This blog post is a little different from what I usually share, as it's about a new chapter in my life — my time in the military.
When I joined the military in Greece last March, I had several concerns on my mind. I knew I would miss my family, my girlfriend, and my friends, and of course I thought of to myself: How would I continue programming?
The military service in Greece is mandatory, and while many see it as an interruption to their careers or studies, for me, it felt like a potential roadblock to something I truly loved — programming. I feared that these months of service might slow down my progress, leaving me rusty and out of touch with the world of technology.
Since there wasn’t much I could do about missing the people I care about, I decided to focus on what I could control — continuing my growth as a programmer
And, here I am, looking back, not just having maintained my skills but having improved far beyond what I had imagined possible.
Shifts and Programming
Military life is demanding. Long shifts, strict routines, and very little and interrupted sleep became my new normal. At first, it felt horrible. But I quickly realized that if I was determined enough, I could find time — no matter how little — to keep programming.
I started coding in between shifts, often with barely any sleep and during my days-off. It wasn’t always easy to keep up the motivation or energy, but I knew that if I let go of coding, I might lose more than just my skills. I’d lose a part of myself. The challenge wasn’t just about staying awake or keeping up with deadlines; it was about proving to myself that I could continue to grow as an engineer, despite the obstacles.
Exceeding My Own Expectations
Before I joined the military, my goal was simple: don’t fall behind. If I could maintain the same level of programming skill I had when I joined, I would be satisfied. But I did more than that — I didn't just keep up, I actually got even better!
The experience taught me that discipline and time management, which are deeply implanted in military life, can translate directly into personal development. I became more focused and learned how to be efficient in my limited downtime. Those short bursts of coding sessions became intensely productive. Each challenge I tackled wasn’t just another bug or a new feature on one of my personal projects, but of my perseverance and determination.
A Turning Point
A few months into my service, an unexpected opportunity arose. Officers were searching for individuals with programming skills to help them in building simulations and related tasks — a completely new experience for me. I took the initiative to meet with them and offered my help. Working with embedded systems, which combine hardware and software through microcontrollers like ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and various sensors, was a steep learning curve, but I was able to help them and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Not only did I gain hands-on experience with embedded systems, but I also had the chance to dive into new web development concepts. I implemented websockets, TCP connections, GraphQL, and more. The skills I developed during these months weren’t just theoretical — they were practical, real-world solutions to problems that mattered.
Turning Challenges into Fuel for Growth
If there’s one thing I want people to take away from my experience, it’s this: don’t let circumstances define your growth. Whether you’re balancing school, work, or military service, there’s always a way to push yourself further than you ever thought possible. It’s not always easy, and there will be times when you want to give up, but those are the moments that shape you.
The military was supposed to be a pause in my development as a programmer, but instead, it became an oppportunity for even more growth. The time I spent coding in those off-hours, the problem-solving during exhaustion, and the exposure to new technologies have all made me a better developer.
So, to anyone out there feeling like they’re in a situation where their passions have to be put on hold — don’t. Find the time, push through the obstacles, and keep building. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. You can do it.
As of now, I'm nearing the end of my service. I'll be back soon with more articles on my website, covering both technical and non-technical topics. I'm also considering continue streaming on Twitch in the near future.
Stay motivated, Stay disciplined and keep working on yourself.
See you soon.