When you dive into something completely new—whether it’s programming, hitting the gym to shed some pounds, or switching careers—it’s worth considering finding a mentor or coach. Call them whatever you want, but the point is to have someone who can guide you, act as a role model, and give you a damn clue when you’re lost.
Why You Need a Mentor
Take programming, for example. If you’ve never done it before, where the hell do you even start? Which language should you learn? What kind of programming is best for you—frontend, backend, mobile, or something else entirely? And then there’s the big-picture stuff:
- Are you learning part-time or full-time?
- Do you have enough budget for courses or bootcamps?
- Is it worth dropping $$$ on something you’re not even sure about?
- How long will this whole process take?
These are the questions you’ll be wrestling with, and let me tell you—having a mentor would’ve saved me a shitload of time.
My Journey Without a Mentor
When I started out, I didn’t have a mentor. And oh man, did I waste time. I wandered in one direction, then pivoted to another, then backtracked again. I had a couple of friends I could occasionally pester with questions, and they helped, sure. But most of the time, I was on my own, fumbling my way through the dark.
A mentor would’ve cut through all that noise, given me a clear path, and saved me from a ton of trial-and-error bullshit.
Finding a Mentor
A mentor doesn’t have to be someone sitting across from you at a coffee shop (though that’s great if you can swing it). It can be:
- Online: Someone you connect with through a forum, Discord, LinkedIn, or social media. Plenty of people in the programming community are happy to answer questions and offer guidance.
- Offline: A colleague, friend, or acquaintance who knows their stuff and is willing to help.
- Paid: Someone offering 1:1 coaching or mentoring services. If you’re serious about investing in your growth, this can be worth it.
The point is to have someone who can answer your questions, guide you when you’re lost, and give you a vector—some sort of direction to follow.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Here’s the thing about humans: most of us love to help. We’re social creatures, and it feels damn good to share knowledge and watch someone grow because of it. Hell, most people who mentor or coach are doing it because someone once helped them. It’s like passing the torch—it’s normal, and it’s a good thing.
So don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, even the dumb ones. Especially the dumb ones.
Mentorship Isn’t a Shortcut
Now, let me be clear: having a mentor doesn’t mean you get to skip the grind. Those loops and functions aren’t going to write themselves, no matter how many questions you ask your mentor. You still have to do the work.
But having someone to guide you? That can make the grind a little less overwhelming and a hell of a lot more effective.
Final Thoughts
If you’re starting something new and have the chance to get a mentor, do it. Whether they’re online, offline, paid, or unpaid, their guidance can save you countless hours of frustration.
And if you’re going it alone, that’s fine too—but be ready to hustle harder and experiment more. Either way, keep grinding. Those fucking loops aren’t going to write themselves.
Go crush it! 💪✨
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