I have been learning to program for some time now, but haven't really started programming anything useful until lately. I wouldn't consider myself a programmer by any means because I seriously wouldn't charge anyone for anything I would write for two reasons: -It would take me too long to write something to someone's specs -I worry that what I write isn't very good (or there are better ways to write it) So, while I know that I can't write anything great, how do I know when I'm good enough to start offering my skills as a service? How do I know when I'm good enough to start applying for jobs? Like I said, what I've written is blah, tiny stuff: -a Google SERP checker (in Ruby) -a word counter (in Ruby) How will I know when I'm a good enough programmer to do work for someone on Digital Point? How will I know when I'm a good enough programmer to work for a company?
I suggest you to practice and practice and think of some project such as your own CMS script to be put in your portfolio. After that, let people try your workt and get feedback. Whenever, people love your work, you will ready to work for a company.
It's all about confidence, Once you have that confidence you know that you are ready to roll. I will let you know my secret, how I make myself feel good. When I need to learn a new language or technique, I look around and pick a goal which seems impossible for me to complete with my current knowledge. And then I start building it, learning as I progress. And once I finish it, I get that confidence of finishing something that seemed impossible just a few days back.. That's how I made my first CMS, that's how I made my first hybrid link/cloud directory, that's how I made my first 2d game, and that's how I made my first 3d game. Mind, that all of these first projects were far from impressive or flawless, they had bugs, ohh yes, plenty of them. But I gained the basic knowledge of how things are done and excellent confidence to go forward. So set goals, then try and achieve them, within short time you will feel yourself that you are a coding juggernaut, and no bug or error can stop you!!
Nice suggestion, I totally agree with you. Remember! Hard Learning and not give up will make you successful in Programming.