so i started with python in like 2019, i was in 8th grade. i learned html, js, css in 2020 and i was able to make like really cool games and little chrome extensions for my sister and my mom lol. i realized i might have the skill to do stuff for real so i made a upwork profile and applied to a bunch of freelancer roles. got a bunch and made websites and all sorts of things, netted several k after a few weeks and i did this for 2 years on and off. I also thought at code ninjas lol. this was back in the day tho, a lot off ppl are not paying for swe freelance cuz of ai. i feel like now i would just grind projects that could become real tools, either youll make something that ppl pay for or u have a proof concept and get to work at cool tech companies.