Keep practicing and applying to jobs! You can do it!!
Keep Practicing and Applying to Jobs! You Can Do It!!
Good morning, Reddit!!
Today, I wanted to take a moment to share a little pep talk for myself, which I hope will resonate with many of you out there. We all go through ups and downs in our careers, especially in the tech field, where challenges abound and competition is fierce. Remember, wherever you are right now, someone else has been there too. Even the greats like Linus Torvalds, William Lin, Petr Mitrichev, and Gennady Korotkevich have their off days. The key is to focus on the progress you can make in your LeetCode journey.
The Challenge of Job Applications
Let’s face it: applying for jobs, especially in competitive fields like programming, can be incredibly tough. That’s probably the understatement of the year! Add the randomness of cold applications into the mix, and it’s totally normal to have days where you feel stuck in a rut. Your feelings and struggles are valid, and you’re certainly not alone in this experience.
Many have faced discouragement at some point, including myself. But here’s the thing: perseverance is crucial. Whatever tools or tricks you have to motivate yourself, use them! Whether it’s setting up a structured schedule or creating an inspiring workspace, find what works for you.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Here are some strategies you might find helpful:
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Morning Routine: Try waking up earlier and diving into LeetCode problems first thing in the morning—even before your shower! This can help you tackle challenges when your mind is fresh.
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Job Hunting Schedule: Establish a 9-5 job hunting schedule during weekdays. It’s important to take your off time seriously. No one is forcing us to work around the clock, and taking breaks is essential for maintaining mental health.
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Deliberate Practice: When you’re solving problems, focus on deliberate practice. It’s easy to fall into habits that hinder your progress. Reflecting on past success—like when you solved three problems a day—can be a great motivator.
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Set Goals: If you find yourself applying for jobs, aim for a specific number each day. For instance, a success story I came across mentioned someone who submitted 200 cold applications in a week! Setting a goal to average 25 applications a day can help keep you on track.
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Start Small: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, just start with the daily challenge. Growth often comes from tackling more difficult problems on LeetCode, but starting small can build your confidence.
Community Support
Let’s not forget the power of community. Many of you have shared your experiences and feelings, and it’s uplifting to see that we’re all in this together. One comment resonated with me: a person expressing frustration about being a contractor earning significantly less than their full-time peers. It’s essential to keep applying and not let such situations destroy your self-esteem. Remember, your value isn’t determined by your current job or salary.
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and encouragement in the comments. Your words of motivation can make a huge difference in someone’s day!
Conclusion
You can do it too! Keep pushing forward, stay committed to your practice, and remember to take care of yourself along the way. The journey may be challenging, but with consistent effort and a supportive community, success is within your reach. Let’s keep the conversation going and encourage one another as we navigate this path together!
Stay strong and productive, everyone!
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