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Discussion on: Managing your time as a junior software developer who wants to make a progress.

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codemouse92 profile image
Jason C. McDonald

What am I doing wrong? Is it a bad time management, gools are not realistic? Lack of motivation?

It sounds like you're dealing with burnout! That happens when you push yourself so hard to achieve, ignoring your body's warnings that it needs a break, that your mind takes over and puts the brakes on by itself.

Read more about burnout...

...sometimes I feel like am not doing enough, or am not able to be as good as them...

This is literally just Imposter Syndrome talking. There will always be someone in existence who is "more skilled" than you at any given task, and that's true for everyone alive: instead, focus on what you can do! There's a developer somewhere who aspires to your knowledge and skill level. Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Strive for your personal best, and learn to be content with that.

Read more about Imposter Syndrome...

At the same time I want to learn the newest technologies, am taking two course to do so.

Continuous learning is good, but I've learned the hard way that, once you're past the essentials, time spent learning concepts you don't have an immediate application for is largely wasted. You won't retain most of the knowledge without practice, and in this industry especially, knowledge becomes outdated before the ink's even dry on the newest edition of the book.

Focus your learning on the things you need either now or next. Achieve mastery of the programming language(s) you already use. Learn new tricks with your current development tools. Expand your understanding of the framework your project is being built in.

If you really want to learn a new technology, first find a project or immediate application for it. If you can't do that, then wait on learning it until you can.

That way, you'll make the most of your learning time, while keeping your projects moving forward.

Sometimes I feel like am distracting my self instead of focusing on a couple of things at a time.

There's a possibility you might be! (See my advice about learning). Our project ideas and ambitions often outstrip our available time. You can do anything you want given sufficient time to devote to it, and that's the rub.

Remember, there is no shame in adopting slow, low-obligation timetables on personal projects. That's why I created and adopted The Cranky Developer Manifesto for many of my own personal projects.

I recommend writing out a list of all the projects you have going, both at work and personally, and then prioritize them. Figure out which are mandatory, and which are "nice to have". Determine which to work on now, next, and later.

If you find you're carrying too much responsibility at work, this is the time to have a conversation with your supervisor. Explain that you want to do your best at every task, but that you're spread too thin in your work assignments to achieve that. He or she may be able to help you to adjust deadlines, reprioritize tasks, or even take some things off your plate.

I need some advice on how to balance between my personal coding gools and my work.

First, remember that your brain needs downtime too! You need to learn how much energy you actually have, and respect your body's demands for a break. Are you getting regular exercise, even if it's just a walk around your neighborhood? Is your sleep schedule optimal? (Personally, I work better as a morning person, a la 5 AM, than as a night owl. Find what works for you.) Are there other hobbies that you want to devote attention to?

Work out a regular weekly schedule for yourself. Schedule in 30-minute blocks. Explicitly schedule "free time" for yourself! Any time that is unscheduled will either get filled with more work, or with unrewarding time-sinks (like 3 hour Minecraft marathons when you'd really rather be coding.)

The purpose of this schedule is to give yourself a framework: you can move those time blocks around, and even deliberately trade them off. The point is to set aside time for work, for personal needs, for rest and play, and for hobbies, including coding.

You may, in fact, find that you need to take some pressure off yourself in the personal coding arena. If so, respect that need! It won't last forever. Once your stress level has had a chance to go down, you'll find that you desire and drive to code for yourself is back at full strength. Then, armed with a regular schedule, you can begin fitting it in without burning out.

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saraahmed626 profile image
Sara °°°

Hi Jason :)
Thank you so much for all the valuable feedback, and useful resources.
Totally appreciated!

This will serve as a guide for me to go through again and again everytime I feel like this.

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murkrage profile image
Mike Ekkel

Continuous learning is good, but I've learned the hard way that, once
you're past the essentials, time spent learning concepts you don't
have an immediate application for is largely wasted. You won't retain
most of the knowledge without practice, and in this industry
especially, knowledge becomes outdated before the ink's even dry on
the newest edition of the book.

Focus your learning on the things you need either now or next. Achieve
mastery of the programming language(s) you already use. Learn new
tricks with your current development tools. Expand your understanding
of the framework your project is being built in.

If you really want to learn a new technology, first find a project or
immediate application for it. If you can't do that, then wait on
learning it until you can.

That way, you'll make the most of your learning time, while keeping
your projects moving forward.

A thousand percent this! You've got to find a way to break out of 'tutorial hell'. Doing courses to get you going is great but at some point you need to practice the things you've learned. You'll only keep doubting yourself and your abilities if you keep on doing courses. That was my experience, at least. I just couldn't shake this feeling I wasn't ready to get going. In hindsight: I totally was and so are you!

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saraahmed626 profile image
Sara °°°

Hi Mike!
Thank you :)

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maelingcodes profile image
Maeling (she/her)

This is incredible advice that can be applied to so many areas of life! Thank you so much for sharing!