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John Ansa
John Ansa

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Attention, Software Engineers!

Did you realize that over 50% of your skills often come from outside your 9-to-5 job? 😮

It's mind-boggling, right?

I've realized that some of my most valuable learnings and skills haven't necessarily stemmed from my main job, but from diving into side projects.

These projects have been like a playground where I get to experiment, learn new technologies, and challenge myself in ways my regular job might not allow.

For instance, last year, I was working on a side project to create a mobile app for managing personal finances. While my main job didn't involve mobile development, this project allowed me to explore new programming languages, and user interface design, and even delve into the complexities of security in finance apps. The experience I gained was invaluable and boosted my confidence in tackling diverse challenges.

This year, I started tinkering with a personal project - an app idea that had been floating in my mind for ages. Not only did it let me apply what I knew, but it pushed me to learn new languages and frameworks too!

Whether it's building a website, experimenting with a new framework, creating a fun app, or contributing to an open-source project, side projects can be your playground for growth.

They're like a sandbox where you can freely explore, make mistakes, and level up your skills.

So, my advice to all of you incredible engineers out there:

Don't underestimate the power of side projects!🙌

They're not just hobbies but incredible opportunities to upskill and expand your knowledge base.

Seize the opportunity to grow beyond the confines of your job description and explore the endless possibilities that your creativity can lead you to.

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