One question I often hear from beginners is: “Am I learning the right programming language? Is this the right library or skill to focus on?” It’s a common concern, but here’s the thing whether you’re learning Python, JavaScript, PHP, or even a skill like bookkeeping or interpersonal communication, anything you learn has value. That’s the key message I want to drive home.
The Value of Learning Anything Useful
When it comes to practical skills, especially in tech or business, almost anything you learn will have some utility. Whether it’s coding, mastering WordPress or Shopify, or diving into basic finance, each new skill can benefit you in unexpected ways. Even if you never use a particular skill directly, chances are the experience of learning it will be useful later on.
For instance, let’s say you start learning Swift for iOS development, and later find it challenging to secure a job in that specific area. Was it a waste of time? Absolutely not. The skills you develop while learning Swift are transferable. Once you grasp the core concepts of programming in one language, picking up another programing language becomes much easier and faster. Your ability to problem-solve and understand programming structures will carry over, and that’s invaluable.
Don’t Fear Wasting Time
Too many people starting out worry they’re wasting time learning the wrong language or framework. Here’s the truth: you’re not.
Any technical skill you invest time in is going to help you. Just by learning, you’re making yourself more adaptable and marketable.
The key is to constantly be leveling up. Every new skill you acquire, whether it’s tech-related or not, makes you more valuable in the job market and in life. The world is constantly evolving, and your value comes from being able to evolve with it. If one door closes, those skills can open another one.
How to Evaluate What to Learn
That being said, it’s smart to evaluate skills based on the demand in the market. For example, we know there’s a strong need for web developers and software engineers. Similarly, learning platforms like WordPress or Shopify has value because many businesses rely on these tools. In contrast, fields like acting or creative drawing, while certainly fulfilling for some, may not offer the same level of job opportunities, especially if your goal is to land a high-paying job quickly.
This isn’t meant to criticize non-technical fields.. Every subject has value in its own way, but when you’re focused on building a career or increasing your financial security, it helps to focus on areas with strong demand. Before diving into learning a new skill, consider the job opportunities and the marketplace.
The Bottom Line: Keep Learning, Don’t Stress
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t stress over whether you’re learning the “right” programming language or library. It doesn’t matter as long as you’re learning and building your skill set. Every bit of knowledge you gain is going to make you more capable, and that’s what counts in today’s fast-moving world. The most important thing is to keep growing, stay curious, and continue adding value to yourself.
So, don’t have kittens over which language or framework you’re diving into next. Just start, keep learning, and trust that it’s all going to be useful in one way or another.
Keep learning, keep growing, and you’ll be just fine.