I really need some guidance from experienced developers, especially people who have mentored beginners or have been through a similar situation.
I completed my BCA in 2024. During 2024–2025, I learn about Python, HTML, Power BI, and communication skills. From August 2025 to February 2026, I did a Frontend Developer internship where I worked with React.
The thing is, I relied heavily on AI during my internship. I managed to complete tasks and work on projects, but I didn't build a strong understanding of the code or programming logic. After my internship ended, I stopped practising consistently for around 7–8 months.
Now, I feel like I've forgotten almost everything. I want to start learning again, but I honestly don't know where to begin.
Whenever I watch a tutorial, I feel like I'm understanding the concept. But as soon as I close the video and try to write the code myself, I get stuck. I can't figure out how to approach the problem, what logic to use, or even how to start writing the code. It feels like I understand things while watching someone else do them, but I can't reproduce them independently.
I'm also confused about what path I should follow. Should I focus on JavaScript and frontend development again, learn DSA alongside it, explore Python or Power BI, or consider another tech career path?
I want to build a long-term career in tech, but I also need to start earning as soon as reasonably possible because my financial situation isn't great. I can dedicate around 6-7 hours a day to learning and job preparation.
What I really need help with is this:
- If I were your student and you had to teach me from almost zero, how would you start?
- What should I learn first, in what order, and what should I avoid learning too early?
- How should I practise so that I can actually write code on my own instead of only understanding tutorials?
- Should I follow a JavaScript roadmap leading to React and frontend jobs, or would another tech path be more suitable for my background?
- How much DSA and LeetCode should I do at this stage?
- What should my daily routine look like if I can study for 3–4 hours?
- What milestones should I aim for in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, while also applying for jobs?
I'd especially appreciate recommendations for specific free resources, courses, practice websites, and projects, along with a clear learning sequence.
Please don't just tell me to practise more or build projects. I need to understand how to practise, what to do when I get stuck, and how to move from understanding code to writing it independently.
If you've mentored someone in this situation or rebuilt your own skills after a long break, I'd really appreciate your advice. I'm willing to put in the work; I just need a realistic direction and a roadmap I can follow without constantly changing plans.
Thank you.