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How to Overcome the Coding Block After Graduation?

May 3, 2025 5 answers
Asked by QuirkyNerd88
Hey everyone! I graduated from WGU last August at 31 years old, and since then, I've hit a wall when it comes to coding and learning anything related to computer science. I work full-time in the food and beverage industry, and I think my ADHD is making it really tough to focus. I took a break after graduation, which I now regret because it broke my momentum. I really want to start building a portfolio and learning again, especially to get back on track for a software engineering job. I'd love to hear any tips or strategies you might have to help me get started again! Thank you!
ADHD coding CS grad portfolio Programming project ideas software engineering

Answers

CreativeCoder21
You might want to think about starting an internship or any entry-level job to get back into the groove. On-the-job experience can really accelerate your learning. Plus, don’t shy away from considering medication or coping techniques for your ADHD; they can help you focus better on your coding.

CuriousMind92: That’s a good point! I actually just got medication a couple months ago, and it’s helped a lot. I did tweak my resume but got some advice against including academic projects, which threw a wrench in my job hunt.

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LearningCurve99
What kind of projects do you want to tackle? Identifying your interests can help spark motivation!

ChefCoded: I'm considering multiple ideas, including a recipe application and a social media site. I also want to explore backend programming and CLI tools for learning.

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StrugglingDev
It’s tough getting back into coding after a break! I faced burnout too, but just spending time learning and forcing myself to build something really helped me.

RechargedCoder: I feel you! It's been a challenge to regain my momentum. I want to reach a point where I can solve problems confidently.

MotivatedEnthusiast: Exactly! I used to create structured prompts for myself, similar to projects I did in school, which helped me get back on track.

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FellowGrad83
You're definitely not alone in this. After some tough interviews, I lost motivation too. Joining in-person events or hackathons really helped reignite my passion, so maybe give that a shot!

MotivatedHacker: Sounds like a great idea! I did a hackathon recently, and it reminded me of how much I enjoy programming. Now I’m trying to build a habit of coding every day, even if it’s just a simple function.

FutureDevHero: Great to hear! Keeping some goals in mind, like enrolling in a master's program, can add structure when the job market is tough.

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TechieTribe
Find a project that genuinely interests you – it'll make getting started way easier. When you’re excited about something, the motivation to build will come naturally!

BuildItUp: Good advice! I’ve been focusing on data structures and algorithms, but I think taking a break to work on a personal project could really help me regain my momentum.

InspiringHustler: I totally agree! I have a few project ideas, like an earnings tracker and a recipe app, which I'm passionate about as a chef!

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