I totally agree with this notion. Don't just go out and learn another programming language..it's an addiction to go after the next shiny tool/language/package that comes along. instead step away from it and focus on how you're career has evolved. what are the aspects of various jobs that you've taken on so far that really appeal to you. try to do more of it on the side.
I am currently in a similar situation where I'm trying to explore how my experience can benefit other younger students or early stage programmers. The end result of being enthused by them and also helping them with my broader perspective is very appealing to me. You can of course ease into such a role; don't have to give up your day job. family responsibilities are very real, very important and very satisfying...
I'm going to recommend if what you're doing isn't working for you, that you should try a different approach to see if it can get you the momentum you're looking for, in addition to what you've already been doing:
Take a break from focusing on the strategies and tactics of programming. No single algorithm, framework or language is going to unlock the panacea of potential inside of you. Most problems simply aren't that complex in the beginning.
Having the mindset of an innocent beginner always is the toughest thing to maintain to remain a problem-based thinker instead of a solution-based thinker.
The best way I've found is simply to solve problems the best I can, and when I learn what I could have done better, if the need is there, go and refactor it. No matter how great you are, or aren't today, what you write may look bad in 5 years because you have more experience.
Most things we build as developers become obsolete. It's a separate discussion but I'm not sure what you're trying to optimize, your skills, or a result in a project?
No developer is a a factory of churning out code or results at the same speed. Be less focused on the practice of programming alone and look at the results you're creating.
Software is as much a craft, an art, as much as a technical skill, and maybe it's something for you to explore the other fronts.
When I was about your age I went through a similar conundrum. I quit coding, and started to learn graphic design to become somewhat successful at this new endeavor. Would I do it again if I had the chance? Hell no! Sure I love to have had a visual education, but that wasn't enough to keep me from getting bored. What did I do? I've started to code again. But this time, instead of doing boring business coding as I did before, I went to do graphics programming. Now I have much more fun. What should you do? In my experience don't be blind and quit coding to do something else. I guess my advice is this: don't take myopic decisions; instead, take what you know, and mix it with what you like to reinvent yourself. Just learn a new craft and try to merge that to programming.
Find something interesting. Apply your skills to a side project. Take a break? Change jobs? There's always a new mole hill to examine or mountain to climb. Try teaching someone new programming. I know some of my friends have rediscovered that spark of wonder by seeing it through a newcomer's eyes via teaching a layperson or child.
I think continuously becoming a better programmer is probably a good way to go at this. If you can sprinkle in some traveling and learning another language or to while you're at it, that would perfect. And maybe learn a musical instrument as well.
If you want to try getting back to the root-roots, you could try following Ben Eater's youtube series and build an 8-bit breadboard computer, and write some software for that; I find hardware fascinating.
Alternatively, find a cause/issue you feel strongly about and see if you can apply your skillset to make real change, where you can feel good about what & why you are coding. Or another way to put it, let programming be secondary to a more important goal; your desire to accomplish that goal will drive your need to improve as a programmer.
It sounds like you've already made the decision. Never do anything that feels like failing. If your heart's into trying something new, try something new. I spent a year thinking programming was no longer for me, and when I came out of that phase I was more refreshed than ever.
The work environment may have burned you out, or the years may have ground away the initial joy of learning. Either way, my suggestion is the same.
Look around for a charity that you value, and that you think could make good use of your skills. Local charities often lack people with programming skills, so your contribution might be very valuable to them.
If things go well, you might revisit the old thrill of overcoming unfamiliar challenges. You may take delight in the fact that you are making a difference to something important that goes well beyond you and what you thought was your career. Almost certainly, you'll also make some new friends who can teach you a thing or two, perhaps about things you've never pondered before.
Keep an eye out for someone you can teach. That way, your skills will be magnified, and you may find yourself looking forward to each new day in a way you haven't in a long time.
First of all, I appreciate you are still willing to learn new things.That's the key.Knowledge is everywhere, not inside in a library room of some university.If you love to go with programming choose the right technology that may make you reach somewhere.Your confidence is the key.Just go ahead.
Good luck,oh in fact there is no luck.Only hard work bring you the result.I'm not the one to give you lectures, I'm just 24 running.Go ahead and ofcourse you should be taking care of your family. :)
I think a lot of what you wrote are possible signs that programming isn't for you but it depends. What you listed is aimed at frontend work. Maybe you should be setting your goal somewhere else in programming. Especially if you have the learning resources for the frontend stuff but you're still failing to make progress with it. Although learning sometimes can be best at a job that's forcing you to make progress everyday. I personally don't think programming is for everyone and I think that some people just push themselves into the career for financial reasons. They're probably going to live a life of despair attached to them for it. Unless they eventually switch to management.
I haven't programmed in any substantial quantity or quality since 2004, so I'll start with a more approachable language (Python), but I'll definitely keep an open mind.
It appears that you already have some tech skills [in C/C++]. This is more than a lot of people can say. What you should consider doing is finding some meaningful work around that area of skill to get yourself back on track.
Here are a few questions you could ask yourself to get at an answer:
- Are there any challenges that C/C++ developers have that I can solve with a product I can create within a short period of time?
- Are there any problems that I see around me, problems experienced by others that I can resolve with a C/C++ powered solution?
- Are there any technologies similar to C/C++ that I can learn to help me build something that someone may find useful and pay for, or make a transition to another job opportunity that is not specifically C/C++?
- Can I teach or tutor someone [or a small group] C/C++ and earn something to keep me going?
Maybe the next phase for you isn't a new job. I would encourage you to ask yourself questions about how you can use what you know [and are good at] to impact someone else positively and eventually earn a living doing so.
I've read quite a few good suggestions in this post and I would urge you to stay on-board. Storms don't last that long, but you will be changed for the better if you can make it through them.
How about getting back to the basics? You know, taking some maths classes, CS fundamentals, algorithms, data structures, that kind of stuff. It is timeless, and if you are self-taught, I can guarantee you that you have massive holes in your knowledge.
Also, might sound off topic, but learning a new language (not programming, human) could be an amazing step forward, in ways you cannot even imagine now.
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