Learning to Code as an Adult (Overwhelmed With Responsibilities)

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Video Description:
As many of you know, learning to code as an adult with a full plate of responsibilities is no small feat. Over 75% of you watching my channel are over 25 years old, so I get it—you’re balancing jobs, family, relationships, and more. In this video, I dive into the gritty reality of what it takes to succeed in learning to code when you’re not just out of high school, but a real adult with serious responsibilities.

I’m going to be brutally honest here: if you’re making excuses about not having enough time to learn to code, you need to stop lying to yourself. The truth is, it’s not about having time; it’s about making time. I’ve been there, and I know the sacrifices you’ll need to make to achieve your goals. From managing your time effectively to finding the right moments to code, I’ll share strategies that can help you navigate this challenging journey.

If you’re serious about becoming a developer, you’ll need to learn how to balance your responsibilities while staying consistent with your learning. I’ll cover practical advice on how to create blocks of focused time for coding, the importance of building good habits, and even how to handle burnout through mindfulness and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re a parent, working full-time, or juggling multiple commitments, this video is for you.

[gjking]

I'm 34 living with my mom. Working 2 jobs 54 hours a week 7 days a week while studying CS and trying to lose weight. I will do this and come out on top

[talleman]

I learned to code at 38 while building a house, living in a camper, and raising kids. Also had a full time job. No excuses. just do it!

[jonathanvandenberg]

18 months of +8 hours per day of coding got me in the industry as a fullstack dev in 2022
edit: Started at 37 years old

[tristangruener]

I’ll never forget my days working 40hrs a week washing dishes grinding on code on the evening

[brandomo]

Damn I couldn't imagine learning to code with a kid as well. Props to anyone that can pull it off. I was so burnt out when I finally landed my first dev job. It was a grind!

[junioraos]

I've started at 35. went to college again. Would not be possible without the support of my wife. Best advice I can give: Stick to one language. It doesn't matter witch one you line most, you will get a job eventually. Just keep grinding.

[traezeeofor]

I wish I hadn't quit my job to focus full-time on coding. But I appreciate all the learning and growth thus far 🙏🏾.

[Mel-muox]

A year ago I found a youtube vid about how the brain will learn something, then keep working on it subconsciously when you have down time.

A great trick is to do something mundane that doesn't use your brain between learning sessions or when you feel your frustration levels getting to high.

I think this is why people often come up with great ideas in the Shower, or suddenly think of a solution to a problem their having as their trying to get to sleep.

I find 10 mins of housework, between learning sessions to be a great way to retain what I'm learning and I don't have to worry about doing chores just before bed :D

[veganrican]

I'm 43, I'm just starting, and I work full time. But I'm going to do this.

[thebluefrog]

Outstanding video! Learning to code right now with a full time job, wife, 2 kids, and Church leadership activities. You have to want it and you have to get your family on board. My wife and I work together to ensure I am hitting 2 hours a day.

[Javx]

Im 40 and Ive studied computer science and I code since I was 18, Ive worked on and off of this industry, since 2021 Ive been working entirely as a programmer but nowadays is really hard to catch up these new technologies, I have a job as SE

[ProgrammingWIthRiley]

Just like getting successful, learning to code is just the beginning. Building things is the hard part.

[danielmckelvey]

Hey mate, 34 years old, have a wife, 2 kids who are twins at the age of 2, full-time shift work 4 x 4, however at the start of this year I am studying IT as well as Web Dev qualification, I either get up at 3am or stay up late after the kids are in bed to get some hours and grind in, i have given myself small term goals to achieve which in the end works towards a big goal

[nicolagh]

Thanks a lot for your video content. I've just started coding at 37 while having 2 jobs. I believe we can do anything as long as we like it. And this is a great channel for weekly inspirations.

[paulweaver]

Struggling with all this right now but reassured by the no bs advice, because it aligns with what I was thinking I need to do to overcome my “time” issues.

[ChristinaZarahMacMullen-geev]

You can totally do it! I’m 49 and I completed a front end developer certification on Coursera. I have a full-time job and other responsibilities, but I did some every single day and took a day off here and there to rest. It is possible, you just have to make it a priority. Momentum is a powerful force, so it’s important to keep it going.

[pauldavidson]

Great video this. I am 33, full time job and family.
I started coding about 6-7 months roughly. I am at the end of scrimba frontend. The react oortion. It isn't easy at all. However, I have never clicked with anything like I have with coding. You are correct you need to make time, no shortcuts in this racket.

[joseijosei]

I would argue that these are great advices for people who either have kids, extremely time consuming jobs, or straight up have two jobs, which is why reading the full title is pretty important. I say this because, now that I'm just a normal single adult (late 20s) I have more free time than what I had as a teen or college student. I got a CS degree, but I had extra time for personal projects and gaming during my time in college too.

Being an adult without kids feels like going to school but getting paid for your time, in a way.

[mpitzamas]

Hello Don, I've been watching your videos for over 2 years now. I've been trying to learn how to code for 2 years(i'm 29 now) while being on and off from it and while being the biggest procrastinator. Responsibilities and full time job were making me take months off coding and in doing that, i was frustrated and anxious by my actions.( i was studying for 1-2 months and then off for 2-3 moths ).
I made the decision to swap my job for a part-time one and make coding my first priority. I learned from my mistakes and i will make it through this in the end.
Thank you Don, for helping and inspiring new Developers, you're truly amazing! BELIEVE GUYS!

[opethforlife]

Learning a new thing as an adult is incredibly hard, but it gets easier if you have the raw desire to learn.