Escape From the 9 to 5 Only to Find Yourself Limited by Infinite Choice
Case study for “Just-In-Time” learning
My client, a software engineer with a voracious appetite for the latest technologies, found himself in a peculiar predicament.
Having recently escaped the 9-to-5 job, he was eager to dive into the vast ocean of AI, blockchain, and other emerging fields.
But the sheer enormity of the task ahead had paralyzed him. He was drowning in a sea of possibilities.
As a fellow technologist and an avid learner myself, I could empathize with his situation. The tech landscape is constantly evolving, and it can be overwhelming to keep up. It’s like trying to drink from a firehose — exciting, but also a little terrifying.
I call this the “Paradox of Choice.” The more options we have, the harder it is to make a decision. We become paralyzed by fear of missing out, of choosing the wrong path, of not being good enough.
I’ll share the advice I gave my client, drawing on my own experiences and the wisdom of experts in the field. We’ll explore how to overcome the Paradox of Choice, find your focus, and embrace the joy of lifelong learning.
The Curse of Infinite Possibilities
The abundance of resources available to aspiring tech learners is both a blessing and a curse. Online courses, tutorials, boot camps, books, podcasts, blogs — the list goes on and on. It’s like a buffet with endless dishes, each one more tempting than the last.
But just like a buffet, you can’t (and shouldn’t) try everything. If you do, you’ll end up feeling bloated and dissatisfied. Instead, you need to be selective. Choose the dishes that appeal to you most and that align with your dietary needs (or in this case, your learning goals).
This is where the Paradox of Choice kicks in. The more options you have, the harder it is to choose. You start second-guessing yourself. “Is this the right course for me?” “Am I learning the right skills?” “Am I falling behind?”
These doubts can lead to procrastination and inaction. You spend more time researching and planning than actually learning. And before you know it, a month has gone by, and you haven’t made any progress.
The Power of Focus: Less Is More
The antidote to the Paradox of Choice is focus. Instead of trying to learn everything, focus on one thing at a time. Choose a specific technology or skill that you’re passionate about and that aligns with your career goals.
Once you’ve chosen your focus, create a learning plan. Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps. This will make the task seem less daunting and more achievable.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different learning methods and resources until you find what works best for you. Some people prefer structured courses, while others prefer a more self-directed approach. There’s no right or wrong way to learn, as long as you’re making progress.
Embracing the Joy of Lifelong Learning
Learning should be a joyful experience, not a chore. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re less likely to stick with it.
Find ways to make learning fun. Join a study group, participate in online forums, or attend tech meetups. Surround yourself with other learners who share your passion.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning something new. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
The Path Forward
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of learning opportunities available to you, take a deep breath and remember these three words: focus, joy, and adventure.
Focus on one thing at a time. Choose a technology or skill that you’re passionate about and create a learning plan.
Find ways to make learning fun. Join a study group, participate in online forums, or attend tech meetups.
Embrace the adventure of lifelong learning. There’s always something new to learn, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
The Art of “Just-In-Time” Learning
The software engineer’s desire to learn “everything” about new technologies before diving in is a common trap. It’s like trying to read the entire encyclopedia before starting a research paper. Not only is it inefficient, but it can also kill your motivation.
Instead, I introduced him to the concept of “just-in-time” learning. This approach involves learning what you need, when you need it. It’s a more agile way of learning that allows you to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape.
For example, if you’re interested in AI, you don’t need to learn every algorithm and framework upfront. Start with a specific project or problem that you want to solve using AI. Then, research and learn the specific tools and techniques that you need to complete that project.
This approach has several benefits. First, it’s more motivating because you’re learning something that you’re actually going to use. Second, it’s more efficient because you’re not wasting time learning things that you don’t need. And third, it’s more adaptable because you can easily pivot your learning as your needs change.
Building a Personal Learning Network (PLN)
Another piece of advice I gave my client was to build a Personal Learning Network (PLN). A PLN is a group of people who you learn from and with. It can include colleagues, mentors, online communities, and even people you follow on social media.
Your PLN can provide you with valuable insights, resources, and support as you navigate your learning journey. They can also help you stay motivated and accountable.
To build your PLN, start by identifying people who you admire and respect in the tech industry. Follow them on social media, read their blogs, and listen to their podcasts. Attend tech meetups and conferences to network with other professionals.
You can also join online communities and forums related to your areas of interest. These are great places to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from others.
The Importance of Mentorship
Having a mentor can be invaluable for your career development. A mentor can provide you with guidance, support, and advice as you navigate the tech industry. They can also help you open doors to new opportunities.
If you’re looking for a mentor, start by reaching out to people in your PLN. You can also attend mentorship programs or events.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people are happy to share their knowledge and experience with others.
The Technophile’s Proclamation
I concluded my conversation with my client by sharing a “Technophile’s Proclamation” that I had written for myself:
I will embrace the Paradox of Choice as a challenge, not a burden.
I will focus on one thing at a time and learn what I need, when I need it.
I will build a Personal Learning Network and seek out mentorship.
I will make learning a joyful experience and celebrate my progress.
I will never stop learning and growing as a technologist.
This manifesto served as an inspiration for my client, who decided to make it his own. He realized that learning is a lifelong journey, and he was excited to embark on it.
I hope this story has resonated with you and provided you with some valuable insights. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of the tech landscape, remember that you’re not alone. By following the advice in this case study you can overcome the Paradox of Choice, find your focus, and embrace the joy of lifelong learning.
Great advice, Magdalena. With so much choice learning must be focused, after why are you learning something in the first place? Unless it's purely for pleasure, learning is usually to attain a goal. And just in time learning is a great approach, especially for tech. Who can learn everything at once? Spoiler: no one.
This was really good, thank you! I enjoyed quite a bit. As a newbie to Substack, I sometimes feel like I have the shiny object syndrome and I’m jumping from one place to another. So this was really helpful!