I've been teaching myself to code for four years after completing a CS course. I've built a strong full-stack portfolio and have been working on open source projects to gain real-world experience. Recently, I interviewed at GitHub for a mid-level role, which involved three stages including two technical challenges: building a backend REST API and solving a data structures and algorithms problem. I prepared extensively, juggling late-night study sessions and my regular job, and felt confident going into the interviews. However, I struggled during the final challenge—a battleship game—where I overthought the problem, over-engineered my solution, and ran out of time. It was only after the interview that the solution came to me, and it really took a toll on my confidence. I haven't coded since and I'm struggling to regain my motivation. For those who've faced similar setbacks, how did you manage to get back on track and stay motivated after what felt like a major failure?
8 Answers
I totally relate! I recently bombed a technical interview too, despite being well-prepared. It really opened my eyes to the importance of simulating pressure. I’m now practicing timed problem-solving and even applying for jobs I’m not serious about just to build those interview skills under pressure.
It sounds like you’ve got a solid foundation! Interviews can be unpredictable, and it’s completely normal to feel pressure. Just take it as a lesson learned for next time. You’ll get more comfortable with each experience, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Honestly, I stay motivated because I'm not particularly qualified for anything else! Just keep pushing through and working on your skills—perseverance is key in this field.
You’ve got to change your mindset! Think of setbacks as learning experiences instead of failures. The only failure comes when you give up. Look at what you learned from that interview, and keep in mind that everyone fails—successful people just keep trying. In fact, one day you might look back at this and laugh because it will seem like such a minor hurdle. Keep pushing through; growth comes from overcoming challenges!
For me, the trick to staying motivated has been focusing on personal projects that I’m passionate about. I try to spread out my interests so each one keeps me engaged, and I aim for coding challenges that maximize learning and creative problem-solving.
As someone who's been in a similar boat, I just want to say that the interview process can feel arbitrary. Even if you nail their specific questions, sometimes it just comes down to luck. Keep applying; your next opportunity might be the one that counts!
Honestly, my motivation comes from knowing I get paid for my work! If you find a way to monetize your skills, it makes it easier to stay engaged, regardless of how you learned. Most importantly, remember that everyone makes mistakes during interviews, whether self-taught or not.
You've got this! I've also bombed interviews, even after being well-prepared. It’s all about learning from each experience. With time, you'll build confidence, and one day, all this will just be a stepping stone in your career path.
Thanks for the encouragement! I really appreciate it, and you're right—I've come too far to stop now!