How To Fall in Love With Coding
I am sharing my personal love story with coding
It was only a few years ago when I was in your shoes, navigating the labyrinth of the tech world, aiming to become a data scientist. I wasn’t driven by my passion or profound understanding of data science and machine learning, but rather, by the talk of the town that this field had numerous job opportunities.
The mindset was simple :
If there are a sea of jobs, a mastery of machine learning will get me one.
Unforeseen at the time, this would lead me on an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
Years passed, filled with frustration and irksome tutorials, making it evident that this was not my cup of tea. The data science world, which I was striving to fit into, was fundamentally not for me. It was time for a change. I had to step back and re-evaluate.
So here I am, sharing my story, my journey, hoping my lessons guide you to escape similar frustrations and find that path that sparks joy and fulfillment in your being.
Embracing change
I had been shackled by what seemed secure rather than pursuing what was aligned with my interests. It was time to grasp the reality of the job market in my vicinity.
The first move was creating a list of all the sought-after tech stacks around me.
A simple LinkedIn search shed ample light on the landscape of jobs in my area. Equipped with this newfound knowledge, I dove deeper into each tech stack, exploring the range of projects they encompassed and most importantly, what resonated with my interest.
That was the pivotal moment when I found my calling — front-end development. The exhilaration of breathing life into visual designs, seeing my creations leap out of the screen, now that was pure joy.
Unleash your passion
My lesson? It’s not just about treading a path laden with job opportunities. It’s the delicately balanced intersection of market demand and your sheer delight in the work that matters.
You need to uncover the projects you would relish crafting and discover the compatible tech stack that could make them a reality.
Here’s my advice to identify your passion and align it with the job market:
- Understand your Market: Begin by comprehending market demand. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor to compile a list of in-demand skills and roles.
- Explore Tech Stacks: Allocate some quality time to learn about each technology. Understand their capabilities and limitations, ensuring they align with your sparks of interest.
- Identify your Passion: As you navigate through each tech stack, question yourself: What projects excite me? What do you enjoy, developing games, creating embedded systems or handling large data volumes? Make sure your passion is the central axis of your decision.
- Refine your Skills: Identify your passion and align it with the tech stack that fits the job market, then hone those skills. Focus on being the best in your chosen field.
Remember, fewer job opportunities do not equate to gloominess. A craftsperson who loves their work will always stand out. In the end, it’s your passion that will be your beacon.
Let your passion guide you
I have faith in your capabilities. I am confident that as you navigate your journey of self-discovery and career growth, let your passion guide you. In doing so, you’re not only carving a unique place for yourself but also seeking fulfillment in your work. Echoing the wisdom of Confucius :
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life
Thank you for letting me share my journey with you, and here’s to yours, filled with sparkling discoveries and the happiness unique to followed passions.