[jenniferDewalt]

When I first decided I was going to learn to code, I saved some money and organized my life so that I could quit my job and tackle the challenge full time. I knew being fully immersed in learning would help me get through the rough patches and discouragement.

I spent about 8 hours a day, every day working on YumHacker, with the occasional day off or half day around the holidays. Things were kind of slow going at first because I was still doing a lot of learning and I wanted to get a better understanding of what I was doing. After I got the hang of things, the pace picked up and I started producing much faster.

The crazy schedule I've been keeping this past year has definitely cut into my social life. Weekends are my favorite days to work because the office is quiet and I get my best work done then. My friends have gotten used to me carrying a monitor around on trips.

The thing that works for me is to make a habit and do whatever it takes to stick to it. I bit the bullet and got a desk in a co-working space which means I eat more ramen noodles but allows me stay super focused and productive. I tend to stay up really late working but then I let myself sleep in so I can come back fully charged the next day. Finding a personal groove is crucial.