Career guidance for blind dev

I'm a legally blind developer with an incomplete CS degree (2015-2018, C++/Java). Had to leave with one semester remaining due to family medical issues. Since then, I've worked in SaaS sales (SDR→AE) until being laid off last summer. During unemployment, I pivoted to get Salesforce Admin certification and Customer Success training. Currently running the Customer Success department at a tech sales bootcamp while volunteering with Salesforce projects for nonprofits. My situation: The current role pays bills (barely) and offers equity, but I can't shake the feeling of an "unfinished chapter" in software development. I want to make one serious attempt to become a full-time developer by year-end or finally put this ambition to rest. My background includes some React/Node experience building basic web apps and API integrations. I know I'm strongest at backend work and weakest with visual elements. I'm torn between: • Pursuing Salesforce Apex development (leveraging my SF investment) • Focusing on a general-purpose backend language (leaning toward Python) I'm not targeting FAANG - just need ~$80k to be comfortable where I live. Questions for the community: Is becoming a developer by year-end realistic with my background? Salesforce Apex vs. general backend language - thoughts? For backend focus, is Python the right starting point, or should I return to C++/Java or try .NET? What backend skills do you actually use daily that I should demonstrate in portfolio projects? How will I know when I'm ready to apply for jobs? My current plan: Build 4 portfolio projects showcasing in-demand backend skills over the next 3-4 months, then start applying.

Feb 25, 2025 - 21:16

I'm a legally blind developer with an incomplete CS degree (2015-2018, C++/Java). Had to leave with one semester remaining due to family medical issues.
Since then, I've worked in SaaS sales (SDR→AE) until being laid off last summer.

During unemployment, I pivoted to get Salesforce Admin certification and Customer Success training.
Currently running the Customer Success department at a tech sales bootcamp while volunteering with Salesforce projects for nonprofits.

My situation: The current role pays bills (barely) and offers equity, but I can't shake the feeling of an "unfinished chapter" in software development. I want to make one serious attempt to become a full-time developer by year-end or finally put this ambition to rest.

My background includes some React/Node experience building basic web apps and API integrations. I know I'm strongest at backend work and weakest with visual elements. I'm torn between:

• Pursuing Salesforce Apex development (leveraging my SF investment)

• Focusing on a general-purpose backend language (leaning toward Python)

I'm not targeting FAANG - just need ~$80k to be comfortable where I live.

Questions for the community:

Is becoming a developer by year-end realistic with my background?
Salesforce Apex vs. general backend language - thoughts?
For backend focus, is Python the right starting point, or should I return to C++/Java or try .NET?
What backend skills do you actually use daily that I should demonstrate in portfolio projects?
How will I know when I'm ready to apply for jobs?

My current plan: Build 4 portfolio projects showcasing in-demand backend skills over the next 3-4 months, then start applying.