I've always been interested in programming since middle school, and I recently graduated with my CS bachelor's degree. However, I found myself really struggling in school and spent a lot of time just trying to keep up. After graduating, I enrolled in a master's program, but I took a semester off to focus on my mental health and sharpen my programming skills. I regret this decision because I feel like I'm falling behind and missing out on opportunities while my peers continue into their master's. Right now, I struggle with even simple LeetCode problems and feel discouraged about job applications. I've started several projects but never managed to complete them. I really want to be a programmer but I'm starting to doubt myself. I'm reaching out for any advice, personal stories, or encouragement. Should I keep trying or consider a different career path?
5 Answers
Honestly, it's more about your work ethic and perseverance than just raw skill. Many programmers struggle with LeetCode, and it doesn’t necessarily reflect your abilities in real-world coding. Focus on smaller projects and problem-solving instead. If you enjoy what you're doing and tackle issues consistently, you'll see improvements. Just push yourself a bit and stick with it!
I think it’s important to admit that programming can be hard and not everyone finds it easy at first. What you need to ask yourself is whether you like the actual process of coding. If you do, keep pushing through! Maybe take on smaller projects that solve real-life problems. You don’t need to be perfect at LeetCode to be successful.
Exactly! Focus on what makes you happy about coding. Solving problems can be more rewarding than just grinding through LeetCode.
Look, it’s common to struggle when transitioning from school to the real world. I failed many LeetCode problems too, but after I joined a team and worked on projects, I learned so much more. Consider internships or smaller gigs to build your resume. Just keep at it!
I totally agree! Internships helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice.
It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's great that you care so much about your mental health first. Passing exams isn't easy, and many people don't fully grasp concepts until they apply them in practice. I struggled with C at first too and switched to Java, which really helped me understand programming better. Have you tried looking at different languages or frameworks? Sometimes a change can make a world of difference!
I can relate—I started with Python before switching to JavaScript. It really clicked for me, and once I built something I was proud of, my confidence soared!
A lot of people feel this way after finishing their degree. Trust me, everyone goes through those doubts. I graduated feeling the same but found that getting involved in communities, hackathons, or even online courses helped boost my skills and confidence. Just remember to take care of your mental health, it’s okay to take breaks!
So true! Finding a supportive community really helped me too. You’re not alone in this.
Totally agree! I used to freak out over coding problems, but it was persistence that got me through. Just take it one step at a time.