How to Stay Motivated During a Tech Transition

Within three to six months of dedicated study and self-application, you can transition to tech. How many times have you heard or read these words?

While it is easy to acquire some basic tech skills in that timeframe, a full transition – including getting hired – might take longer. Hearing or reading such testimonies from people can put undue pressure on anybody, especially if they are transitioning into tech from a non-technical background.

I studied Biochemistry, and before I switched to tech, I owned a fashion business. As someone from a non-technical background, the process of learning to get into tech was a whole hassle that started with knowing which tech career to choose. The process is a full journey because there’s a lot of figuring out involved.

When you’re done figuring out your career path, there’s the business of getting the necessary skills.

Most people will acquire these skills on online learning platforms like Coursera and Udacity, depending on which will best suits their needs and finances.

The journey of getting into the tech industry can be exciting and challenging at the same time. As you actively learn new skills and acquire knowledge relevant to your chosen role, it is crucial to stay motivated and focused on your goals. 

Whether you’re a newbie or an expert, These strategies will empower you to stay on track and succeed in your tech journey.

1. Why are you transitioning?

Before diving into the strategies, it’s essential to remind yourself why you decided to transition into the tech industry. Understanding your motivations will provide a strong foundation for your journey and help you persevere during challenging times. Ask yourself questions like:

– What attracts you to the tech industry?

– What career opportunities do you envision?

– How will this transition impact your life and prospects?

Whenever you feel your motivation waning, re-ignite it with the answers to the questions above.

If possible, write them down on paper, frame it, and hang it in your workspace. It’ll be there as a constant reminder of your why.

2. Set clear goals and crush them

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a destination in mind, right? The same goes for your tech journey! Set clear, achievable goals to guide you along the way. Break them down into bite-sized milestones and establish a timeline for each. 

This approach allows you to track your progress and provides a sense of accomplishment as you reach each milestone. Additionally, consider setting both short-term and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated throughout the entire transition process.

3. Embrace a growth mindset

Learning new tech skills can be challenging. But here’s the secret sauce—embrace a growth mindset. Understand that learning and growth come with challenges and setbacks, but they also offer valuable opportunities for improvement. 

You have to believe that you can learn and acquire new skills, even if you encounter difficulties along the way. Embrace the bumps in the road as opportunities for growth, and watch your motivation grow!

4. Craft a learning plan

Ready to level up? It’s time to create your structured learning plan. Identify the skills you want to acquire and create a roadmap. Explore online courses, YouTube tutorials, and coding challenges to supplement your learning. Get creative and choose resources that resonate with your learning style.  

Having a well-defined learning plan will give you a clear direction and help you crush your tech goals like a pro. It will also keep you on track on the days when your morale is low.

5. Join a community

The path to greatness is paved with the help of companions. Being part of a supportive tech community can be highly beneficial for motivation. Seek out online forums, tech communities, or social media groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals who are also going through or have gone through a similar tech transition.

Engaging with others who share your passion and aspirations can provide encouragement, inspiration, and valuable insights. They will inspire, support, and motivate you throughout your tech journey.

6. Celebrate your wins, big or small

Tech transitions can be intense, but remember to celebrate your achievements along the way. Acknowledging and celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, is essential for staying motivated. 

Whenever you reach a milestone or accomplish a learning objective, take a moment to recognize your progress. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, share your progress with friends, or indulge in some well-deserved downtime. Celebrating your accomplishments will boost your morale and fuel your motivation to continue.

7. Stay curious and explore

Tech is a never-ending adventure. The tech industry is ever-evolving; with new technologies and trends emerging constantly.

Maintain your motivation by cultivating curiosity and a genuine interest in exploring different aspects of technology. Engage in side projects, participate in hackathons or coding challenges, and stay updated with the latest industry news and developments. This continuous exploration will keep your passion for tech alive and provide fresh sources of inspiration.

8. Seek mentorship and guidance

Even superheroes need mentors. 

I know it’s not easy to find a dedicated mentor because everyone is busy. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeking guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.

Seek out someone whose tech journey motivates you and who you’ll like to mirror their successes in your career. Reach out to them. Ask them to mentor you. Show your commitment to the cause. I’m sure that will win almost anyone over. 

Additionally, attend networking events, and join mentorship programs. Their insights and advice will be the secret weapon in your tech journey.

9. Read other people’s success stories

You won’t know how motivating it is to hear or read about someone’s success story until you find yourself giving up. And it is easy to give up when things are not going your way, but when you discover that other people have been on the same journey and have experienced the same setbacks you are currently facing, it’s like a breath of fresh air – a renewal of hope.

This is why I started the Breaking Into Tech Stories series – to inspire aspiring techies and motivate people in their tech transition journeys to continue till they achieve their goals.

Summary

Acquiring a new skill doesn’t come easy; talk more of a set of skills to get into a new career. 

Transitioning into the tech industry requires dedication, persistence, and motivation. By understanding your motivations, setting clear goals, adopting a growth mindset, creating a learning plan, joining a community, celebrating small wins, staying curious, and seeking mentorship, you can stay motivated and make the most of your tech transition journey.  

Don’t be too hard on yourself. If things don’t happen quickly for you, it might take longer than expected. Remember that every step you take brings you closer to your goal.

 Stay focused, believe in yourself, and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

You’ve got this!