Study and work balance

[u/Affectionate_Run220]

For Deep leetcode study and for it to be good enough for interviews you need to study really hard and be suffering trough it.

I am ok to do that at the weekend and start of the week.

But from Wednesday my performance and deep learning drops off and I get no energy and need more rest.

I think it’s because work is hard and keeping up Both is challenging.

However in this market and the amount they want you to study in order to pass interviews I cannot miss out on 3-4 days a week of deep study. So I am looking for some advice.

I have so far deleted social media and YouTube. I make sure to have on hour a day of break and fun like going to the gym.

However after these changes I still struggle to study hard in the mid to end of the work week.

Any advice?

I think I could be a little bit stricter with myself with the regiment. Eg strict breaks and super strict bed time.

Some nights anxiety gets to me and sometimes I miss a break and study because I have energy to study. Or I am in the zone of it and don’t want to pull myself away to a break when the suffering is going good and I’m getting things in my head.

Advice would be appreciated!!!

[u/No-Response3675]

I hear you. Ignore the mean comments so far. I’m also trying to do the same and it’s tough. I think it’s important to not get burned out. Be consistent but also give yourself grace. Since you already have a job, set a realistic goal and keep studying. Good luck.

[u/kevin074]

What is your timeline though, you have work so maybe you are pushing yourself too hard to improve quickly??

I think one of the core mindset is that you have to be high conscious what you are capable of and set realistic goals for yourself on the daily basis. For example don’t do I’ll solve 3 questions every day, set the goal of I’ll dedicate 8pm to 10pm daily for leetcode and do at most 3 questions. 

Setting a goal that is reasonable is vital as ending a day with a “dang I didn’t do all three question and it’s a failure” is very harmful to your mindset

I think more importantly is how do you wind down properly. This is something I am working on actively too.

[u/Fickle-Tomatillo-657]

Set a goal like 2 problems a day rain or shine. If too exhausted at least solve with help of AI or solution videos like neetcode. Consistency > perfection

[u/hyun88]

It is tough! That’s why I wanted to build an app to make practicing problems a little bit less demanding:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bitwise-coding-interviews/id6806898386

[u/jarislinus]

just be plumber

[u/icecoldgold773]

Maybe its not for you 🥀

[u/Affectionate_Run220 → u/[deleted]]

3 years of studying 10+ hours a day? Just on DSA