Calist0

I'm a frontend developer and I know enough JS (with JQuery) to get by to create simple web interactivity. It's time for me to learn the fundamentals, so I can then learn libraries like React.

What's the best way to learn? I've completed some beginner level courses on codecademy and others, but forgot much of what I learned within a month or two. I searched here to find books that are recommended, but it seems that many are outdated (without ES6), for instance: Professional JavaScript for Web Developers, which has great reviews, but no ES6. What I know about JS has been learned through doing it and researching the solution and learning bits at a time-- not a great way to learn.

I'm thinking of trying a course on udemy. Along with finding a book to read on the side. Suggestions?

I have tried to follow a daily schedule and to-do list many times in the past, but never succeeded in sticking to it. It's discouraging to look at my schedule and know how much needs to be done, and to know that my entire day is planned ahead of time. Every time I try to follow a daily schedule I always end up avoiding it, because it's intimidating.

Have any fellow procrastinators succeeded in implementing a daily schedule in your life? Tips? Hand written schedule or software?

I have no professional experience, so I'll be applying to junior positions. What kind of projects should I build to showcase my skills?

I'm thinking of doing re-designs of a few popular websites (2-3 pages mobile & desktop, wireframes) that I think can be improved. And then coding them into life.

Would that make a good front-end portfolio or are there better projects that I can be doing? Also, I'm new to github-- What could I contribute to on there?

I want to work in software development. I know enough to build a good portfolio that will showcase my skills through practice projects. But I have no real-world experience in the field.

I can either start college now, and be 32 when I graduate. Or build my portfolio and look for work. Most of my tuition costs would be covered through grants, but it would still cost me 4 years of my time.

What do you think? Would it be difficult for me to find work without a degree? I would like to eventually work at interesting companies like Uber, Airbnb, Spotify etc. I've emails developers from many of these companies to ask for their advice and I received a lot of mix opinions.