Choosing between a full-time plunge and a part-time path into a new career, especially in tech, is a significant crossroads. Like many, I wrestled with the intensity of immersing myself fully in a coding bootcamp versus the practicality of a part-time program. For me, the Part-Time Remote Immersive (PTRI) at Codesmith became the clear choice. It allowed me to maintain financial stability and health benefits while transitioning into software development – a crucial factor for anyone considering a career change. Now, several months into the program, I want to share my experience and insights on effectively balancing the PTRI with a full-time job, offering a realistic perspective for those eyeing a Part Time Remote Career.
Navigating the Full-Time Job and Part-Time Bootcamp Juggling Act
Located on the East Coast, my PTRI schedule runs Monday to Thursday evenings from 8-11 PM EDT, and Saturdays from 12-6 PM EDT. Coupled with my 9:30 AM to 6 PM workday, weekdays become a tightrope walk of commitments. I have roughly two hours between finishing work and starting class – just enough time to decompress and refocus. Weekends, once a sanctuary of free time, now primarily accommodate the intensive Saturday session, leaving only Sunday truly unscheduled.
The allure of PTRI lies in its flexibility, letting you keep your current job while acquiring new skills. However, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The program extends significantly longer than full-time alternatives. Before committing, honestly assess your learning preference: Do you thrive in intense, short bursts, or are you prepared for a prolonged period of sacrificing personal time? Choosing the right format is paramount for your success and sanity as you embark on this part time remote career journey.
To make this juggling act work, establishing firm boundaries at my full-time job has been non-negotiable. While my role involves client interaction and occasional urgent requests outside regular hours, I’ve become much more assertive about protecting my evenings and weekends. Luckily, my colleagues and team are aware of my bootcamp commitment and offer their support. This understanding environment is invaluable. The key is mental compartmentalization: when I’m at work, I am fully engaged with work tasks. When I log into Codesmith, my focus shifts entirely to coding and learning. This separation is crucial for productivity and preventing burnout when pursuing a part time remote career alongside existing obligations.
Keeping Hobbies Alive: Essential for Work-Life-Bootcamp Balance
Even amidst the demanding schedule of a full-time job and a part-time immersive program, nurturing hobbies isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. For me, music and writing remain vital outlets. The secret? Strategic scheduling. I block out dedicated time in my calendar specifically for these activities, treating them as non-negotiable appointments. This structured approach ensures that even with limited free time, I can still engage in activities that recharge me and prevent complete immersion in work and study.
Alt text: A brightly colored digital calendar app showing scheduled blocks for hobbies, work, and coding bootcamp, illustrating time management for a part time remote career transition.
Maintaining a meticulously organized, color-coded calendar has become my lifeline. It provides a visual representation of my week, clearly delineating time slots for singing, writing, Codesmith sessions, work commitments, and daily necessities. This visual clarity is incredibly helpful in managing a complex schedule and ensuring that I allocate time to all crucial aspects of my life, not just career-focused ones.
Prioritizing Physical and Mental Well-being During a Career Transition
Embarking on a career change, especially one involving significant time and financial investment while sacrificing personal time for an extended period, inherently brings stress. The path to a part time remote career, while flexible, is not without its pressures.
Late-night coding sessions become commonplace, and coffee (or tea, or your preferred energizer) becomes your best friend when debugging at midnight. My own caffeine stockpile has reached comical proportions! To counter the sedentary nature of remote work and PTRI, I’ve also prioritized incorporating exercise back into my routine. With fully remote work and evening classes, it’s alarmingly easy to remain glued to your desk all day. Even short bursts of stretching and movement throughout the day have noticeably improved my overall well-being and energy levels.
Mental health is equally, if not more, critical during this intense period. Balancing life, work, and PTRI demands conscious effort to stay grounded. Actively seeking support from friends, intentionally carving out relaxation time completely detached from code and work, and maintaining consistent mental health practices have been invaluable. Since free time is a precious commodity, I’ve become more deliberate about remote socializing – think virtual game nights or online movie watch parties with friends on Sundays. These dedicated social connections provide vital emotional support and a sense of normalcy amidst the career transition whirlwind.
Strategies for Success in Your Part-Time Remote Career Shift
For those navigating the complexities of a part time remote career transition, structured note-taking and organization are key. I’m a firm believer in the power of writing things down – a habit encouraged by a thoughtful birthday gift from my mom: a dedicated notepad. Whether you prefer pen and paper or digital tools like Trello or Asana, utilizing a system to track tasks, deadlines, and project progress is highly recommended.
Alt text: A close-up shot of a person’s hands writing in a notebook with a pen, symbolizing the importance of note-taking for organization and productivity in a part time remote career bootcamp.
Having a readily accessible reference point is essential when constantly switching between numerous priorities. Staying focused on the immediate goal, especially when working towards project milestones like an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), requires structure. Time is finite each day, and managing competing demands, particularly when tackling PTRI after a full workday, can be significantly easier with established organizational systems.
Conclusion: Embracing the Part-Time Remote Career Path
The flexibility of a PTRI program is undeniable, but it comes with a substantial time commitment that extends beyond your full-time job and other life responsibilities. Carefully evaluate your personal circumstances and learning style to determine if PTRI aligns with your needs. If you choose this path, be prepared to establish robust boundaries around your time and energy. Juggling these multifaceted priorities can be demanding, so remember to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself.
The Codesmith community is an invaluable support network. I’ve personally relied on my cohort peers for advice and emotional support during moments of burnout, and consulted with my Codesmith mentor for guidance on navigating imposter syndrome. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when challenges arise – you are not alone in this journey.
My experience with PTRI has been overwhelmingly positive. Choosing the part-time program while maintaining my full-time job was the right decision for me, enabling a smoother and more sustainable transition into a fulfilling part time remote career.
Blog written by a Carparteu.com Content Creator, inspired by Kailee P.’s Codesmith PTRI experience.
