I Wanted a 6-Figure Tech Job in 6 Weeks--Here’s What Actually Happened
One day, while scrolling on TikTok, I came across this guy who was selling a course on front-end development.
He claimed, if I took his course, I could land a job paying six figures in no time. Not knowing much about web development and the industry, I believed him.
So I signed up for his course, and quickly started going through the material.
Within three weeks, I was almost done with his course.
However, as I neared the end, I realized I barely understood the concepts he was teaching. I didn't feel confident enough to do the job that would be asked of me if I managed to find one. Seeing that there were gaps in my knowledge, I did what I should've done in the first place.
Research.
Deep research.
What I found floored me and debunked his claims. At first, I was upset because, of course, I was still working the dead-end job I couldn't stand. I also wasted a month paying for a course that didn't live up to the hype.
Maybe it was me.
Maybe it was the course.
Either way, after realizing I wouldn't be getting a job paying six figures any time soon, I took on a long-term approach to my problem.
After doing deep research, I found a course that was better suited for my learning style and goals.
The second course I took was far better than the first. It took me about six months to learn the basics of web development to where I was comfortable doing the work.
From there, I started skill stacking.
I had learned HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React, technologies often used in web development.
I then went on to teach myself NEXT.js, a web framework that makes the process of building websites and web applications far easier than just using the fundamental technologies I learned.
Two years later, I had all the skills I needed to build websites and web applications myself.
I would go on to build several sites, just to test my knowledge and put what I learned into practice.
The lessons I learned during the two and a half years between taking the first front-end development course and completely pivoting are invaluable.
Lesson #1: Research Saves You From Regret
When you want to learn a new skill, do your research.
Watch videos on YouTube about the skill. Try to find out early how long it will realistically take you to acquire the skill. Learn as much as you can about the ins and outs of the skill and its related topics.
Lesson #2: SMART Goals Beat Wishful Thinking
Set clear goals.
When you have an understanding of what's involved, set SMART goals, always.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. For example, when I first set out to learn how to code, my goal was relatively specific, but I missed out on the remaining steps.
I didn't define a way to measure my success. Six weeks to learn a skill like web development was not realistic or achievable.
It wasn’t even relevant--my skillset, I later learned, was better suited for content writing and IT Support.
Learn from my mistakes, and you can avoid losing money and time when acquiring new skills.
Lesson #3: Break Down Your Learning Goals
Break it down.
When you have a skill you want to learn, if it's a big one like learning to code, you would benefit from breaking it down into more manageable pieces.
What I should have done is pinpoint the core parts of web development and focus on each piece individually. It might have taken more time, but at least I would have learned more the first go around.
When I think of it now, the second course broke down the skill of front-end development into logical sections. I started with the basics. Built a few projects with the basics, and then moved on to the next thing. I didn't have to do the work, but that's why I feel it's important to find courses that suit your learning style and cover everything you need to get started.
Not enough to be a master, just enough to start building your own projects.
Lesson #4: Practice What You Learn
Practice deliberately.
The problem with the first course I took was it didn't provide me with small projects I could do to improve my understanding and confidence.
That's where the second course came in clutch. It was built around projects. With each section, I would build out a small project that used the technologies I was learning.
So, when it comes to your skill acquisition, you want to practice what you are learning deliberately. In the beginning, you just need to know enough to get started on small side projects to reinforce what you're learning.
By far, the most outstanding thing I learned through trial and error.
Lesson #5: Seek Feedback For Direction
Seek feedback.
I didn't have friends or colleagues learning to code. As a result, I didn't have anyone who could give me feedback on my code. ChatGPT didn't exist at the time, otherwise I would have used it to check my code quality and enhance my learning.
Feedback is crucial in the beginning because it shows you what is working and what isn't.
Check out places like Reddit to find a community where you can get feedback, but remember to give before asking for something in return.
Lesson #6: Stay Motivated
Finally, being a beginner and learning something new can be tough.
The best thing you can do along the way is reward yourself. Maybe you go out with friends after a week of deep work. Or treat yourself to a self-care day. Whatever the reward, make sure it's relevant to you.
What made the difference for me is a long-term state of mind. I quickly threw out the idea that I would learn to code in six weeks when that didn't pan out as expected. Instead, I enjoyed the journey because I love learning, and it's a reward within itself for me.
Three years later, I know how to code websites and web applications. Now I'm taking what I learned to learn how to build apps for the iPhone, just because.
Quick Recap: Here's What I Learned
The six lessons I learned are:
Research Saves You From Regret
SMART Goals Beat Wishful Thinking
Break Down Your Learning Goals
Practice What You Learn
Seek Feedback For Direction
Stay Motivated
I didn’t land a 6-figure job in 6 weeks. But I built something better: resilience, independence, and the skills to create on my own terms.
Hit reply and tell me: what skill are you working on right now, and what’s one challenge you’ve faced so far?
Starting a fitness journey is something we can all relate to and have empathy for—it’s tough if you’re looking for a quick fix. Sounds like taking the long-term approach is working for you too. That’s outstanding! I couldn’t be more happy for you Jody! Brilliant work 🙃🤗
I felt this! It’s so easy to fall for the “quick fix” promises, especially when we’re hungry for change. I love that you shifted gears, did the research, and committed to a slower, more solid path. And now you’re learning how to build iPhone apps just because! Thats a lot of freedom just from learning.
I’m working on building better self-care habits right now. I’m learning that I don’t need to overextend myself to feel worthy. I’m also learning to be patient during the process just like you talked about in your story. Thanks for sharing this today Idris Elijah!