Balancing a full-time job while studying coding is no easy feat, but it’s something I’ve managed to do since I began my journey in 2023. With a packed schedule that includes working 66 hours a week 7 days a week while learning to code, I had to develop effective strategies to stay on top of everything. In this post, I’ll share how I balance full-time work and coding and the time management techniques that helped me achieve my goals.
My Daily Routine for Balancing Work and Coding
When you’re working full-time and studying, it’s essential to structure your day around priorities. For me, that meant designing a daily routine that allowed me to focus on coding without sacrificing work or personal time. Here’s a snapshot of my typical day:
- Morning Coding Sessions: I wake up early, around 5:30 am, to dedicate one hour to coding before work. This quiet time is crucial for tackling complex problems when my mind is fresh.
- Utilizing Breaks Wisely: During breaks at work, I review coding concepts or read about front-end development trends. Every little bit of progress adds up.
- Evening Study Blocks: After work, around 8:30 pm, I dedicate two to three hours to studying. I break these sessions into manageable chunks, usually focusing on coding exercises or React projects.
By setting consistent blocks of time each day, I’ve built a routine that balances full-time work and coding without overwhelming myself.
Time Management Strategies That Work
Managing your time effectively is key when you’re trying to balance full-time work and coding. Here are a few strategies that worked for me:
- Time Blocking: I use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific hours for coding, work, and relaxation. This ensures I stay focused during study sessions and don’t burn out.
- Prioritize Learning Goals: On busy days, I prioritize the most important coding tasks. Whether it’s finishing a lesson on freeCodeCamp or completing a React component, having clear goals helps me stay on track.
- Use Deadlines as Motivation: Setting personal deadlines for completing coding challenges or projects has kept me motivated. These deadlines hold me accountable and give me a sense of progress.
Maintaining Focus with a Packed Schedule
It’s easy to get distracted when you’re juggling full-time work and studying, so maintaining focus is essential. One method that’s helped me immensely is the Pomodoro Technique, where I work in short, focused bursts followed by brief breaks. This approach keeps me energized and prevents burnout.
I also remind myself why I’m learning to code—to build a better future and transition into front-end development. This sense of purpose fuels my motivation, even on tough days. In fact, my decision to pursue front-end development came from my love for design and problem-solving. Read more about Why I Chose Front-End Development: Creating Engaging User Experiences to see how my passions align with my career goals.
Staying Consistent on the Journey
Learning to code while managing a demanding work schedule requires persistence and consistency. Since starting my coding journey in 2023, I’ve had to make sacrifices, such as cutting back on social events or watching TV. But every sacrifice has been worth it. By maintaining a structured routine and using effective time management strategies, I’ve balanced full-time work and coding without losing sight of my goals. For more about how I started coding after a major life change, check out my post, From Retrenchment to Reinvention: My Coding Journey After Losing My Job.
