I'm an HR professional who vibe-coded an app while my baby slept. I don't want to be a parent or employee who falls behind.

In a remarkable tale of personal growth, Laura Zaccaria, an HR professional and new mother based in Singapore, transformed her maternity leave into a learning opportunity by teaching herself to create an AI-assisted web application. Despite having no prior experience in coding, Laura found inspiration through her husband's venture into vibe coding. After observing him replicate her non-profit yoga organization's website, she decided to explore this new frontier alongside him. As Laura prepared for motherhood, she found herself overwhelmed by the drastic changes in her life. With her baby now the primary focus, she felt a renewed desire to engage her mind and skills. After acquiring a personal laptop for a weekend coding class titled "Code with AI," she dove into the world of app development, motivated not only by her professional aspirations but also by practical needs at home. With her son starting to eat solid foods, Laura realized the importance of meal planning, especially as she anticipated returning to work. This prompted her to create a family meal planner app. Juggling coding sessions during her baby’s naps and weekend breaks, she kept her creativity flowing and her mind sharp. The experience of developing her app allowed her to unplug from the corporate world and connect with a different side of her intellect. Utilizing tools like Cursor for assistance, Laura encountered technical challenges that pushed her to learn and adapt. She faced obstacles with sign-up processes and email confirmations, revealing the intricacies of database limitations. Ultimately, she had to switch to a different platform for verification, illustrating her growth in understanding the logic behind app functionalities. Through this journey, Laura discovered that generative AI can serve as a helpful guide, akin to an eager intern. She learned how to phrase her requests more effectively and recognized the importance of breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. This skill not only benefited her app development but also enhanced her overall approach to using AI tools. Laura's experience reflects a broader trend in technology, where professionals are under pressure to continuously learn and adapt. Witnessing rapid advancements in AI, she recognizes that staying informed is crucial, especially for the sake of future generations. Rather than fearing the rise of AI, she sees it as an opportunity for growth and understanding. As she looks toward her child's future, Laura is determined to stay ahead of technological changes, ensuring that she can guide her son through the evolving landscape of tools and learning environments he will encounter. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of technology in our lives, especially during pivotal moments like becoming a parent.