Balancing full-time work while pursuing a new career in coding is no small feat. Since I started my coding journey, I’ve had to become highly disciplined, carving out time for my studies amidst a busy work schedule and personal life. In this post, I’ll give you a glimpse into a typical day and share how I manage to keep everything on track.
My Daily Routine: Balancing Work, Study, and Life
Each day is a juggling act, but with the right strategies, I’ve found a rhythm that works for me. Here’s a look at how I manage to fit everything in.
5:30 AM – Early Morning Routine
I start my day early. The quiet morning hours are when I’m most productive. After a quick breakfast, I spend 30-45 minutes studying coding. This morning session is usually focused on learning new concepts or reviewing what I covered the day before. I find that breaking my study into smaller sessions helps me retain information better.
Currently, I’m working through my SheCodes coursework, which has been a fantastic resource. Read more about Winning the SheCodes Foundation Scholarship: How It Changed My Path.
8:00 AM – Off to Work
By 8:00 AM, I’m headed to my full-time job at a vape shop. I work long hours—66 hours a week—but I use every spare moment wisely. On my commute or during breaks, I listen to coding podcasts or tutorials to keep my mind engaged. Sometimes, I use this time to plan out the coding challenges I’ll tackle later in the day.
1:00 PM – Lunch Break Learning
During my lunch break, I sneak in another hour of coding. Whether it’s completing a coding challenge or watching a SheCodes video tutorial, I make sure to use this time efficiently. I’ve learned to work in short, focused bursts, which has significantly improved my ability to stay on top of my studies without feeling overwhelmed.
Productivity Hacks: How I Prioritize Tasks
With a busy schedule, it’s easy to get sidetracked. Here’s how I stay focused:
- Time Blocking: I block out specific times of the day for work, coding, and rest. This method helps me avoid distractions and keeps my productivity high. My morning and lunch study sessions are non-negotiable.
- Task Prioritization: I make a to-do list at the beginning of each day, breaking it into small, manageable tasks. I focus on completing at least one major coding task daily, whether it’s finishing a lesson or building a small project.
- Batching Similar Tasks: I batch tasks together to streamline my workflow. For example, I’ll set aside time to handle all my code reviews or practice algorithms, which helps me stay organized and saves mental energy.
The Importance of Breaks: Staying Mentally Fresh
As important as it is to stay productive, I’ve learned that taking regular breaks is essential. Coding, like any skill, requires intense concentration, and without breaks, it’s easy to burn out. I make sure to take short breaks throughout the day to stretch, hydrate, or step outside for some fresh air.
In the evening on weekends, I dedicate time to unwind—whether that’s cooking dinner with my husband or watching a show. Maintaining a balance between work, study, and personal life is crucial for long-term success.
8:30 PM – Evening Coding Session
Once I’m home and settled, I dive into my main coding session of the day. This is where I put in 1-2 hours of focused coding, whether it’s working on projects, tackling new challenges, or diving deeper into JavaScript and React. I love this time because it’s when I get to apply what I’ve learned in creative ways. For more insight into why I’m so passionate about front-end development, check out my post on Why I Chose Front-End Development: Creating Engaging User Experiences.
