Hey y'all! I have been reading a lot of articles and looking at a ton of social media posts that discuss the change that is happening in the tech world right now. Tons of us are really burned out and disillusioned with the direction that the field is going to right now. Honestly, I need a break. I know that a lot of you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, too. Above all, as mothers, we don't listen to our stress cues enough, but burnout is real. Whether it's to focus on family, handle burnout, or just find your footing again, taking a break can feel like a double-edged sword. You need the rest, but there's that little voice whispering, “What if I fall behind?”
Well, I’m here to tell you that even during a break, you can keep your tech skills sharp and stay marketable for the day you decide to jump back in – or maybe even start something of your own.
Mini Projects with Real Impact
You don’t need to build the next Facebook to keep your skills fresh. Think small but meaningful. Redesign a friend’s website, automate a few tasks at home, or even create a simple budgeting app for the family. These projects keep you practicing while filling real needs. I have even started teaching my children how to code with fun robot lessons and Scratch games. So, I'm still bonding with the kiddos while also doing something fun for myself.
Freelance in Bite-Sized Chunks
Freelancing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take on small gigs that fit your schedule. To be honest, I don't really recommend ites like Upwork or Fiverr because it can be quite a while before you find a job that you get picked for that actually pays what the work is worth. However, I do recommend that you look locally to churches, schools, community groups, or small business in your area that need tasks done. This will help get your name out in the community while also providing value to valuable organizations.
Teach What You Know
Sharing knowledge not only reinforces your skills but builds confidence too. Host a tech workshop for local kids or teach coding basics to other moms. You’d be surprised how much teaching sharpens your problem-solving abilities. Some great places to do this are local libraries, community rec centers, churches, and local tech workshops. You can also consider starting a YouTube channel, but don't focus on monetization early on. Focus on your personal growth and forming a teachable style. Who knows? Later down the line, this might even turn into an good income for you.
Contribute to Open Source
Open source is a goldmine for keeping your skills alive. You can contribute on your own terms, choosing projects that interest you or align with your skill set. Plus, it builds your portfolio. GitHub is a great place to look for open-source projects.
Create Digital Products
Consider building passive income by creating digital products based on the projects and teaching materials that you create from the earlier sections of this post. From e-books about tech topics that you're knowledgeable about to templates and plugins, digital products allow you to stay creative while generating income. This could even turn into a full-time gig. You will definitely need to market your products if you want to actually make money though. So, keep that in mind.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Sign up for short courses or full online certifications. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning and Skillshare let you learn when you feel up to it. There’s no pressure, just growth on your own timeline. Coursera is definitely my favorite paid option, and YouTube is my absolute favorite free option.
Keep Your Tech Skills Sharp
Mamas, remember this – taking a break doesn’t mean you’re stepping away from who you are as a tech professional. I know, from my own personal experience, that the thought of taking a break or even feeling like you need a break can feel defeating or daunting, but burnout definitely feels worse. You can do all the things, but not all at the same time. It's okay.
These simple and manageable ideas will keep your skills sharp and your confidence high, all while respecting the season you’re in. Plus some of these options can lead to bigger opportunities for you. If you never go back to the traditional workforce, then you can be building the foundation for something even greater. Take care of yourself, and remember, even slow progress is still progress.
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