As someone who made a similar transition but in the opposite direction, (from iOS to web frontend to ML), it seems like the best thing is just to start doing more SWE work. It feels like there is neverending demand for entry level SWE in the US, and any background that can pass the interview is welcome. I don't know what the market is like in Europe, but I would not worry about being able to pivot.
The work you did was almost certainly not a waste. The SQL you learned is going to be incredibly valuable to small companies looking for "fullstack" or backend roles too. Definitely puts you above bootcamp grads that only know how to put together a UI. And understanding statistics let's you run proper A/B experiments at large companies, or apply to "data engineer" roles building critical data infrastructure.
All these things are also just valuable even if all they taught you early in your career is that you liked doing something else. Some people get PhD's before realizing they hate the field and then the sunk-cost-fallacy (or student loans) force them to pursue a career in it anyways, it's wonderful to have clarity on what you like so young.
I would probably just finish your degree if you are close, because I think it could make getting visa sponsorship in some countries easier, but I would just read some tutorials for the kind of SWE engineering you want to try on the side, and build a small portfolio project with the tech. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a to-do app even if you want to do web frontend in a popular framework like React, for example. I think there are probably MOOCs to look into that pick a project and walk you through it even, but I don't think you have to go that route. Just a little effort to demonstrate to employees you understand the tech you chose, and for you, to make sure you actually enjoyed worked with the tech. I am thinking on the order of 1 weeks work. Throw that on your resume and just apply to the kinds of jobs you want. You are almost certainly over-qualified for many.
The good news is that the worst is probably behind you. In my experience (in the US), SWE is way way easier to break into than data science, you just need to finish a small minor project. This wasn't wasted effort, it's a small part of your overall career and it taught you valuable study skills and how to do hard work!
I will also close by saying, I imagine things can be rough in Russia right now. It is possible the depression you are feeling has multiple contributions and will pass when you change your environment, or your environment evolves, and is not all from the work you are doing. These last few years have been rough for a lot of people around the world. I would say you have built up valuable skills that you will almost certainly use again in your career, and not attribute all of the reasons to feel bad to your early career just yet. You have some excellent experience going for you.
Good luck! Let me know if you choose web development and want any advice on that career in particular. I would look into fullstack or data engineer roles personally. My email is my username at hey if you want to chat more.
The work you did was almost certainly not a waste. The SQL you learned is going to be incredibly valuable to small companies looking for "fullstack" or backend roles too. Definitely puts you above bootcamp grads that only know how to put together a UI. And understanding statistics let's you run proper A/B experiments at large companies, or apply to "data engineer" roles building critical data infrastructure.
All these things are also just valuable even if all they taught you early in your career is that you liked doing something else. Some people get PhD's before realizing they hate the field and then the sunk-cost-fallacy (or student loans) force them to pursue a career in it anyways, it's wonderful to have clarity on what you like so young.
I would probably just finish your degree if you are close, because I think it could make getting visa sponsorship in some countries easier, but I would just read some tutorials for the kind of SWE engineering you want to try on the side, and build a small portfolio project with the tech. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a to-do app even if you want to do web frontend in a popular framework like React, for example. I think there are probably MOOCs to look into that pick a project and walk you through it even, but I don't think you have to go that route. Just a little effort to demonstrate to employees you understand the tech you chose, and for you, to make sure you actually enjoyed worked with the tech. I am thinking on the order of 1 weeks work. Throw that on your resume and just apply to the kinds of jobs you want. You are almost certainly over-qualified for many.
The good news is that the worst is probably behind you. In my experience (in the US), SWE is way way easier to break into than data science, you just need to finish a small minor project. This wasn't wasted effort, it's a small part of your overall career and it taught you valuable study skills and how to do hard work!
I will also close by saying, I imagine things can be rough in Russia right now. It is possible the depression you are feeling has multiple contributions and will pass when you change your environment, or your environment evolves, and is not all from the work you are doing. These last few years have been rough for a lot of people around the world. I would say you have built up valuable skills that you will almost certainly use again in your career, and not attribute all of the reasons to feel bad to your early career just yet. You have some excellent experience going for you.
Good luck! Let me know if you choose web development and want any advice on that career in particular. I would look into fullstack or data engineer roles personally. My email is my username at hey if you want to chat more.