When You’re Busy, Learning Can Feel Impossible
Life can get busy. Between working, maintaining a household, hobbies, spending time with family and friends, and just trying to rest, it can be hard to squeeze in anything extra.
After finishing my web development diploma (a full-time course while working part-time), I was absolutely drained. Some weeks I had no days off, and any time I did get was usually spent finishing assignments. It was a full-on period in my life, and when it ended, I just wanted space.
Space to rest.
To do nothing.
To enjoy my free time without feeling guilty.
And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. I reclaimed my weekends and evenings, went out more, let myself relax. It felt amazing, like I had finally earned the freedom to just be.
Reconnecting With Code (Slowly)
But then, something shifted.
With mentoring support and slowly dipping my toe back into the world of web development, I started noticing a pattern. The developers I looked up to (even the senior ones) weren’t just clocking off at 5pm and calling it a day.
They carve out time to:
- Learn new tools
- Build personal projects
- Explore new frameworks
- Sharpen their skills outside of work
Not because they have to but because the industry moves fast, and staying curious is part of the job.
The Big Lesson: You Don’t “Find” Time You Make It
That’s when I realised: if I want to grow, I have to make time.
Not “find time,” because let’s be honest most of us never magically find it. We have to create it.
That might mean:
- 30 minutes in the morning before work
- A quiet hour after dinner
- Saying no to one social thing so I can say yes to building something cool on my laptop
It’s Not Always Easy And That’s Okay
There are days I just want to veg on the couch and not open my laptop after being on a computer all day at work. And that’s okay sometimes! Rest is part of the process too.
But what I’m learning is that consistently showing up, even in small ways, makes a big difference. It keeps my brain engaged. It builds confidence and new skills.
Helpful Tips for Making Time to Learn
- Set small, specific goals: Instead of “work on coding,” say “build a simple contact form” or “read one article about advanced custom fields.”
- Time block your week: Try reserving one or two time slots each week just for learning like an appointment with yourself.
- Track what you do: Keep a short learning journal or list of what you’ve worked on. It’s motivating to look back and see progress.
- Choose low-pressure tasks: Watch a coding tutorial with your morning coffee or practice on your phone during a commute every bit counts (there are apps where you can practice coding!).
- Give yourself grace: Some weeks will be harder than others. The goal is consistency over time, not perfection.
You’re Not Alone
So if you’re juggling a million things and wondering how you’re supposed to keep learning on top of it all, know this: you’re not alone. It’s hard. But it will be worth it.
Making time for your skills isn’t just about becoming a better developer. It’s about giving your future self options, freedom, and a sense of pride in what you’re building.
Even if it’s 20 minutes a day.
Even if it’s once a week.
Just keep showing up.
We’ve got this.