You’ve been working from home for weeks, just about every recreational activity you normally enjoy is closed and your choices for entertainment are starting to dwindle. Finally, when pacing around your house and walking the dog for the 10th time is no longer an option, you figure it’s time to tackle a new challenge. But what are you going to do? Why not try to learn a cool new skill? Quite frankly, there is no better time to dust off your hippocampus and become a student. And there is no better skill to learn than coding. Here’s why.

Coding is cool

We may be biased when it comes to this opinion, but coding is downright cool. You get to be a member of a technological community that creates amazing things like apps, games, software and websites. Not only do you get to create but you also have access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Admit it, what part of that doesn’t sound cool?

Coding makes your resume more appealing

Instead of binge watching another crazy documentary on your favorite streaming service, why not make your resume pop? When you can feature an appealing skill like coding on your resume, hiring managers will take notice. Furthermore, if you are looking to change careers entirely, coding allows you to consider job opportunities you couldn’t have in the past. Occupations that allow you to create and have fun.

Increase your earning potential

When you can boast having coding skills, you’ll earn more money. According to one study conducted by Course Report, graduates of coding bootcamps enjoyed a 44% increase in their salaries. Investing an hour or two a day to learning this amazing skill can pay off.

Coding careers are flexible

From flexible working hours to the ability to work anywhere you’d like, a career in coding enables you to work and live the way you want. As current circumstances have taught us, the ability to perform your job functions from home is not just a luxury but during challenging times can be a real lifesaver. And when life returns to normal, working from an exotic beach doesn’t sound too shabby either.

More time for side projects

You have dreams that go well beyond your occupation, and when you have a flexible schedule you can pursue those aspirations. Whether you have a great idea for an app that will revolutionize an industry or even a business idea that isn’t specifically related to coding, your new skill will greatly increase your chance of success. Feel free to dream big.

These were just five reasons to help convince you that right now is a great time to learn coding. You can probably think of countless more. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning.