Wanting to learn how to code while maintaining a full-time job?

Are you wanting to learn how to code? Do you feel like it’s impossible because you are working Full-Time and have a million of other things going on? Does this sound like one of those corny infomercials? (haha, I had to) If you answered yes, then I hope this article can give you a little insight!

My background:

Currently, I work as full-time recruiter within the IT space (this job actually introduced me to the world of software development being that I recruit frontend developers). I work from 8AM to 5–6PM every weekday and thought “there is no WAY I could actually learn how to become a developer without quitting my job, going back to school, or running myself into the ground.” HOWEVER, I’ve created a schedule for myself that allows me to get 2–3 hours of coding in every day while making steady steps to becoming a frontend developer.

Remember, a step towards your goal is still progress no matter how large or small.

KNOW YOUR “WHY”:

The simple and complex question “why?”

My boss illustrated to me the reason your “why” is so important and how it can cultivate a great sense of motivation.

“Imagine your house is on fire. You managed to make it out and look back at the house. Now, imagine that your favorite pair of shoes are in your closet burning… that probably won’t make you go back into your burning down house and risk your life, right? OK, well imagine if your kid, significant other, bestfriend, or puppy was in there… would you go back in to try and save them? If so, that was your “why?” A reason that is strong enough to drive itself.”

I mentioned this story because if you create your “why” then making a routine and prioritizing time will become less and less of a chore, and more of an exciting step towards your overall goal.

Why do you want to learn how to code? What makes this different than any other area of interest? Why is it worth staying up late? Why is it worth changing your regular routine?

ROUTINE:

Yes, as cliché as it sounds, routines really help you stay disciplined and consistent. Think about this, if you tangibly schedule “code” into your calendar 3 to 4 times a week for however long your day allows, you are setting yourself up way better than if you just said “I'm going to code today.”

If you want a glimpse of what my weekdays look like:

My weekday routine:

* 7:30AM: Wake up

* 8AM-5PM: Work

* 5–6PM: Relax

* 6–8PM: Workout / Eat / Walk my doggo

* 8–9PM: Read, take a bath (great relaxation time) and get into focus mode\

* 9PM-11:30PM: Code

This is just what works for me. I schedule a time to code every day and ensure that the leading hours before I code help set me up so that I have the energy, mental focus, and consistency to knock it out. It actually took me a couple weeks to figure out what my body and mind needed in order to perform. Feel free to think of it like an experiment!

RESPECT YOUR TIME:

Let’s face it. Half of the time if it’s not our FT jobs that are getting in our way, it’s the millions of other things like eating with friends, gaming, watching that new show on Netflix, etc.

When I was confronted with this, I started to look at my coding time as if I were back in school. Once I planned my week out with the hours I needed to code, then I could use my free-time to schedule anything else that may come my way. I respect the time I choose to code so that I never schedule something over it. VALUE your time, VALUE your future.

TAKE BREAKS:

Above all else, when you get started you will NEED breaks. Breaks are important because it allows our minds to recharge and refocus. Take a shower, go on a walk, make dinner, or stretch! Use your break time to give back to your mind and body. Set yourself up for success by listening to what you need. If you don’t know what you need, try something, if you like it, keep it, if you don’t, try something else! That’s the only way to know what we need.

RECAP:

Some bullet points for my folks who don’t like those big ol’ paragraphs (me).

• Get to know your “why” behind why you want to code
• Create a routine that works for YOU
• Respect the time you dedicated to learn how to code and make that your priority. Everyone will understand!
• Take breaks that help YOU refocus and feel refreshed by getting to know what you like and need.

I hope this was helpful! I will be writing every week as an assignment created by the boot camp I am enrolled in called “DevSlopes.”

Feel free to reach out = goprojectnick@gmail.com

Until next time, PEACE!