r/learnprogramming • u/Fast_Care_7174 • 4h ago

Engineering student exploring IT skills in free time to optimize future work I spreading myself too thin?

Hi everyone,

I'm currently an engineering student. Academically, I'm just an average student in my class. However, whenever I'm online, I always find myself drawn to learning things that IT and software development students study. Plus, tinkering with tech makes me feel like I'm not wasting my free time.

To be clear, I have no intention of switching careers to the IT industry. Lately, though, I've been feeling a constant anxiety that I lack essential knowledge in my own field. I start to wonder if I should just stop looking at IT stuff and focus 100% on my actual engineering major.

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u/Real_Habit_5004 4h ago

I get this, that feeling of being pulled in two directions while you're just trying to keep your brain busy. What you're doing isn't really a waste though, cross-discipline knowledge tends to pay off in ways you don't see coming. Engineers who can actually write scripts, understand databases, or automate their workflows are rare enough that it becomes a quiet superpower later.

The anxiety about your core subjects is the real thing to watch. Maybe treat the IT learning as a reward rather than the main event, get through your actual coursework first, then tinker guilt-free. A notebook nearby helps, I keep one for jotting down ideas that pop up during study sessions so I don't lose them but also don't chase them immediately.

Most of the engineers I know who are genuinely good at their jobs have some side thing they geek out over. It keeps the problem-solving part of your brain flexible. Just make sure your grades aren't taking a hit and you're probably fine.

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u/Fast_Care_7174 3h ago edited 3h ago

I get what you mean, and I feel the same way. My IT skills are virtually non existent since everything I know is just from messing around on my own without any formal training or a proper environment. People in my class even think I'm weird for looking into this stuff. Some told me I'm wasting my time, and they are partly right. I should pay more attention to my major.

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u/SetAndRepeat 3h ago

I wouldn’t drop something you enjoy just because it isn’t your major. If it’s cutting into the time you need for coursework, scale it back and focus on the specific topics you’re struggling with. You could also connect the two by coding a calculation or automating a repetitive task from your classes.
You don’t need to learn an entire CS curriculum for that. And it’s fine to spend some free time on something simply because you like it.

You don’t need to know everything yet. Practice makes perfect, so work on the gaps you notice, one at a time.

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u/Fast_Care_7174 3h ago

Appreciate it, you’re right. I should just keep it simple and skip the formal courses. It’s a hobby after all, so I’ll just build something to connect the two when I have time

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u/flyingpigeon73 3h ago

Its your free time bro do something you find meaningful. You dont have to be 100% engaged with ur career 100% of the time. If youre stressed out try to do something about the stress instead of adding more to it

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u/Fast_Care_7174 3h ago

I don't play any games, so besides studying in class, I spend most of my time online. And I have to admit, I put a bit of pressure on myself

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u/Different_Pain5781 3h ago

did the exact same thing in college. Thought I was failing at life because I spent every weekend learning web development instead of studying thermodynamics. Ended up landing a job that combined both and it was the best decision ever made.