I can't code. It's not that I haven't tried or that I shy away from learning new things. It's just that, quite frankly, coding never clicked for me.
The Pressure to Code
We're living in an age where coding is glorified as the ultimate skill. Everywhere you turn, someone's touting how easy it's to pick up coding through tutorials and online courses. It's almost like the world expects everyone to start coding the next big app, but here's a reality check: not everyone needs to code. And that's perfectly fine.
Consider this: while coding is undoubtedly valuable, it's not the end-all-be-all of skills. The industry is filled with roles that require different talents. Where would we be without designers, strategists, or communicators who translate technical language into something meaningful?
Playing to Your Strengths
Instead of struggling to add another skill that feels alien, why not hone the ones you already possess? In my experience as an HR executive, I saw firsthand how diverse skills drive a company forward. People excel when they focus on strengths rather than forcing themselves into molds that don't fit.
Is coding valuable? Absolutely. But so is the ability to manage teams, create compelling narratives, and understand what makes end-users tick. The real story lies in how different skills interact to create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Rethinking the Skills We Value
So, what if you can't code? The world won't end. In fact, it might just open up other doors. For every line of code, there's a marketing plan in need of vision, a product strategy awaiting execution, and a team that needs leadership.
Why should readers care about this? Because it's time to stop assuming one path fits all. The workforce thrives on variety, and the gap between the keynote and the cubicle often includes a mix of skills, not just lines of code.
So next time someone tells you coding is essential, ask yourself: Is it essential for what you want to achieve? If not, that's okay. Maybe, just maybe, the world needs more people who can't code but can do everything else.
