By Krystle Ta, a mom, web developer, and former restaurateur reentering the workforce in tech
Before I joined TripleTen’s Software Engineering Bootcamp, I already had a solid foundation in technology. After getting my degree, I spent nearly a decade working as a web developer. I loved building, problem-solving, and creating meaningful experiences on the web. But life had other plans. When I relocated countries and became a mother of threeWhy Tech is For Moms, I chose to take a career break to focus on raising my young family. As anyone who’s done it knows, motherhood is its own full-time role, one that builds resilience, creativity, and time management in ways no job ever could.
While raising my children, I also decided to get back to work by taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. I opened a restaurant, poured my heart into the food and hospitality business, and wore every hat imaginable — from marketing and operations to budgeting and customer serviceTransitioning from Customer Service Representatives to Software Engineers. It was rewarding and exhausting, but through it all, a part of me longed to return to the field where I first found my spark: tech.
Returning to work in tech after a career break
Reentering the workforce in tech after a long break felt overwhelming. The industry had evolved rapidly, and I feared I’d been left behind. I knew I needed to upskill and rebuild my confidence, and that’s when I found TripleTen.
What drew me to TripleTen wasn’t just the curriculum (which is solid and industry-relevant); it was the structure, support, and sense of communityIt’s About Community: What Sets TripleTen Apart. I wasn’t looking for just a bootcamp, I was looking for a launchpad. TripleTen provided just that.
As a mother juggling multiple responsibilities, the flexible, project-based format was a game-changer. I could work through lessons on my own schedule while still having access to a vibrant community, regular check-ins, and a responsive team of tutors and mentors. One of the most impactful parts of my journey was becoming a TripleTen Student Ambassador. Sharing my experience, supporting others, and giving back to the community reminded me how powerful it is to be surrounded by like-minded individuals striving toward reinvention and growth.
TripleTen didn’t just teach me the technical skills I needed to get back in the game after the career break, it reminded me of who I am. I built a solid portfolioSoftware Engineering Portfolios: How to Make Them Shine (With Examples!) of full-stack applications, relearned JavaScript and front-end technologies with modern best practices, and mastered tools like Git and React. More importantly, I rediscovered the joy of building and problem-solving, the same joy that got me into tech years ago.
But this journey wasn’t just about brushing up on code. It was also about rewriting the narrative I had told myself — that I had “fallen behind” or that I didn’t belong in the industry anymore. What I’ve come to realize is that every chapter of my journey, even the ones farthest from tech, has added to the richness of my story.
Running a restaurant taught me leadership, operations, and client-facing communication under pressure. Raising three children deepened my emotional intelligence, multitasking skills, and adaptability. These are not gaps in my resume, they’re strengths.
Now, I’m rejoining the workforce with a blend of technical experience, fresh skills, and the grit that only real life can teach. I started interviewing again, building connections in the tech world, and applying for roles that excite me, from product ownership to technical project management and front-end development.
My dream is not just to work in tech again, but to contribute meaningfully, to solve real problems, build impactful productsTech Jobs For Good: Why Software Engineering Matters, and model for my children what it means to be resilient, brave, and ever-evolving.
If you’re someone who’s interested in going back to work in tech after a break, or pivot from a completely different path, know this: it’s never too late. Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. And with the right tools, the right support, and a lot of heart, you can rewrite your story.
TripleTen helped me do just that. And if you’re ready to take the leap, it can help you too.
Postscript: A full-circle moment
Since finishing the program, I’ve continued to grow and push forward — and I’m so excited to share that I recently accepted a role as a Product Owner at Chipotle. It’s a position that brings together everything I’ve learned: my tech background, entrepreneurial experience, and passion for building products that matter.
The job search wasn’t easy. There were plenty of rejections and moments of doubt. But what helped me stay grounded was the support I received from TripleTen’s Career Acceleration Program. My incredible career coach helped me refine my story, prep for interviews, and stay motivated through it all. They reminded me that my path — however unconventional — was a strength, not a setback.
Now I’m stepping into this next chapter with confidence, purpose, and so much gratitude. If you’re standing at the edge of a big decision — whether it’s getting back to work in tech, pivoting careers, or starting fresh — know that it’s possible. You’re not starting over. You’re starting from experience.
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