> learn JavaScript
> job description says “React required”
> learn React
> job says “Next.js preferred”
> learn Next.js
> role closed internally
> build portfolio
> recruiter: “any real-world experience?”
> get internship
> unpaid
> accept unpaid
> start freelancing
> client pays in “exposure”
> say yes for experience
> client disappears
> wake up at 6 AM
> watch productivity reels
> buy course
> never finish course
> finally ship a SaaS
> 3 users (2 are friends)
> post on X “building in public”
> 4 likes (one is your alt account)
> get interview call
> “we went with someone with more experience”
> stare at ceiling
> open VS Code again
> push commit at 2 AM