#147 From Stealing Cars to Self-Taught Software Engineer with Dorian Develops
freeCodeCamp Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Dorian decide to teach himself coding?
Dorian realized he needed to make changes for his family's future while working as a valet car parker in Las Vegas. He wanted to provide a better life and eventually get remote work so he could travel with his family.
Why did Dorian choose free resources to learn coding?
Dorian believed that there are amazing free resources available, and he didn't want to pay for something that he could learn for free. He used Free Code Camp and other free online platforms to teach himself coding.
How did Dorian's background influence his career choices?
Growing up in a rough neighborhood and dropping out of high school, Dorian felt he needed to prove himself in a field he was passionate about. His early exposure to technology through a friend and working at DEF CON helped him realize he could succeed in tech despite his challenges.
Why did Dorian create a YouTube channel?
Dorian wanted to share his coding journey and help others. He also saw it as a way to earn additional income and support his family's travel lifestyle. His channel started with basic coding tutorials and grew from there.
Why does Dorian emphasize the importance of free resources?
Dorian believes that free resources can be as effective as expensive ones, and he wants to encourage people to use them. He emphasizes that the house always wins, and paid resources might not always be necessary or better.
What inspired Dorian to quit marijuana?
Dorian felt the need to be a better father and husband. He realized that being constantly under the influence affected his ability to focus and be present. After six months of sobriety, he made a video sharing his journey, which resonated with many viewers.
Why did Dorian create a second YouTube channel?
Dorian wanted to separate his personal and candid content from his programming tutorials. He realized that while some of his personal videos were very popular, they didn't always align with his original audience's expectations.
How did Dorian's wife support his coding journey?
Dorian's wife believed in him and supported his decision to focus on learning to code. She provided brutally honest feedback on his early videos and helped manage the family's finances, allowing him to take the time needed to succeed.
Why did Dorian's family decide to travel the world?
Dorian and his wife wanted to expose their children to different cultures and experiences. They decided to take a break from traditional jobs and travel, especially after homeschooling during the pandemic.
What is 'lifestyle creep' and how did it affect Dorian?
Lifestyle creep is the tendency to spend more as your income increases. Dorian noticed this when he started making more money and began to spend more on things like a nicer minivan and living in a more expensive neighborhood. He aims to be frugal and plan ahead to avoid this.
Shownotes Transcript