Computer courses c++ language

olb81

Hi I have been in a dead end job too long and it's making me so tired and drained I have been most of the last year.
I would like to re train in computer programming. I read c++ is one of the best languages.
I'm prepared to pay for a course which is recognised by employers.
Don't care if it takes a year or however long.
I just don't know where to look and what to trust?
Are there actually any courses where you can learn in a classroom? Or is it all remotely these days?
As an adult would it be day or night? I'm prepared to leave my existing job as I am so sick of it so I could do a full time day course. If they exist?
Any pointers would be very helpful

Emmia

You may want to consider that it's a very competitive market with lots of applications for every job - so retraining might not be worthwhile.

I'd suggest that you stay in your current job, train and start applying whilst still employed.

olb81

Honestly I cannot stay in the current job and do anything else. It takes up my whole day energy wise. An hour each was bus 7 -8 hours work, there's nothing left. 
The company is toxic and the work meaningless to me. I have to leave. 

TadleyBaggie

C++ was the thing about 20 years ago, but Java and Python became more popular. I've been retired from software development for a while, so things have probably moved on again.

On-the-coast

Hard to think of anything other than a “dead-end” programming job that’s AI replaceable with just a year of self-learning (presumably in spare time). 
lf you can, take a career break better to do a full degree. 

Having said that, a 10hr working day including travel doesn’t sound too bad. 

Also I agree with @TadleyBaggie’s comments

Emmia

olb81 said:

Hi I have been in a dead end job too long and it's making me so tired and drained I have been most of the last year.
I would like to re train in computer programming. I read c++ is one of the best languages.
I'm prepared to pay for a course which is recognised by employers.
Don't care if it takes a year or however long.
I just don't know where to look and what to trust?
Are there actually any courses where you can learn in a classroom? Or is it all remotely these days?
As an adult would it be day or night? I'm prepared to leave my existing job as I am so sick of it so I could do a full time day course. If they exist?
Any pointers would be very helpful

Why do you want to be a programmer? What is it about learning C++ (or another language) that appeals to you?

As @On-the-coast points out, entry level roles are at risk of elimination because of AI, and I think many programmer jobs can be equally dead end.

If it's your job you hate, and you're willing to retrain I'd seriously look at roles that AI will find difficult to eliminate, for example practical jobs like plumbing (gas and or water) electrics etc.

JES_F1

I've done a few courses available on Udemy's website, some of which my employer has paid for.

I can also recommend the Open University, either for individual courses or working towards various qualifications.

prowla

TadleyBaggie said:

C++ was the thing about 20 years ago, but Java and Python became more popular. I've been retired from software development for a while, so things have probably moved on again.

A company I worked for a few years ago concluded that Python & Java were too slow and shifted to C++.

For me, C++ was a big thing in the 80's!

Udemy do some good courses.

Another option is to look at prof. Malan's Harvard courses (CS50); they're now being run in association with Oxford Uni.

Caz3121

the problem is with C++ having been around for so long you could be competing with those with 20+ years experience and very proficient as well as offshore (cheap) resources.  I used it back in the late 90s (although moved into other IT areas)

olb81

I just see it as a skill worth learning and I was very much into IT and gaming as a teenager
 It's like I left it by mistake and took the wrong path. A 44 year old under pressure delivering parcels for a shambles organisation is not something I can justify anymore.
I'd consider something else if AI really is taking over programming. 
Plumbing and electrics has some appeal but I'm not the best at practical work like drilling and awkward jobs which are very hands on.
Possibly cyber security or another area of IT.
I'd do a degree if required. 
I'd prefer to meet people in person than do online courses.
Rather use my money for education than just keep it in property. 
More important for me to have a skill and purpose now that just an investment.
I think, unless I'm wrong and it's best just to invest and not worry about exactly what you do with your days.

Emmia

olb81 said:

I just see it as a skill worth learning and I was very much into IT and gaming as a teenager
 It's like I left it by mistake and took the wrong path. A 44 year old under pressure delivering parcels for a shambles organisation is not something I can justify anymore.
I'd consider something else if AI really is taking over programming. 
Plumbing and electrics has some appeal but I'm not the best at practical work like drilling and awkward jobs which are very hands on.
Possibly cyber security or another area of IT.
I'd do a degree if required. 
I'd prefer to meet people in person than do online courses.
Rather use my money for education than just keep it in property. 
More important for me to have a skill and purpose now that just an investment.
I think, unless I'm wrong and it's best just to invest and not worry about exactly what you do with your days.

I'm a similar age to you and currently doing a masters with the OU. I've never met any of my coursemates in person as it's online and the small number of tutorials are essentially on zoom... Before I started with the OU I started a masters at another uni which had in person teaching, which I thought I wanted...

Mistake. Most of my course mates didn't put any work into the preparation for the classes and just scribbled down furiously when I answered the questions or engaged in the discussion with the lecturer. I got fed up with this and although I tried sitting there mute, that also didn't work. That experience is one of the reasons I jacked that particular course in.

The OU is very good at it's key function which is distance learning, and is (I think) good value for money. But there's also Birkbeck and other unis doing similarly flexible courses 

I admit I'm not studying to switch careers, it's more for enjoyment/mental stimulation and I'm self funded.