I love how short yet detailed your content is! Great for people who don't have time to stick around for hours. You rock, David! Thank you.

David, I've gota say. I finally agree with all your points. Thank you for your cander! I've actually gone from skeptic of your channel to a subscribed fan. Id also like to apologize for my previous comments acusing you of profiting from your coding course and spreading fear during a pandemic on your "no more administration jobs" video. I'm an administrator myself and was a covid victim who spent 7days hospitalized during the first wave back in March. So I take that stuff very personal. But I've gone back to your videos and your courses and I take back all I said. You're course is actually very helpful🙂 and I can see your actually trying guide your audience on the right path. Thanks again!

As a java dev in his 30s I can confirm that it is very hard to keep up with all the new tools and frameworks and dedicate enough time to your family

This is great advice... and some good ole straight up honesty!! Thank you.

Man, it was a hard punch! But thank you very much for it... I'm with almost 34 years old and coding is something that I'm being going around for a long time and have not focused enough because I was trying to make a living (and have not dedicated enough too, which is very sad to admit). Now, it will make me think a lot about the scenarios, etc. Man, as always thank you for share your wisdom. PS: I'll come back for a month later, after decide it haha. Best! David, have a happy new year for you and your family!

You made me realized just two new things but they were gold. Thanks David!

Actually Coding experience increases one's confidence to perform any roles( Design ,Architecture, management and BA e.t.c ). Over a time it helps to solve any kind of IT related problems effortlessly(configuration/coding errors). Especially who are in Juniors/Mid level position , they should also learn to code.

Hey David, just wanted to thank you for your honesty and transparency. You’re videos and website provide immense value and were a reference I used when getting my Admin 201 cert. I am currently working in my first SF role as a Jr Admin and am now looking towards my next certification. Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge.

Sure you have a course... but you constantly tell us when it is FREE! I took it a couple weeks ago when Pluralsight had a free week and im probably going to watch the videos again this weekend when it is free again. I was on the fence about getting my developer cert, but you made me feel like I COULD do it. Maybe people are projecting... but you are one of the Salesforce influencers I follow and trust. Thank you for doing what you do!

This was so very informative David, Thank you! I was confused towards the end because I still know I need to learn some sort of coding to get to where I want to go, was glad to see that you anticipated this already :)

Appreciate these videos. I'm transitioning from retail to a better career due to a major life change. I'm not that smart to code (I've attempted it many times) but I'm willing to learn if it means a stable career. I've narrowed my options down to the "Solo Hybrid" sub path you mentioned in your personality test, so coding is perhaps still a part of my future. Thank you for the awesome content and the guidance through your years of experience and expertise. It makes a world of difference to someone like myself having to consider moving into a different industry and career.

Man thats really heavy stuff you're right! Thank you for your sincere point of view. Love your videos! Love you! 👌

David, I appreciate your honesty about ageism. At 59 I can confirm your observations, especially about writing code past the age of 40. Really appreciate the depth of your thought and analysis of this career path, there is still a lot to be hopeful about.

Thanks for your brutal honesty David! I´m a 53 years old instructional designer. I began learning to code to gain independence (not having to wait for others to do things and thus speed up times) ...at the age of 51!... and I liked it!!! This February I won a scholarship for 2 Salesforce courses and in September I obtained the 2 certs. I understand that it will be very difficult, given my age, for a company to hire me, but as Johnnie Walker... I keep walking baby! Thanks again and best regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Thanks for the honest opinion. If one doesn't learn coding while the demand for developers is in the first phase of growth what is the alternative career path?

really appreciate your brutally honest guidance! Thank you so much.. please do keep them coming..lots more

Thanks David, for sharing your pure honesty. This is so true and its current day reality.

Could not have ever imagined Salesforce without you 'David Liu' . 🙏

This empowers me to stay on the Admin lane. Thank you!

David first love your videos and loved the honesty in this one. Funny I just found this video and I wanted to try your APEX class. However, I turn 40 next year and may be better suited for a leadership job especially since I have been a leader in the military the last 15 years and about to retire. Do you have any advice for someone looking to climb the leadership ladder. Again thank you for the content you create.

I'm researching Salesforce careers and thought I'd head down the admin path until I realized that the marketing cloud path might suit me better. After watching a couple of videos of yours, I decided to take your career personality test and got the most answers for the developer path which had me like "hmmm...really??" I wasn't sure about that result at all. Watched a couple more videos of yours that talked about the lack of true admin jobs and then watched this one. Honestly, you convinced me NOT to pursue the developer path. Even though I am an introvert and would prefer a role that is not so "people oriented" to quote you, there are certain things you brought up in this video that I think are true. There are certain things I don't want to deal with. I don't think I would be settling if I took an admin job nor would I be settling if I decide to pursue the marketing cloud track because at the end of the day, money isn't everything and if it's a lot of money that I need, there are other possibly more fulfilling ways to get it.

Thanks a lot for a realistic honest video. You saved us huge frustration.

Great video! We appreciate your honest points you talk about

#1 2:00 You're in it for the money (and coding is too hard) #2 3:43 Writing code will not get you closer to your long term goal #3 4:53 Coding in Salesforce is not sexy (not the same prestige as the other languages) #4 5:54 Getting harder to learn #5 6:43 Coding is ruthless to older people #6 8:04 Coding is getting outsourced

I can understand your pain David, and I really appreciate you for accepting & telling the truth. Cheers man, God bless you 🙏

Great! Thank you so much. I've tried to learn about salesforce admin but stoped cuz dont have any background in it things. Now i will start your course. And what can you to guy who even dont have any understanding in such technology should i start wiz developer or architect even if it's cost a tons of time?

Hi David, I enjoy your channel, however I'm confused. In an earlier post 3 weeks ago (why admin jobs are disappearing) you said admins were more and more expected to have some coding knowledge. And that adding apex skills was a hybrid admin path to help differentiation ...

I’ve been binge-watching this channel. This is really good content. I think being able to code at least a little bit is useful for any professional career path. It enables you to build at least simple prototypes, and it enables you to understand what the techies are saying.

Would you consider the CTA certification included in this single-tracked career path?

Hey David, big fan. Is this path doable? Admin >> Consultant >> Architect or does Developer need to be wedged in there somewhere?

Love your channel. Just watched your video where you mentioned admin only jobs are kind of going extinct so we should learn to code and become a developer. However, after watching this video I am confused.... What career path would you suggest for a young certified admin looking to have a long term career with Salesforce?

Hey David! I’m a recent subscriber to your channel and was wondering what path should I start on to one day land a job in the Salesforce ecosystem? I bought an Admin course before I ran into your videos. Is that still worth learning or should I start somewhere else? Thanks in advance!

David, what would be the next step for Admins after 5-6 years or during a longer term? What have you seen in your experience?

I actually was thinking at some points you mentioned in this video. Totally agree with your points, David.

Single quotes! 😄 You do a great job David I am one of these sick and twisted

Well I think the important thing to keep in mind is that coding is a good skill to have (I apply SQL to my Accounting job every day for example), but I would not learn to program if a) A Salesforce is my only goal, B) I have not coded a single line of code before, C) I only do it for the money (because as you said, when the going gets tough...coding can break you mentally), however if you are analytical by nature, and got enough patience, learning to code is a great skills to have that you can apply to many areas. In my case Salesforce was a very attractive option since I have been working in business/accounts for 10 years, and I studied Computer Science to work in the Business Intelligence area, particularly the Data Warehousing area, so I was already one of those boring type of programmers that are only interested in business logic :).

What about code literacy for management track? I’m 37, seen employers hire overseas contractors.

That's one single video which speaks bare truth. 👍 Would you mind making a video on Testing career in Salesforce technology (how to get started, which tools to learn, etc in service/product based company), please consider a video on it.

So do you recommend pursuing Platform Developer 1 certification or I should go for other certificates?

If I eventually want to get into front end web dev, and I already plan on learning JavaScript, would it be a good strategy to learn to code in Salesforce so I can get my foot in the door?

Thank you for the genuine video, it is not all sweet words but it is the reality.

Thank you David for insightful video. I don't want to code but want to involve in Salesforce as I am passionate about helping business grow via business process improvement. I'm learning for Admin certification at the moment. Is there a track for becoming leadership role in salesforce?

well said David. About to turn 43 and been admin the last ~4 years wondering if i should learn to code. You said what i've always thought. I may still try to learn at least to an extent but I don't know whats ahead for me. a little late in the game.

I completely agree with you, but what about the previous video about the admin market shrinking and learning development being the only option? I would rather not code, but it’s almost required with the majority of admin roles.

Yeah, while video makes a lot of good points - being a Salesforce Dev at 25 while living in Russia and getting less than a third of US Dev salary is still absolutely worth it. Menial, corporate and soulless - yes. But it helps me provide to both my loved ones and myself without sacrificing too much, really.

I like this guy! Humble + knowledgeable!

Thoughts on the AE track at Salesforce? Can you branch off to other areas from there?

Thanks for your insights, David.

I am having 5 years experience in SCCM and Azure Admin.... I always want to learn Salesforce from last 2 years...From where to start David please help and will I be able to get job in development in next one year if I work and study day and night

Thanks for your honest feedback.

can I enter at this point if I don't have any Software industry background at all. I am from electronics engineering background

If I already know how to code does that give me an edge for SF? I am considering digging into this and seeing what happens.

Well said. You have my respect for saying this. Liked it.

This video gave me all the reasons to join salesforce LOL

Hello David , loved your videos. I wana take the salesforce path to change my career path . I like the admin path . Can you please guide me to what certifications I should take to get a next job !! I am currently working hands on quality assurance in sales force and want to take the sales force path , I like the admin path .

So if I’m 45 should bother learning to use salesforce? Not the coding part but just using it as a whole? I’m looking for a new gig.

This is a great honest video. After more than 20 years as Software Developer, I agree with you 200%.

What should I do? Trying to get on SalesForce Admin, Consulting. One of your videos you said Admin role is going down and would be great to be a developer, now you are saying no to learn Code, maybe I miss understood, but what I really should do? My background is business/music. Thank you so much 😀

Welp, I finished Lambda School and someone told me about the veterans opportunity with salesforce which piqued my interest so it's interesting. I'm interested but idk if I want to go down this route tbh

Hi david, am not getting you.... Am totally confused... Am a complete zero in programming knowledge.... But i want a job in salesforce industry.... Am in India ... Please suggest me wat i have to do....Admin, developer or a consultant?? Am currently studying for ADM 201 CERTIFICATION

Hi David, Thanks for all your videos, they are very good and inspiring. I am QA with 6 yrs exp. I am planning to switch to Salesforce as an admin but I see that is not enough. I am not a coding person that's why I am thinking to pursue this path. Could you please suggest the right path for me? Ps-your questionnaire gave me admin only as a result

What are easier entry points?

Very good video, but a question arose. If Salesforce admin positions are disappearing to give way to developers positions with admin skills... Wouldn't it be interesting for admins to have some basic code knowledge?

I don’t know if you’ll see this or not but here goes I’m in my early 30s I have two degrees B.S in Criminal Justice and an A.S in Computer Networking. I’m stuck at a job making slightly more than minimum wage and I’m not even full time. I’m depressed and lost. I found out about salesforce two days ago having never heard of it. I have tried coding before but not for long maybe two weeks tops python, JavaScript and I thought it was a lot to learn and I can’t say I was jumping up every morning out of bed to start doing coding it just didn’t grab me initially and now I’m not sure if I should even look at salesforce because coding didn’t grab me the first time. I don’t need a job that makes 100 K a year I just want a job that makes 55kt-75k even if I have to start off at 30k. I just want to do a job that I actually somewhat enjoy and that allows me the freedom to travel at some point in my life and not stay in one place forever. I’m just lost and it is killing me. Sorry for the long comment.

So are you making the arrangement that working in Salesforce is not a long term career choice? A few weeks ago you stated Admin jobs are on the decline. Which I've seen like 1:8 ratio of Admin to Dev jobs. Today your stating those of us pushing 40 are getting edged out by off shore and the college grads. What do guys that see Admin jobs in decline do?

Hi David! I am looking to explore getting salesforce admin certification, I am coming entirely from a Project manager (market research background) but having watched your video about salesforce admin roles getting slimmer and slimmer versus those admin+dev roles - which is a very valuable piece of information as I am looking to upgrade my skillset. Any advice for me? thank you!

Dear sir , i am a financial and administrative manager , i started a night course as a computer engineer , my goal is ERP sysetms , with the knowledge i have in finance and accouting and controlling i want to develop my coding skills for ERP implementations like odoo , and learn Python BI tools ... Am i in the right path ? Thank you in advance

When r u going to fulfill your promise and publish the next video David?

True story: I wouldn't have ever learned to code without David Liu's website and guides. What a great man.

Still need to pass developer I for my consultant-architect path :(

hi David could you please explain the steps to learn lighting aura components after finishing your apex academy!!

Cool thanks for the video! :)

Great video!! Much appreciated.

Hi Sir, I am one of those persons who believe in not having to code and getting into a techno-functional role which will help me stay afloat in the Salesforce pool. I have a Bachelor's degree from India , I want to pursue Master's degree out of India so I could get the techno-functional role and grow up the ladder . It would really be helpful if you have any suggestions as how can I achieve it . What degree should I go for /or do you think doing a Master's is a right way to go. Which University / programs i should be looking for if I want to keep having a connection to Salesforce while doing masters and get a good role after the program is complete in the same Technology. Thanks for your time

Thank you, David, so much.

This video is at times misleading and other times downright wrong. It sounds like when David says “code in Salesforce” he really means the proprietary apex language or the Aura framework. Lightning Web Components are all about writing in industry standard such as JavaScript, CSS, HTML, etc, skills that are instantly transferable outside the Salesforce realm. Another thing David misses is the architect/consultant track for senior people who aren’t cut out for management. This is definitely a place where coding skills come into play when you need to design and guide the solution being developed by those offshore resources. The other factor is that although there are millions of younger or cheaper offshore coders, they lack experience which has resulted in crappy, unusable solutions or completely failed projects. Personally I would advise learning to code for Salesforce, at least to become familiar with the technology as there is a wealth of positions available. I would agree with David that having an alternative for a long-term goal would be advisable. I say this as a 60 year-old Salesforce consultant who worked for Salesforce for five years.

Hey David, I am spending sleepless confused nights thinking of a career switch. I have a total of 4 years in an Indian company over multiple roles, current being Java developer. And I don't enjoy coding so far, don't think I will either. Could you please help suggest a path. I am really struggling now. My strong points: Great analytical skills, great verbal and writing skills

Hi.. Im mainframe developer with 7.6 yrs of experience. I thought to shift to salesforce technology. Can you please suggest me ,whether it would be good career path??

I am beginning to learn about Salesforce Can you give me the right model which i will started whith.

Personally I was not interested in a Salesforce Dev career, because world is much larger than that. But after learning few basic things from your Pluralsight course I was able to get some features done in my company. That resulted me working in a team of experienced engineers, learning front-end basics, node.js, dev processes and other different technologies. And pretty soon I will be starting working on my PhD on numerical modelling which is a big deal for me Learning Apex was not the end but the mean and a first step towards something that I've wanted to do but didn't know where to get an experience as a software engineer A big thanks to you, by the way

Thanks for being brutally honest and saying out things that are actually happening in industry. By the way, I am one of those offshore employee who is working for really less money of Rs:18000 per month which may be equal to 250 dollars.

In silicon valley, do you feel less of an engineer around the best of the brains with you? Did it ever occur to switch to a developer role outside of salesforce? I assume that transition must be really hard though..

I am from civil field..I just did my admin certification..now I try to learn development part but I don't have 1% knowledge of coding..what should I do??Pls sujjest🙏

You are great David, always honest personality. I really like you. You are my Salesforce mentor, my guide, guru and everything. But nowadays, I'm missing you. You aren't Active so much on Linkedin or no videos since longer on KZfaq. Where are you Man? 😊 Please don't leave us in the lurch. Come back soon 😊

Well this was depressing as someone looking to learn to code in Salesforce as I’m approaching 40.. And I took your career quiz and got 19 of my answers in the developer category. 😬

Hahaha thanks for sharing your perspective. I must be a one of those sick people who still want to code after reading this...

You are true Honest person brother ♥️

I am not having coding background but now can I make career in salesforce without coding knowledge?

So basically, if you are a Salesforce Admin, you are screwed?

No matter what path we take, hard work will always be needed.To make more cash you always need to outsmart others in some aspect (to be the best take out the best) . Watching this video was so depressing and heart breaking. Any ways as I am an introvert let's get back to buisness of coding lol 🙃✌️✌️

I just saw his video telling me to learn Salesforce fast...

Coding definitely helped me get the position I have.

Hi David, I am planning to switch my career as sales force dev. A big doubt after watching it. Should I opt for it or not at my current age of 33. Also I have no experience in coding or programmer background.

Hi David I am an SAP BW professional for 16 years, are there any hope if I will start my career in Salesforce?

David... you are ruthless man :) Each word you said was 100% reasonable. I quick question: Does the outsourcing thing not apply to Admins and other Cert. holders as well? I mean everything has been outsourced at 1/10th cost... Does any company even need Salesforce professionals in US/Canada, when all config and coding is being done in e.g. India?

I am 25. I completed PGDM (IM) recently and currently unemployed due to COVID-19. Should I learn to code? I tried but I found it hard.

really helpful video

You are a great man.

Hi David, I am hoping to start my developer journey, can I get free access to your course for a month?

*Cries in Apex* 😅