In my experience regaining the skill is much faster than learning it in first place (assuming I'd gotten reasonably proficient). I spent a few years not coding

In my experience regaining the skill is much faster than learning it in first place (assuming I'd gotten reasonably proficient). I spent a few years not coding much and had easy time getting back to it. I often find that more important than having a skill is knowing it exists, so I can learn/relearn it when needed (https://codewithoutrules.com/2016/04/15/40-hour-programmer/ https://codewithoutrules.com/2016/04/15/40-hour-programmer/). Earlier in my career gaining the skills was probably more important, though.