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The Gains and Losses of My Programming Journey


Computer programming is one of the most trending professions today. It doesn’t just teach you how to write code; it gives you a deeper understanding of how computers work. Many people see programming as difficult, but in reality, it isn’t as hard as people make it seem—nor is it the simplest thing in the world. If you have a passion for it and you’re willing to put in the work, it becomes much easier.

Some may ask, "What does hard work have to do with programming?" The truth is, if you're not hardworking, you will find programming very difficult. In this article, I’ll share both what I have gained and what I have lost since I started programming. Let's start with the losses.

The Things I Have Lost in My Programming Life

1. Play Time

When I first started, programming was just a fun activity for me. I played around with code, dabbled in cheap hacking, and experimented without any real purpose. I never realized that I was wasting valuable time. But once I understood the value of time, everything changed.

Suddenly, life felt unfair. I found myself constantly researching, asking questions, and working on open-source projects. I barely had time for myself anymore. Programming became more than just a hobby—it became my life.

2. School Performance

As my love for programming grew, I noticed my academic performance in school was dropping. I spent more time learning about software development than focusing on my schoolwork. I started asking myself a crucial question:

"Can I build a future with programming?"

The answer I got was "Yes, but at a cost." I had to become good at it first. That realization pushed me to work even harder, not just for fun anymore, but for my future. I had to limit my playtime and social activities because I knew that programming was my path to success.

The Things I Have Gained from Programming

Now that I’ve shared my losses, let’s talk about the gains—because they far outweigh the sacrifices.

1. A Valuable Skillset

Programming has given me the ability to solve real-world problems with code. I can create applications, automate tasks, and contribute to technology in meaningful ways.

2. Opportunities

Learning to code has opened doors for me. Whether it’s freelancing, building personal projects, or collaborating with others, programming has provided me with career opportunities I never imagined.

3. Financial Potential

Unlike many traditional jobs, programming allows you to earn money from different sources. Whether through remote jobs, freelancing, or building a startup, coding provides financial flexibility.

4. Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Programming trains your mind to break down complex problems and find solutions. This skill isn’t just useful in coding—it applies to life in general.

5. A Sense of Purpose

Perhaps the greatest gain of all is the purpose programming has given me. It’s more than just writing code—it’s about building, learning, and growing in a constantly evolving field.

Final Thoughts

Yes, I lost some things along the way—free time, school performance, and social activities—but the things I’ve gained have shaped my life in ways I never expected. If you're thinking of getting into programming, know that it’s a journey of sacrifice, persistence, and growth. But in the end, it’s all worth it.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.

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