What should I study?

This question has been so hard for me to answer in the last year in ways you can't imagine. Web development? Cybersecurity? Data science? Which area should I dedicate all my time and effort to? Let me tell you something.

A brief history

I've always loved technology. I remember having my first computer at 8 years old—it belonged to a friend of my mom's and they were going to throw it away because "it didn't work anymore." This was 2004 and the machine came with a brand-new Windows 95 operating system. Even so it was a privilege for me to have a computer in my room. Obviously it didn't have internet but my mom got them to install an encyclopedia that I learned from for many years.

From that day on I never disconnected from that machine. An immense curiosity about technology appeared in me. I asked questions about how it worked, what was behind the programs and whether my computer could think. Little by little I cleared up my doubts. In high school I learned to program and my path became clearer—I knew I wanted to be a developer.

Find your passion

Programming was how I found a way to express myself. For the first time I experienced what it was to create something from nothing and take a simple idea somewhere—in this case to my computer. Whether it was a hidden joke in a program to make my classmates laugh or a mini system to track what I was selling. The limits stopped being defined in this world of ones and zeros.

However, even though I knew I wanted to program to express my ideas, I still didn't know which area of technology to choose. I went to university thinking I'd find an answer, that I'd finally "be someone" and my path would be set. Big mistake—university only left me more confused and the only answer it gave me was who I did NOT want to be.

Track your learning

I'm still on the path of answering this question every day. Jumping between different communities to learn something new each day, and honestly I hope that never ends—especially because of the extraordinary people who have dedicated their time to help me on this journey. I've learned more by not knowing what I want to dedicate myself to than if I'd stayed in just one area.

All the knowledge I've been gathering has added up to more than I expected. Not only in technology but also in design, business, marketing or professional growth. Being a bit of everything has opened many doors for me. So if what happens to me happens to you, I can assure you you'll be fine. Knowing what you want to do involves a long path of things you don't know how to do, many you don't like and others you do.

In conclusion

My recommendation is to ask a lot of questions, especially to people who know more than you, who may have already walked this path for you. Experiment a ton. Create a lot! Don't hold back from trying something—the worst that can happen is you don't like it and that experience defines even more what you do like. Remember you can always change and pivot.

It's normal to feel overwhelmed by what there is to do or know, but it's even worse not to do it. Don't take that possibility away from yourself without even trying. Follow your path with passion, intelligence, discipline and you'll do well.

I'd love to read your experience or opinion about this article in the comments section. 👇