You just need to learn programming, if Java in your network is used more then start with Java. More on reddit.com

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Python is really quite similar to Java in its ideology - it is cross-platform, similarly powerful API, OOP implementation, collections (lists, sets, dicts) - however at the syntax level it is significantly different. When you get used to Python syntax and specific features (lists comprehensions etc.) you will find that it resemble Java stronger than you thought at first glance. However remember that Python is purely scripting so it has all powers of script language and also significantly slower. Java is compiled to bytecode though it preserve some cool scripting-like features via reflection (and code generation). Also dynamic typing in Python makes some things easier and some harder. One of the bad things about Python is the existence of two significantly differing versions: 2nd and 3rd. Of them 2nd is more industrial-wide and 3rd is better in general sense of the language - more clear, more sane. Shortly concluding - it is always very good to know more languages and be able to judge their advantages and disadvantages, to choose instrument properly. More on reddit.com

First of all: even though I'm specialized in Java (which has to do much more with frameworks involved than with the language itself) I could switch over to another stack without too much issues. There's always language / stack specific stuff but especially when it comes to C# there's so many similarities it's very easy. I use Python as a hobby / quick scripting language and there it's the same deal: easy enough to switch.

What's most important is how much experience you have and how challenging the projects you were on were. The exact language isn't an issue at all; I get offers for C# jobs all the time.

If you want to know what language has the most vacancies (and thus the most demand) just go to a job search engine like monster.com and just see how many hits you get for your area. That gives you a good example what's in demand now. Demand doesn't suddenly change, Java isn't going anywhere for the next 20 years at least and even if a language becomes outdated it can still be a valuable skill: Cobol programmers make a lot of money.

What's more important career-wise is ending up at good companies that challenge your skills.

Also what is the best method for starting a career as a programmer?

Without a degree you'll need a portfolio. Create software by yourself (creating both Java and Python apps is a good way to show you're not a one trick pony) on github so you have something to show prospective employers.

how do I know what if I am at a high enough level to begin working professionally in a programming role?

When they hire you.

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