Game Recognizes Game
Oh, Hello Friends! I'm glad you decided to join me for a few moments of your time. Let me begin by saying I am in no way shape or form hating on another man or woman's hustle. I respect the game. I respect the hustle. The hustle might take on new personas and new ways of speaking, but at the end of the day, it's the same old game.
Doesn't matter if it's doing business in the streets or in a big tech company the foundation is the same. This blog is really for the people who are trying to navigate their way through this journey of learning to code, myself included. I am also only talking about learning Front End Development. I can't speak on any other coding path.
I've messed around with computers since I was young. My generation was the first to sign up for AOL and lust over a 56kbps modem. So I am not a square when it comes to technology. But there are a lot of people who don't possess a lot of computer knowledge and training. I was able to see the world changing, and the workforce moving into different arenas. But this is something I have been tapped into.
Some people are now finding themselves at a crossroads in life and employment. Some of those people have decided to learn how to code. So what does anyone do when they want to research how to do something? They usually do a Google search followed by Youtube. Now, let the hustle begin.
Sure they will find a lot of useful information. Especially if they have never looked into learning Web Development before. To them, all the info is good. Which is not their fault for thinking that. They should think that. They will probably look at Codeacademy, Udemy, Coursera, you know all the usual suspects. I'm not knocking any of those services just an FYI.
But the majority of the Youtube tutorial channels are what I ultimately want to speak on. See as a new learner like myself, you tend to gravitate towards certain channels. For whatever reason, it may be. But here is the thing. I suspect that most of these popular channels don't even code anymore. Meaning they might still code a little but selling the process of coding is their real gig. Because who is checking their credentials? I mean if you're working a job and trying to raise a family and you already are pressed for time. You don't have time to vet every source, you just want the info that is going to help you safeguard your future.
These channels are geared toward the new learner for a reason. They want to keep you in confusion because they want you to keep watching and in turn getting them paid! How many "If I had to start coding over again" videos are people going to make? But that is what gets the clicks and the views because we as learners and watchers want the game. We want to know the best path. The path we should take. We don't have any time to waste.
But that's when you have to take a step back and say game recognize game. Now I am not saying that these channels don't provide any useful information because they do if you can pick it out. But I see people get frustrated and feel defeated and feel like they just can't get it together. They must not be smart enough. That is a horrible feeling. Yes, some people might not be able to learn to code. Especially if you are brand new to the concept. People don't have enough time and they feel pressure. These channels capitalize on that feeling and never really give a direct answer or path. Because why would they? They would be fucking up the game if they did.
Do you remember those real estate seminars that used to come to your hometown? They would promise to teach you how to flip houses and never have to worry about your finances again. People would hear these commercials and reserve their spot for the presentation. They probably had a little pep in their step thinking about quitting that job that they hate and earning some real money.
That is the same hustle. The people hosting the presentation didn't become rich from selling real estate. They got rich by selling you a dream, and that's the game. I understand that not everyone falls for this but the ones who do are the most vulnerable. The ones who are trying to make their relationship better and their kids happy. That sucks to see them defeated and feeling like an idiot.
So to my new people learning to code. Understand the game. Don't get caught up in the youtube channels. Don't doubt yourself. I recommend FreeCodeCamp to start your journey. Just stay focused and do the work. Don't think that because it's free that the information is subpar. Because that is another part of the hustle. They want you to feel like you're always missing out. Trust me I get it because I have made these same mistakes, and have wasted so much time in the process. This is a marathon not a race like the late Nipsey Hussle would say. Soak up this free game!
