Why I Left Web Development: Lessons from a Journey Bridging Passion and Mental Health

My journey in programming as a career was not without its share of ups and downs. I started learning programming in 2021, but it was an on-and-off endeavor. I had my school and exams to deal with, leaving me with little time and energy for consistent coding.

The Commitment I Made by Late 2023

By late 2023, I made the decision to commit fully. I joined Scrimba School, where the teachers were amazing and the courses were both fun and engaging. For eight months straight, I studied tirelessly. However, life can be unpredictable, and as the months went on, things started to fall apart.

The journey became exhausting, and my mental health was deteriorating. Despite the support and resources at Scrimba, I found it challenging to grasp some concepts and make them stick. The frustration mounted because, even if I understood something at the time, it didn't translate into long-term retention.

The Turning Point: Saying Goodbye to Programming

One day, I hit a breaking point. I realized that I didn't want to stress over whether my code was working or if it was "optimal" anymore. The constant frustration had become too much. After much deliberation, I decided to quit web development.

The initial feeling of being lost was daunting, but for the first time in years, I felt a profound sense of relief. I remember the moment vividly. I reached for my journal, and I began to write. It was not about finding deep philosophical insights or creating masterpieces. I was just journaling or ranting online, expressing my frustration and confusion.

Then, something happened. Someone told me, “You have a way with words.” And I realized they were right. Writing felt natural; it was something I genuinely enjoyed. As I explored the depths of my writing skills, I rediscovered another passion that had been lying dormant: Health and Wellness.

A New Path: Becoming a Health and Wellness Writer

Health and wellness have always fascinated me. I am intrigued by small changes that can transform the mind and body. I saw an opportunity to combine my newfound passion for writing with my interest in health and wellness. I started small, writing blog posts, social media captions, and email newsletters or marketing campaigns.

Now, I help brands in the health and wellness space connect with their audience through inspiring, educational, and empowering words. While I am still a beginner in copywriting, the decision to pivot to this new career has been one of the most rewarding in my life. Every day, I am learning, growing, and improving in my craft.

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Alignment with Personal Values

Quitting programming as a career has taught me several valuable lessons. Firstly, it highlighted the importance of aligning my career with my personal values and mental well-being. I learned that it's okay to let go of something that, despite societal validation, does not make me happy.

Furthermore, this experience reinforced the idea that life is too short to stay stuck in something that drains me. The decision to start over, even in a new and uncertain field, is always worth it. It has propelled me towards a career that not only challenges and excites me but also nourishes my soul.

In conclusion, my journey from programming to health and wellness has been a transformative one. While the path was not without obstacles, the lessons learned have been invaluable. By staying true to my passions and prioritizing my mental health, I have been able to find a fulfilling and fulfilling path.