I'm an 18-year-old guy from Moldova, currently a mid-level full stack developer. I've been fascinated by technology since I was six and began working at the age of 15. The issue is that my country requires men to serve a mandatory year in the military, and I worry that during this time, I won't be able to program or use my computer or smartphone. The harsh military environment has me concerned about whether I'll be able to get back into programming at the same pace after I'm done. Are my worries justified? What tips do you have for a smoother reintegration into programming once I return home?
5 Answers
There's no need to worry about picking up programming again after a year away! Many people start learning to code at 19 or older. You'll probably find that when you look back at your old code, you can understand it pretty quickly. You might be a bit rusty at first, but I bet within a week or two of being back, you'll be right back to where you were before!
Totally agree! Just give yourself a little time and you’ll be surprised how quickly you catch up.
A year might sound long, but in the grand scheme, it's not that much! Unless you come back with some major injury, you’ll totally be able to return to coding. You'll just have to refresh some skills, but that’ll come to you quicker than you think!
Honestly, you'll be fine! I started programming at 34 after spending five years in the military, and I had no major skills issues after coming back. Just refresh a few areas and you'll be good as new in no time.
Trust me, a year is no big deal. I first started programming at 13, didn't do much for a long stretch, and then picked it back up years later. The core concepts stick with you. Sure, you might need a little time to get back up to speed, but you're not going to forget how to code altogether!
There are positions in the military where you might actually be able to use your programming skills, so don’t hesitate to ask about that! Even if you can’t, just keep your mind engaged. Watching programming videos during downtime can help keep your skills sharp.
That sounds like a great idea! At least you can stay in the loop even if you can't code directly.
For sure, it will help keep your enthusiasm up while you're serving.
Exactly! It’s like riding a bike—you might wobble a bit at first, but you'll get your balance back fast.