Ask HN - Dropped out of college, how do I rediscover learning code | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN - Dropped out of college, how do I rediscover learning code

7 pointstherofler7 comments

I've recently dropped out of college as I simply felt like I wasn't learning anything whilst being there, and that I hated it. I am now completely demotivated but I love the idea of being able to code. I also have a ton of projects I have always wanted to build.

I would love some advice on whats the best way for me to motivate myself, and whats the best way for me to rediscover the enjoyment of learning code.

View on HN

I found that the easiest thing to work on that gives you a feeling of constant progress while also forcing you to learn a vast array of skills is game development. Making games requires you to learn about data structures, algorithms, optimization, and providing a good user experience all while making something that's enjoyable for yourself. Even if you don't ever plan on making games in the future, the process makes you seek out new knowledge and better methods of implementing everything, plus it also gives you the chance to work with a bunch of different areas of design (UI, controls, AI, possibly networking, graphics/shaders, and loads else), so you might find one subject you like more than the others and discover your specialty.

As for motivation, that's unfortunately something that you have to find for yourself. Once you start working on a satisfying project, you won't want to stop. The hard part is finding something that's satisfying.

Everyone is hiring right now, there is a shortage of good devs, and many companies don't care if you have a degree or not. Pick a language and/or framework and start working on a portfolio. You will get better each time you build something new.

I don't know about other communities, but Ruby/Rails is particularly hot right now.

Also, some companies hire junior devs who specifically haven't had a job coding before.

Just get at it and start building stuff. You'll learn faster than you might imagine.

A tried and true method to create motivation to learn something is to sign up for a class that you'll get a grade in. You can take college courses without being in a degree program. Otherwise, I have no idea. I was internally motivated when I learned to code, way back when I was a child. It's harder to summon that kind of motivation if you haven't had it already by the time you're an adult.

I think it depends on the person. I find courses totally demotivating. Even if I'm very interested in the subject before taking a course, I immediately lose interest once it's something I'm graded on like that, with the direction decided by an instructor.

But you're motivated to get to the end, aren't you? If not, you must have had a hard time in school.

here's my 0.02$

Try working on some interesting projects, and make sure you finish them, not mattter how much time it takes (given that they are technically possible)

Also since you're dropping out, things are going to change

+ Working outside of an organised routine like college with less or no deadlines and exams and staying productive is going to be very difficult, so prepare for it in advance.

+ Organise everything, I would also like to throw in self quantisation here, try it out for some time.

+ The burden to prove your mettle in the eyes of your peers and keeping upto family expectations is also going to create some pressure

+ Doing all this alone could be difficult, so find someone to code with.

+ I guess you already know this, but learn by creating things, and keep building your portfolio. Even if you have a startup in mind, you should keep working on side projects to build the portfolio just as a backup.

+ Stay motivated (Easier said than done)

Take on a tough programming project related to one of your hobbies. Have big dreams but start small.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com