Learn to Code Without Burning Out: How I Did It

Did you know that new programmers are at a higher risk of burnout than ever before? Stay tuned as I reveal the hidden challenges they face, explore the psychological traps that push them over the edge, and uncover expert advice on how to avoid burning out in the fast-paced world of programming. Are you ready to break the burnout cycle? Hit that like button, subscribe, and let's get started!
Affiliate Links
📖 How to do hard things → amzn.to/3KO61xf
📖 How to crush code interviews → amzn.to/3JGRHWZ
📖 Learn React.js → amzn.to/3mSA6lV
⌨️ Favorite keyboard for programming → amzn.to/3mIGHzd
💻 Favorite laptop for frontend development → amzn.to/3YP0iuY
🖥 Other stuff I use as a programmer → jamescrossjr.com/programming/...
📷 Gear I use for making KZbin Videos: jamescrossjr.com/youtube/gear
💰 VidIQ → Tool I used to grow my channel faster: vidiq.com/jamescross
Disclosure → How I make money with affiliate / paid links: jamescrossjr.com/affiliate-di... For example, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@jamescross]

What areas of software development interest you?

[@ekowanin8935]

Building commerce websites

[@jupiteronkauai]

Been a webdsigner since long time, i did program a little when young but than focused on design part, photoshop and html, css and able to read javascript but not write it... now i am old and had kids and going back... started a class and lived it, but hitting a roadblock bcw the class was bit outdated so i tryed ti bridge it and used async bcs thst what newer version needed... but not matches the class... i love solving problems ... but alone at times its a bit a struggle... anyhow... oh i start with learning javascript and going toward react js... and what comes with it

[@babystrokessr]

Web development. I love creating

[@devwithbrian1534]

Frontend: JavaScript

[@ManInTheFridge]

Application, Backend, and API development

[@woodygranger2126]

I am learning HTML, CSS, and Javascript at 51. I have played around in other programming languages on and off for 20 years. Now, I have set a path, and I am focused on it. So far, the chronological path is: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React JS. (So, quite litterally, this is the way. Lol Mando fan here!) I have written some small programs from scratch in Python and a few small C programs using an API. So my hope is that my previous experience writing a few programs from scratch will give me a better chance to learn through my path quickly. Thank you for your honesty and all the quality content!

[@alic]

I am starting at 35. More power to us and let's do this!

[@TominBali]

54 years old here on the same journey, although I'm torn between the Python and HTML paths now.

[@aschlote2806]

"There are days coming home feeling like I've been in a math test all day." This. I worked as a front-end software engineer for 7 months and eventually it was too much. I went for the salary not knowing how exhausting problem-solving was. Every day was exhausting to the point where I burned out and could barely look at my computer for months.

[@zenova9926]

Same here mate as a frontend too for around 8 months, I almost resign this month just because how cluttered everything is, and yes definitely need atleast a month of full break.

[@JD-vj4go]

All of tech is like this. Almost everyone I know is burnt out and miserable at work. It didn't used to be like this but years of offshoring and downsizing while increasing work loads has definitely had a negative effect on tech workers. Not to mention everything being 24/7.

[@boratsagdiyev522]

Are u still programming?

[@VladdyHell]

As soon as you grasped advanced concepts, that's the point when you realize there are so many new shiny frameworks out there that gets released endlessly and that's what overwhelms me and that's what holds me back from applying jobs earlier

[@tomsterbg8130]

Most of the "new" is just old ideas presented in a different way. Programming is well established. We have sequence, selection and iteration. This being the lines of code, if statements and loops respectively. Everything else like pointers, functions, libraries is just an extension to that. A framework isn't made to help you, but mostly push out an idea that changes your workflow, I don't even use frameworks and you should probably just learn more about a language, eye a job and learn the framework they use, then apply to the job.

[@user-lz2pj2zj9v]

Same for me as well. Have been studying programming for more than a year and still don't feel as if I'm industry ready because of the sea of frameworks, libraries, databases, design patterns, leet code problems, DA&A's... etc. Trying to convince myself to apply for jobs but I don't want to look like a blockhead if I manage to land a job

[@jidec3165]

You have to be committed, patient and humble yourself to learn more. I’ve got 10 years experience and still wake up at 4 am to read full documentations that could take me anything from a week to nearly a month to read through. And when done I repeat. It’s boring but you will master your craft in a way that will amaze you and others. I kinda enjoy it too. I know people who can’t sit to read any documentation for 10 mins without giving up 😂 Don’t give up keep. Keep learning and try to think of ways to apply what you’ve learned to solve real world problems along the way.

[@JC-Alan]

Thank you for making this video. I'm in that "gave up two years ago and just picked it up again" phase. Difference is, I have good habits now. I put in the work all the time and I'm about to finish my first app. I also got a job in IT and while I'm not coding all the time, I'm exposed to tech enough to have a greater desire to learn. In fact, my first app is related to my HomeLab and my private VPN. It takes tons of time, and even in IT where I'm a senior technician, there are lots of moments of imposter syndrome.

[@jamescross]

best wishes on the journey!

[@stevenfindley8789]

Still listening, but I fell out for a few weeks. Getting back into it Thanks for the advice, your videos are usually high quality and inspiring

[@Sador_1]

This video is refreshing. I’ve stopped for over a month now cause imposter syndrome has hit me hard. In this time off I’ve tried to ask myself the right set of questions. JS + React has been my go to but it is difficult. I too recently bought Do Hard Things. Programming is hard no denying and I need to figure out if I can do it and what is it that drives me cause I’ve been stuck for a year now. Self taught route especially

[@CorridorJ]

Dude I’ve come across your channel and I really appreciate your honesty. As someone who’s been overwhelmed with this self taught journey recently it’s nice to see someone admit they struggled as well. Cheers!😊

[@jamescross]

best wishes with your journey Joe!

[@blackpanthar906]

@@jamescross Hi, could you help with a tutorial on how to run C++ graphics program on VS code please, thanks brother. I tried it and my program compiles fine using TDM-GCC compiler but I can't see any results when I try to open the file on new terminal. It just says the "the term "filename" is not recognized....." Whatever I do I'm not able to fix this and not able to run C++ graphics program on VS code.

[@ErikWillekens]

Love your focus on process and your honesty

[@valenciawalker6498]

Yes, a new programmer in a software engineering program. Thank you for the advice. API, Building ios Apps, Machine Learning Front and Backend. Thank you for your honest opinion; feeling overwhelmed since I joined boot camp.

[@adekolaadelana2384]

Thank you Cross. I was actually feeling stupid today after I rounded up my react course. I suddenly felt overwhelmed. I feel I don't know enough. I feel companies would not take me. I feel like I'm in the wrong place. I feel like I'm the only one. Infact I feel pains in my head. But I'm jacking back up and I will build projects to aid my internship applications

[@jamescross]

Your description reminds me of what I felt. Keep it up and you'll get there!

[@adekolaadelana2384]

Yeah thanks

[@adekolaadelana2384]

I will be back to testify even I finally get employed

[@stc-yk3kx]

@@adekolaadelana2384 same bro, goodluck to us, we can make it

[@adekolaadelana2384]

@@stc-yk3kx Yeah! my man

[@juanbonilla948]

Valuable video as always... thanks for the advice bro. Greetings from Colombia. 🇨🇴

[@artemistheory]

I loved that analogy of the mountain that was brilliant and my journey exactly.

[@carlangelotardecilla8675]

Love your videos, thanks for the advice!

[@HernanReyesEnglish]

You actually give us a real view on programming. Thanks!

[@abdallahalmanasrah6343]

You are one of the few content creators that I really love out there on KZbin. Your videos are straight to the point and do not have all those distracting music and sound effects in the background. It makes me focus and get the points easily and feel confident about what you are saying. Other content creators have all those fancy video and sound effects which show that they may know how to edit videos but no necessary know what they are talking about. I really love the simplicity and richness of your videos; you are truly great!

[@jamescross]

thanks!

[@anthonycostello1234]

Your videos have been helping me a lot lately, I’m 25 just getting into coding again, I tried to get into web development when I was a teen and gave up. Now I’m pursuing a career in coding, and my biggest fear is not having enough time, now that I have so much more responsibilities it makes me regretful that I gave up before 😅 but I’ve been having so much fun exploring all the different languages and trying to figure out what language/path is good for me. Thank you for making your videos real and honest 💪

[@zenova9926]

There's no barrier in tech world mate, my colleague just started as a junior backend developer at the age of 32.

[@excalibro8365]

@@zenova9926 Wow I'm curious where did your colleague apply for jobs. In many countries most companies will never accept someone over 30 for a junior level position.

[@tafa8369]

@@excalibro8365 They actually do as long as you have the required skills.

[@victorescandiel8167]

i really did need this kinda video right now, really great, thanks!

[@mckenziepictures]

This was the most sobering and helpful information that I have head in years. Thank you so much.

[@hongbo-wei]

Thanks for the video. Your experience is very inspiring!

[@johnmin3821]

As a newly graduated CS student I was feeling quite lost with what I needed to do with my time and the path I needed to follow for my future. My motivation was at an all time low. But this video gave me some hope and direction for my future. I appreciate how you didnt shy away from the harsh reality of "programming socmed" where everything seems breezy and smooth sailing. It was quite uplifting to hear it. Thank you

[@jamescross]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Monkeydonkey10]

A self taught web dev through a fullstack udemy course. i been on and off with this for the past two years, but in the last few months, I've been blitzing through the section on JS server side. Moving on to complete the course with databases. looking forward to landing my first job.

[@stevejefferson3250]

You are SPOT ON my friend. Great advice for the young generation. Good job

[@merv893]

Great advice thanks. The saying being comfortable not knowing.

[@Devraaj000]

Finally someone have said the truth about the coding culture.

[@ejikeezekwunem4162]

I always love your videos. Thanks for sharing

[@jamescross]

Glad you like them!

[@wypimentel]

Wow, this is much more motivating that the videos that preach the easier path, because I feel stupid all the time, even a recursive functions is complicated to me now, I don't know whether someday I will find it easy. I have to relearn algorithms, the search, I am relearning C, I think is important, but I want to relearn to an advanced level. If I am really that stupid I will be a web programmer (Flutter seems very easy).

[@HardKillaz]

This is a gem 💎 of a video. You made a great points but the one that sticks out to me is when you said do something with your coding knowledge for about a month or two then get back learning materials and by then you'd have a feel for how to efficiently get the most out of effort vs information

[@JoeNgera]

Hey, I to have had some trouble with the same. I'm Joseph from Kenya and on writing this I'm 18. I've been coding for fun for a while and I realized that I've gone into an unhealthy loop where I'm stuck in tutorial hell and it got to a point where I haven't made any progress in a while. However I've found a way out I know that I may still be young but to anyone out there, decide on a language and just learn it and other general CS rules then do projects to re-enforce the knowledge. I agree with the video and you should just start. Knowing that it may not be easy but neither does the true understanding of something come over night. Keep on keeping on !

[@VikramSingh-uc3sj]

Just amazing.

[@majorfriedrice]

This was uplifting. I feel a bit more confident with programming now.

[@stephennesheanerandallalba8930]

Thank you!

[@ekowanin8935]

Haha love the mandalorian reference, I'm a fan too 😁

[@HLB512]

I am just wrapping up on a community college web design/development class. This class feels like a full time job. I’m doing assignments each week with quizzes plus I have to work on a web site project at the same time. Once I finish the class, I promised my son (9) I’d build a candy website for him. His idea, he even drew wireframes for it after watching me lol I thought about getting into career for frontend (and change my major ) but I’m intimidated because I’m 50 and I’ve seen the amount of applications for jobs on LinkedIn.

[@jamescross]

that's cool to have your son involved

[@LauraCostellodiycrafts]

Thanks so much for this. I started 10-11 years ago and loved it, but l had this long term issue with tendonitis and l stopped because l was worried about this. I have found ways to get around the problem and l've started again! I'm looking at going in a new direction in my teaching career and this has helped me alot.

[@jerzeywolf76]

Learning to code at 47 after many years of contemplating it. The time is now! This is the way!!

[@Oliver_twist00]

Ur intro won me over already now to continue to watch the video

[@devwithbrian1534]

Thanks James

[@CoIdestMoments]

Thank to you I found the strenght to learn coding, I did html , css , sass , then javascript. after javascript I decided I knew enough of frontend. SQL, Solidity, Node... Created a clone of an AMM, found cheap third world people to do amazing mass marketing for me. Launched my project, slow rugged 240k$ in a 2 months. LFG

[@danmwirigi2376]

This is the way😊

[@philamavikane9423]

Affirmative, THIS IS THE WAY😌

[@4Mulator]

Mando fan right here!

[@CasinoBaccaratKingmaker]

THEBEST OF THE BEST TEACHER

[@user-us7hq6xf9o]

Rn I’m learning on code with mosh I wanna know your thoughts on it , btw thanks for all the info love how you don’t sugarcoat nothing and give all the info I need to become a front end developer!

[@user-qz4xj7uq6x]

Mandalorian fan here. Great content buddy.

[@moarifur]

I wish you would publish this video 13 years ago. I lost my interest on coding over and over again, this video revive me again.......

[@icns01]

I'm just gonna say it....this was valuable beyond measure!...So many Dejava and "Ah hah!" moments during the video. Many, Many thanks!

[@jamescross]

Wow, thank you!

[@icns01]

@@jamescross You're most welcome...this will help many people..I am sure!

[@faibarlinc999]

Although i have some experience in java and c# from unity, i started learning the basics of HTML the move on to CSS and Javascript, then move on to React, so that's my game plan, hope it's good enough to get a first job as a junior frontend dev.

[@TopLoner]

Learning to code my senior year of high school and hope to get a starting job after I graduate

[@mayank4156]

My motivation is that I am and will be building some unique projects to make the world a better place. I haven't touched DSA yet. That's the one part I'm mainly afraid of.

[@Melefit]

Am 27, currently learning HTML,CSS about to dive into Javascript

[@JoeNgera]

I love the mandalorian !!!!!!!! THIS IS THE WAY

[@BudiSetiawan-ns3rk]

I am learning Go and new concepts of API, such as gRPC and GraphQL, while working at my company.

[@SuperlativeCG]

I knew this day would come.

[@OgbewiOmorogbe]

Amazing

[@maryzakiandourrugrats4671]

This is the way

[@dr_davinci]

This is the Way !! Though I am still a foundling, I am on my to be a full Mandalorian.

[@andriibakhtiozin4477]

Im almost 33 years old, I regret because I didnt try to switch earlier despite the fact I had back tomthat time motivated friends that could at least mentor me whenever i had questions. Currently im in industry for 10-11 years, but mostly worked as QA, Automation QA API/UI. On current position i felt my self super unsafe as most of my job devs could do and sometimes more efficient. Plus AI tools add some sort of uncertain feeling about a future. And the toughest in this situation is that im on skilled worker visa, and if i lose job dunno if i could find any in 2 month range, as market constantly changing

[@cryptoskywalker1714]

This is the way.

[@mze8438]

This is the way🙏🏾

[@ResortGaming]

I seriously messed up... I ended up paying for a coding boot camp that was several thousands of dollars. I went in with the expectation that my discipline would get me through it, but I failed to realize how overwhelming it is/was. The bootcamp I'm in has very great material and a discord where they are "active" but I often found/find myself having to do further research on my own to move step after step. I mean it's great I guess because that's what I'd imagine the real world of software development is.... BUT I just wish I was able to attend a boot camp where it was like forced attendance such as like a Mon-Fri 7-5 or something would've kept me on track, instead of this kinda "go your own pace". I was able to go through advanced HTML & CSS on my own, but as soon as I hit JavaScript I just completely shut down. It's extremly overwhelming as well when I see other people who are WAY more qualified than I am struggling to even find a software devloper job. I know , I know, comparison is the thief of joy, imposter syndrome... I've experienced it all. I just feel very stuck on continuing on my own, but also forced to because of the amount of $ I've spent on this Bootcamp academy. Thank you James for your videos, I really enjoy them. If you have any words of wisdom or anything you could share with me I'd greatly appreciate it. Take care brother.

[@codysavage957]

Was it Coding Dojo by chance?

[@ResortGaming]

@@codysavage957 it was noy

[@goodfractalspoker7179]

Good video man

[@jamescross]

Glad you enjoyed

[@ilovehorses38]

May Allah bless your for your candidness. ^^ Thank u humble sir.

[@bythealphabet]

This it the way

[@colinmaharaj]

I am 54, I started with GW basic, then turbo Pascal, then turbo C for dos, then turbo C++ for dos, then Boland C++ for Windows, then borland C++ Builder for Windows, then PHP, then SQL, then css, then bootstrap, then writing windows services, then mysql , then windows based database applications, then linux shell scripting, then writing networking applications for windows, other things I cant remember in terms of specific projects. Im writing my own DSL now.

[@jamescross]

That's cool!

[@MauriceWilliams]

I study coding until my head starts to hurt which is around 20 minutes for now then I take a hour break and repeat. That’s how I’m not burning out.

[@BroJJ]

Question Mandolarin Ja’Cro… Many of going through the verd’goten… What project sites or where can we find projects that we can do? Maybe do a video???

[@jamescross]

Odin Project is a decent free course. Personally, I would get familiar with the basics and then think of some simpler problems related to interests you have that could be solved with code. For example, I am doing these youtube videos and lately I have been learning about youtube's apis to maybe build a simple app to display analytics how i want them. The nice thing about this approach is because you are interested in the topic, you are more likely to finish it and secondly, there will be a unique aspect to your projects that demonstrates passion rather than just copying another project so it will be better for your portfolio. Best wishes!

[@user-cc6vw5gu3x]

Actually I'm not learning programming for a good paying job, I am just obsessed with it also programing is valuable for society and that satisfieს me, so that makes me to keep programming, I recommend you to find your passion and never give up

[@Alwalou]

Ive started learning programing 10 years ago still couldn't have any chance as a junior developer since most of companies ask for seniors or for bachelor degrees graduates , still impossible for me and I feel excluded from the system

[@moonstone468]

Mando!))❤️❤️

[@shuaibabdulkadir7893]

Pls what specification of computer I need for programming?

[@silverfullbuster9177]

Hi James slightly off topic but Im currently studying web developent and sometimes get discouraged by the advancement in AI and the possibility of replacing devs and I was wondering what your thoughts are. Is it likely that devs will be replaced or they will adapt to the new changes AI brings?

[@jamescross]

I imagine we will change how we work. Trivial things will probably be automated. Complex things still require verification and architecture to make sure the solution does what you need. It is hit and miss right now. Lots of mistakes or bad suggestions. That will improve with time which will hopefully speed up our ability to build cool stuff. Now is probably a good time pursue ai / machine learning if that interests you. I'm not super worried about job loss in the near future.

[@CamaguNcoso]

I started 2 weeks ago learning coding

[@revoltoff]

Don't do it, learn AI and to use it, coding is dead.

[@CamaguNcoso]

@@revoltoff it is dead to people like you.

[@mayank4156]

​@@revoltoff ​Wtf i thought the same at first too, but we'll still need coders to understand and alter the A.I generated code 🤷. And humans will always be more creative than machines. Mainly for Front End.

[@korosensej2047]

Any advice for me i am student but i got so burnout of coding that i didnt want to move or do anything as programming coder

[@VincentAlvin]

Im starting at 17😊

[@CasinoBaccaratKingmaker]

SALUTE TO YOU

[@Alpine_wolf]

Damn you are 💯 true. I learned programming languages: python 🐍 and JS . Then React , html , css. I thought that’s it and I am done. BUTTTT THERE IS REACT NEXT JS, tailwind, sass , php…….. no end 😂

[@user-rc9ti8cz3s]

if am to start again coding i will never even think of learning it, because it is like am going to kill my self knowingly.

[@AdeniyiAdepoju213]

Where can I do my coding on my pc Not learning!!! Where to program my codes

[@thoughtsbright7928]

Hey so I am 10_15 I want to learn to code I already bought a course but I keep in a loop like for and while loops, and I just sometimes do not want to.

[@GodIsPureLove]

i had to cheat in 9th grade to pass basic coding. got an 80/100 . told my dad i dont understand it. its just one of those things i will suck at no matter what. coding is beyond me

[@peterroger249]

How can I create a website where users can chat on a Web app, that can link to Mobile Apps, Chatbot, voice to text and text to voice

[@peterroger249]

Create website and AI Chatbot together in one website

[@mandeseyunfreeman8459]

This Is The Way...

[@KickAssAndChewBubblegum]

21 yrs experience. Burnouts are cyclical. For me, they came every 7 years. My last one was the worst. I felt like I had topped out salary-wise, none of the new tech interested me, etc. So I decided to take a year off…two years ago and I haven’t gone back. The ai stuff has piqued my interest. Anyways, prepare yourself for the 20+ year crashes. They hit hard.

[@jamescross]

Thanks for your thoughts!

[@WahabSurfali]

Hi good 👍🏻

[@guillermoal8514]

In tech what occupation would you stay is safe from being automatized by AI such as CHATGPT and outsourced? I'm thinking it cybersecurity?

[@cppuser82222]

All.

[@BroJJ]

This is the way Ragu! 😂😂😂

[@infinitedarkmind8864]

Started on C+ 20 years ago but quickly moved on. After years I'm just getting back into html and python what advice do you have for a dusty pirate like myself? 😂

[@senshai1267]

Yup I’m burning now

[@hongbo-wei]

What language should I learn if I want to land a software engineer job in the UK? I have a good foundation of C, and already studied and practiced a lot using Python. But it seems there not much jobs looking for a Junior Python Developer. Do I need to learn C++ or Java? It seems there are a hug demands for those two programming languages : )

[@jamescross]

unfortunately i don't live in the UK so won't speculate on that.

[@hongbo-wei]

@@jamescross Hello James, I'm Hongbo from mainland, CH, I started learning Computer Science since September 2022. I'd also like to work in the USA. There are two types of visa to work there, one needs requires random draw because of too many applicants. Another is for STEM people, which requires a job contract. I find out that it is hard to get a Junior Software Developer/Engineering job, especially for a foreigner like me. I guess this requires me to be more skillful and more competitive, which may requires more time to invest into learning, practicing, and even make more real world projects. But I believe as long as I keep moving forward, I will be capable to land my dream job one day!

[@boratsagdiyev522]

I'm experiencing burnout right now trying to learn javascript. It's been a year and a half and I'm feeling demotivated.

[@jamescross]

Best wishes!

[@psychoeditz1103]

Hey James I really liked your videos Actually I just want to talk to you about youtube so can you please tell me how can we talk?

[@vadneydasilva230]

This is the way... B-)

[@mwevre1876]

I work close by to you. Would love to do lunch and pick your brain. Seriously considering a major career change.

[@odanabe9566]

pleas share for me your experience details i am junior for programmer

[@benjaminjacome]

I want to get a job full remote, in the US, of Europe, but I'm from Ecuador Latin America, is this possible? Anybody knows?

[@wombozombo]

I hit the I'm stupid moment daily

[@yojaw7577]

I’ve seen three of your videos and please for the love of god fix your posture it would be good for you

[@kaylaPetchey]

if you like this video plz tell me what interested you