What do you do if you want to learn new software development skills while juggling personal responsibilities?

1 Set realistic expectations

Before you start learning a new skill, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, how long it will take, and how much effort it will require. You also need to be honest with yourself about how much time and energy you have available for learning. Don't set yourself up for frustration and burnout by trying to learn too much too fast or by neglecting your other priorities. Instead, set realistic and specific goals that are aligned with your motivation, interest, and ability. For example, you could aim to learn the basics of a new programming language in three months, or to complete a small project using a new framework in six weeks.

2 Plan your learning schedule

Once you have your goals, you need to plan how to achieve them. This means creating a learning schedule that fits your lifestyle and preferences. You can use tools like calendars, reminders, or apps to organize your learning activities and track your progress. You should also consider factors like your optimal learning time, your preferred learning style, and your learning environment. For example, you might learn better in the morning, by watching videos, or in a quiet place. Try to find a consistent and convenient time and place for learning, and stick to it as much as possible. You should also plan for breaks, distractions, and emergencies that might disrupt your learning.

3 Choose your learning resources

There are many resources available for learning new software development skills, such as books, courses, tutorials, podcasts, blogs, or forums. However, not all resources are equally effective, relevant, or reliable. You need to choose your learning resources carefully, based on your goals, level, and budget. You should also evaluate the quality, credibility, and currency of the resources, and avoid information overload or outdated content. You can use online reviews, ratings, or recommendations to help you find the best resources for your needs. You should also diversify your learning sources, and use a combination of different formats and perspectives to enhance your understanding and retention.

4 Apply your learning

One of the best ways to learn new software development skills is to apply them to real or simulated problems or projects. This will help you test your knowledge, practice your skills, and get feedback on your performance. You can use online platforms, tools, or communities to find or create opportunities to apply your learning, such as coding challenges, hackathons, open source projects, or freelance gigs. You can also use online portfolios, blogs, or social media to showcase your work and share your learning journey. Applying your learning will not only improve your skills, but also boost your confidence and motivation.

5 Seek support and feedback

Learning new software development skills can be lonely and frustrating at times, especially if you encounter difficulties or doubts. That's why you need to seek support and feedback from others who can help you overcome your challenges and celebrate your achievements. You can use online or offline networks, groups, or mentors to connect with other learners or experts who share your interests, goals, or challenges. You can also use online platforms, tools, or services to get feedback on your work, such as code reviews, testing, or debugging. Seeking support and feedback will not only enhance your learning, but also expand your network and opportunities.

6 Review and reflect

Learning new software development skills is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. You need to review and reflect on your learning regularly, to assess your progress, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adjust your goals and strategies accordingly. You can use tools like quizzes, tests, or self-assessments to measure your learning outcomes and gaps. You can also use tools like journals, logs, or summaries to document your learning process and insights. Reviewing and reflecting on your learning will not only consolidate your skills, but also foster your growth and development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?