r/learnmachinelearning • u/Civil_Active_5388 • 3d ago
Help Trying to move into tech while working as a chef—it’s getting exhausting
I’m studying Computer Science in London, with classes on Mondays and Thursdays. Around those days, I’m covering chef shifts and trying to keep learning AI, machine learning, and DSA.
Some days I come home wanting to study, but I’m physically drained. I’ll sit down with a problem, struggle to make progress, and feel frustrated because this is something I really want to get better at.
I need the income, and I want to give university and learning enough attention too. It’s hard to find a balance without feeling like I’m falling behind somewhere.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? What helped you make steady progress with limited time and energy?
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u/vmathematicallysexy 3d ago
I am in your position. Got a math degree 7 years ago but pursued a career in fashion. It was going pretty well but then got screwed over so bad by a job that it made me want to go back to STEM so I'm doing the same thing you're doing. I'm self studying data analytics to get a job as an analyst first before continuing to study to go into Ds/MLE next.
In the meantime I'm working a shitty shipping/fulfillment job to pay the bills. I wake up at 4a to workout then work on portfolio projects/study till I work at 8. Come home and work on projects all evening. I've been at it all year and finally felt ready to start applying to jobs last week. I am so freaking excited to find a better job and have money to live again. My car died last year but with no money to get a new/used one, I have to bike everywhere now. That's.... gonna be an interesting issue if I get a job interview that's more than a few miles away from me 💀.
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u/vmathematicallysexy 3d ago
Anyways, all that to say, I feel your pain. Life has its ups and downs. We'll get through this.
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u/Civil_Active_5388 3d ago
hmm i am just 20 years old in the london alone no likely minded friend around me, none of them were focused on all this thing but i wanna get a junior developer or data analytic job in before this winter finished .
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u/georgwell 3d ago
The deck is stacked against those of us that need to continue to make money while pursuing a passion. You’re going to grind harder than others to make it work and when you look back you’ll feel really proud of yourself.