  • Strong Portfolio & Demonstrable Passion: Essential to stand out in a crowded field.
• For Alternative Career Paths:
  • Healthcare (Nursing, Medicine):
    • Relevant medical/nursing degrees and certifications.
    • A genuine passion for medicine and patient care is crucial.
  • Visual Effects (VFX):
    • A blend of artistic talent and programming skills.
    • Proficiency in specific VFX software and pipelines (e.g., Houdini, Nuke, Maya, Unreal Engine, Unity for technical art roles).
    • Understanding of art fundamentals and technical problem-solving.
  • General:
    • Problem-solving abilities.
    • Adaptability and willingness to undertake significant retraining.

2. Assessment of Better Job Opportunities:

The discussion strongly suggests that web development currently offers poor job prospects for new entrants, particularly those without a CS degree or extensive, demonstrable passion and projects. The market is described as having a "massive oversupply of devs."

Alternative fields identified as potentially offering better opportunities include:

• Healthcare (e.g., Nursing, Medicine): Implied to be more in demand and stable, though requiring specific qualifications and a genuine calling for the profession.
• Visual Effects (VFX): Presented as a niche that combines art and programming, potentially offering diverse roles with less direct saturation than general web development.

3. Possible Job Opportunities & Resume Submitting Directions:

• Against Web Development:
  • General Advice: Avoid entry-level web development roles. If passionate, pursue it as a hobby first.
  • If Insistent on Tech: Consider roles that are not purely "web development" or be prepared for intense competition for full-stack positions, focusing on building an exceptional portfolio and networking extensively.
• Towards Healthcare:
  • Nursing: Explore accelerated nursing programs (if prior education allows) or traditional nursing degrees. Target hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
  • Medicine: This is a very long and demanding path requiring medical school.
  • Other Allied Health Professions: Consider roles like medical technologist, radiographer, therapist, etc., which also require specialized training.
• Towards Visual Effects (VFX):
  • Entry-Level Roles: Look for runner, junior artist, or technical assistant positions in VFX studios (film, TV, games, advertising).
  • Training: Seek specialized courses or degrees in VFX, focusing on areas that blend art and technical skills (e.g., technical artist, FX artist, compositor with scripting skills).
  • Portfolio: Develop a strong portfolio showcasing relevant artistic and/or technical skills.

4. Expected Earnings:

• Web Development (Entry-Level): Likely to be highly competitive and potentially low or unstable, given the market conditions described. Breaking in is the primary challenge.
• Healthcare:
  • Nursing: Offers stable income, varying by location, experience, and specialization. Generally considered a solid middle-to-upper-middle-class income.
  • Medicine (Doctors): High earning potential but requires very significant investment in time and education.
• Visual Effects (VFX):
  • Earnings vary widely based on specific role (e.g., junior artist vs. senior technical director), location, and project-based nature of some work.
  • Specialized technical roles within VFX (e.g., FX TD, Pipeline TD) can command strong salaries with experience.
  • Entry-level positions may start lower.

Conclusion: The user is strongly advised against pursuing web development due to severe market saturation and competition. Healthcare (nursing, medicine) and Visual Effects (VFX) are suggested as more promising alternative career paths. Both would require significant retraining and/or education, but potentially offer more stable and in-demand job prospects than entry-level web development currently. The expected earnings will vary greatly depending on the chosen role within these alternative fields but are generally perceived as more reliable than trying to enter the saturated web development market at this time.