So here's the thing - I'm not finished with my career by any means. And I definitely haven't got it completely right so far. But I have learnt a lot stumbling around looking for the answers, trying to work out how to develop my career in a way that feels comfortable for me, and by trying to hire other programmers that I want to work with.

I graduated in 2001, there was very little advice for British 22-year-old programmers.  The books and blogs I read during my early career were written by Americans at a time when the US was doing really exciting things with technology and programming, and I grew up I the UK and graduated during a recession. We didn't have Silicon Valley (Silicon Roundabout ways years away), and I wasn't sure how these US-centric experiences applied to me.  Over the last 15 years I've been through a painful process of building my career, building my brand, and you might look at the current London tech scene and think, "well it's easy for her, look at those opportunities". But they weren't always here, and I wasn't always aware of them. My experiences translate to any culture that has talent and persistence, but limited career advice.

I aim to show how to grow your career from the point of view of someone who had no clue, who did not go to the right university, who was not talented or dedicated enough to have built something in her bedroom at age 12 then drop out of school and create a mega start up. This is career advice for real people, who wake up one day realising they like programming, and have no clue how to turn this interest into a so-called career.  

This is a book about mistakes made and experiences gained.