You're not going to get everything you need in one place. But investing in yourself is the best possible thing you can do for yourself. $250 for a year is nothing in the scheme of this year, and the value you'll get in return (should you put in the time) will yield massive dividends. It's worth it if you put in the time, are persistent, and tenacious with learning something that is both complex but fun.

I got a basic plan at the end of August 2014. No background in tech. I used Treehouse for the bulk and foundation of my coding education. Still do. 14 months later, while holding a 40 hour a week job and taking care of a new baby, I landed a position as a Software Engineer making over 70% more from my last job. And further, I've continued to use Treehouse as an asset to learn our tech stack. I focussed mostly on front-end (HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript) for the first 14 months. Now, 6 months after starting, I'm working in Java, Scala, and Postgres, in addition to a massive Angular app. It's amazing. I love where I work. I love what I do. Treehouse opened that door.

Your future self is going to be kicking you for every day you waste not learning something that will drastically improve your life and happiness. Is it worth it? You make it worth it. For me, Treehouse has been the best thing my money has ever purchased. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Investing in your future is never a one time payment and many factors play a part in how your future turn out from this point forward. My advice to you is if you truly are passionate about your chosen profession, whether that is game development, web development or graphic design, then you will find a way to make it happen.

I was able to land internships after 6 months learning here at Treehouse, became a full-time freelance web developer for a year and a half and now on my way to finding full-time employment at a local agency (if all goes well).

Just keep in mind that its not what you learn here that matters but rather what you do with that knowledge when you finish.

Keep learning, keep investing, put yourself out there and eventually you'll find yourself at a great company.

I hope this helps.

Darius,

The classes give you the skills you need to be a developer or designer. Regardless of tech degree or not. You can learn as much or as little as you want. It's a foundation for a career in the field. The question is....what will you do with those skills? Can you be a valuable asset to a team? If you work independently, can you market yourself and provide great solutions to your customers?

I have worked in web development, SEO and SEM for the past decade. I can tell you that I have hired some incredibly skilled developers that were horrible communicators. I never wanted them on my projects. I have also worked with programmers that were building their skills, had a great attitude and continued to grow. They are my favorite.

Is a $250 investment going to get you a great coding job so you can provide a wonderful life with your family. It certainly can! But it simply will not on it's own!

The truth is, the marketplaces is filled will programmers. Tons of them all over the world! The ones that are always learning and provide good solutions are the ones that rise to the top.

My advice....Learn the skills that interest you. Get good at them. Build projects to hone your skills. Learn from your mistakes. Learn more skills. Work on your soft skills, meet people, be great at customer service, help people.

Development is a life long learning experience. If it's for you...you'll be spending $250 every year from now on.

Should you sign up for a tech degree? Well...if you don't have the money....then NO! But you can still take 100's of classes on Treehouse. Maybe you'll sign up for the tech degree next year. Maybe you'll get a great job in 3 months....Maybe you'll decide it's not for you.

Stop reading this. Pop on over to the library and start learning!

I sincerely thank you guys for your answers! I will put 200% MAXIMUM EFFORT to getting this done because I want a better life for me and my family! Thank you for your answers really!

Hey man.

In self-growth, you can either do two things.

1. Wait and make every excuse "not" to start improving your life

or

2. Start improving your life.

I understand that making a purchase like this isn't a small thing for you. I can connect with that. I think we've all been there at some point. (I don't come from the best beginnings and I imagine others here are the same way)

I will tell you one thing I've learned in self-development. Every penny you spend, if you really care and pursue it, is worth it.

You need to follow through.

Ask yourself... 'If I buy the 'basic plan' tonight, will I stick to it and learn everything I need to build a better life?'

If that answer is yes... Buy it, set goals, and start building that life you want.

You guys gave some great feedback here and it resonates with me extremely.

Happy coding peeps.