Re-entering the World of Programming After a Hiatus

Introduction: Returning to Programming After a Break

Taking a break from programming, whether for a few weeks, months, or even years, is a common experience. Life circumstances, burnout, or a change in career direction can lead to a temporary or extended pause in coding activities. The prospect of returning to programming after such a hiatus can feel daunting. Many people describe programming as being “like riding a bike,” suggesting that the skills are never truly lost. While there’s truth to this analogy, it’s more accurate to say that the bike might feel a little wobbly at first. You might experience a few stumbles before regaining your previous proficiency.

This chapter provides practical tips and strategies to help you smoothly transition back into programming. These recommendations are based on the experiences of developers who have successfully navigated similar returns and are designed to minimize frustration and maximize your chances of a successful and enjoyable re-entry into the field.

Strategies for Re-entering the Programming World

Focus on a Specific Area

The world of programming is vast and constantly evolving. Upon returning after a break, you might be tempted to explore exciting new technologies that have emerged during your absence.

Technologies: The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. In the context of programming, this refers to the tools, systems, and methods used in software development.

Areas like machine learning, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and blockchain development might pique your interest.

Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on enabling computer systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. AI (Artificial Intelligence): The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages. Blockchain Development: The process of creating applications and systems using blockchain technology, a decentralized and distributed digital ledger.

However, resist the urge to jump into everything at once. Overwhelming yourself with numerous new concepts and tools can lead to confusion and discouragement. Instead, the most effective approach is to select one specific area of programming that genuinely interests you and concentrate your initial efforts there.

This focused approach is beneficial not just for those returning from a break, but for anyone seeking to advance in programming. Choosing a single area allows for deeper learning and faster progress. Consider whether you want to return to your previous area of expertise or explore something new. Perhaps your initial break was due to a lack of motivation in your previous domain. In that case, exploring a different area might reignite your passion. Regardless of your choice, the key is to commit to one area to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of the programming landscape.

Establish a Timeline and Schedule

Avoid the common pitfall of immediately diving back into intense coding sessions. Trying to code for six to eight hours a day right away is a recipe for burnout, the very condition that might have contributed to your initial break.

Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. In programming, it can be caused by overwork, constant learning demands, and tight deadlines.

Conversely, spreading your coding efforts too thinly, such as coding only once a week or every two weeks, will hinder your momentum and make it difficult to regain fluency. There is no magic number for the perfect schedule, as individual circumstances vary greatly. However, a good starting point is to aim for shorter, more frequent sessions. Consider dedicating two hours every day or every other day to programming. Whether you choose mornings, evenings, or another time depends on your personal schedule and preferences.

The crucial aspect is to start slowly and gradually increase your coding time as you feel more comfortable and your stamina improves. This gradual approach prevents burnout and allows you to build a sustainable rhythm for your return to programming.

Catch Up on Industry Trends and Technologies

If your break was extended, particularly for several years, it’s essential to recognize that the programming landscape might have changed significantly. Technologies you were familiar with might be deprecated or considered outdated.

Deprecated: In software development, deprecated means a feature, function, or technology is discouraged from use and may be removed or discontinued in future versions.

Therefore, a crucial step is to assess the current state of the industry and the specific technologies relevant to your chosen area. Even if you intend to return to a familiar domain, like being a React developer, significant updates and new paradigms may have emerged.

React Developer: A software developer who specializes in using React, a JavaScript library for building user interfaces.

For instance, if you were a React developer who took a four-year break, you would likely need to learn about hooks, a feature introduced to React that fundamentally changed how state and side effects are managed in components.

Hooks (React Hooks): Functions in React that let you “hook into” React state and lifecycle features from within functional components. They were introduced to simplify state management and side effects in React components.

To effectively catch up, consult official documentation for the technologies you plan to use. Explore developer communities and resources to understand current best practices and popular tools. This research will help you identify the knowledge gaps you need to address and guide your learning journey.

Re-engage in Learning

Learning is an inherent part of being a programmer. The field is perpetually evolving, requiring continuous adaptation and skill enhancement. Returning from a break necessitates a renewed commitment to learning. Whether you prefer tutorials, courses, books, or articles, choose learning mediums that suit your style.

Personal anecdotes often highlight the initial blankness experienced when returning to code after a break. Even opening a familiar Integrated Development Environment (IDE) like VS Code (Visual Studio Code) might feel daunting at first.

VS Code (Visual Studio Code): A popular source code editor developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is widely used by programmers for writing, editing, and debugging code.

One effective approach is to revisit online learning platforms like Udemy, which offer a vast library of programming courses.

Udemy: An online learning platform offering a wide variety of courses, including programming, taught by independent instructors.

Following along with a project-based course can be particularly helpful in re-immersing yourself in the practical aspects of coding, stimulating your thought processes, and regaining your coding mindset.

Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself reviewing fundamental concepts that you previously mastered. Consider it a refresher, a way to reactivate your existing knowledge base. This initial learning phase is akin to getting back on the “wobbly bike” – the familiar motions will gradually return, and things will start “clicking” again as your foundational understanding resurfaces.

Start a Side Project

After completing some guided projects from courses or tutorials, the next crucial step is to embark on a side project.

Side Project: A personal project undertaken outside of regular work or study, often for learning, experimentation, portfolio building, or personal enjoyment.

A side project is a self-directed endeavor that allows you to apply your newly refreshed skills in a more realistic development context. Ideally, choose a project that genuinely interests you. This intrinsic motivation will be vital in sustaining your engagement and overcoming challenges.

Consider projects that align with your interests or even your experiences during your hiatus. For example, if you worked in the medical field during your break, you could explore developing a Software as a Service (SaaS) application for medical practices.

SaaS (Software as a Service): A software distribution model in which a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet, typically on a subscription basis.

Alternatively, if you have a hobby like photography, you could create a project related to photography workflows or image management. The key is to choose something that sparks your curiosity and keeps you motivated.

Side projects are invaluable because they simulate real-world development scenarios. You’ll inevitably encounter unexpected issues, requiring you to debug your code and find solutions independently.

Debug: The process of identifying and removing errors or bugs from computer software or hardware.

This process of problem-solving and independent learning is essential for solidifying your skills and building confidence.

Join or Rejoin a Community

Community engagement is a powerful tool for programmers at all stages, and especially beneficial for those returning from a break. Consider joining or rejoining online communities like Tech Twitter or coding Discord servers.

Tech Twitter: The community of technology professionals and enthusiasts who use Twitter to share news, insights, engage in discussions, and build connections within the tech industry. Coding Discord Server: An online community platform, Discord, dedicated to discussions and collaboration related to programming, software development, and related topics.

These platforms provide spaces to interact with other developers, ask questions, share experiences, and stay informed about industry trends. If possible and depending on local conditions, attending in-person meetups or tech events can also be incredibly valuable. Conversing with fellow programmers, discussing coding challenges, and simply being immersed in the tech community can help reignite your passion and reintegrate you into the programming mindset.

Plan Your Return to Work

For many returning programmers, the ultimate goal is to re-enter the professional programming world and generate income. Your path to achieving this will depend on your career aspirations. If you aim to work for a company, start preparing for technical interviews, updating your resume, and networking. If you are interested in freelance work, begin building your portfolio and exploring platforms for finding clients.

Freelance: Working as a self-employed person, offering services to multiple clients rather than being employed by a single company.

Building your own product or SaaS offering is another option, though it often requires significant upfront effort and may not provide immediate income.

Reflect on your reasons for taking a break. If burnout in a previous company role was a factor, consider exploring freelance opportunities or even building your own product. Conversely, if you were previously self-employed and felt isolated or overwhelmed, seeking a position in a company might offer a more structured and supportive environment. Consider this return as an opportunity to potentially pivot your career path and align it more closely with your current needs and aspirations.

Manage Discouragement

It’s crucial to acknowledge that returning to programming can be emotionally challenging. Don’t get discouraged by the rapid pace of technological advancements or by feelings of being “behind.” Imposter syndrome, the feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evidence of competence, can be amplified when returning after a break.

Imposter Syndrome: A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competence.

Remember that feeling overwhelmed or less proficient initially is normal. Technology is constantly evolving, and every programmer, regardless of experience level, faces the ongoing need to learn and adapt. Avoid falling into a negative mindset or comparing your current state to a past peak performance.

Motivation and drive can fluctuate over time.

Motivation: The general desire or willingness of someone to do something. Drive: In this context, a strong inner urge to achieve something or act in a certain way, particularly in relation to career and programming goals.

Life events, changes in mental health or physical health, and shifting priorities can all impact your energy and focus.

Mental Health: A person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being. Physical Health: The condition of a person’s body, encompassing factors like fitness, absence of disease, and overall well-being.

Recognize that periods of lower motivation are normal and temporary. Focus on consistent, incremental progress, and celebrate small victories along the way. Be patient with yourself and trust that your skills and passion for programming will gradually return.

Prioritize Breaks and Prevent Burnout

Finally, remember why you initially took a break. To avoid repeating past patterns, make sure you take breaks. Incorporate frequent short breaks throughout your coding sessions to maintain focus and prevent mental fatigue. More importantly, schedule longer breaks throughout the year. Taking five to seven days off every few months for vacations or activities unrelated to screens and coding is essential for long-term sustainability. These breaks allow your brain to refresh, recharge, and prevent future burnout, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable programming journey.

Conclusion

Returning to programming after a break is a journey that requires patience, strategic planning, and self-compassion. By focusing on a specific area, establishing a realistic schedule, catching up on industry changes, actively learning, engaging in side projects and communities, and prioritizing your well-being, you can successfully and confidently re-enter the world of programming and reignite your passion for code.