So I've been a front end web developer for pushing close to a decade now. Work's not bad and pay is good, but it's getting a bit monotonous and I'm looking at next steps. For reference, most of my skill is HTML, CSS, a bunch of CMSs and frameworks (WP, Joomla, Bootstrap, Shopify, BigCommerce, Pinnacle Cart, etc) and general business sense. I'm halfway decent at JS but hardly a ninja.
1. I could focus on my JS skills, then go into PHP+SQL and become a full stack developer. From some light research that looks like it'd net me an additional 40k a year or so at standard salary rates for my area (DFW/North Texas) once I'm at an employable skill level. Hitting six figures in the next 5 or so years would be pretty nice and this seems like a fairly reliable way to make it happen.
The downside here is that I'm entirely self-taught. My degrees are in philosophy and English. In my experience people almost expect front-end guys to be self-taught, but there's a lot more demand for a related degree when you go full stack. On the other hand, my direct boss right now is a SQL ninja who's still in the process of getting his AA in cnc machining or something.
2. I could push into Python and do more general purpose software development. I've got a fair understanding of the LoB and academic app markets and could probably do well in that once I master the language. Python also seems to be increasingly relevant on the server which would obviously be a good match for my existing skills.
The downside is that I took a fair dose of comp sci back in college but that was a pretty long time ago (I'm almost 33) and I'd basically be starting from scratch at this point - especially since my classes were mostly in C and Java. I understand Python's easy by programming standards but I'm not crazy enough to think that means it's actually easy especially with my rusty-at-best background.
3. ??? I'm open to suggestions
4. I considered Ruby as well, but it looks pretty niche and lacking a compelling ease of use or pay benefit over the other options. Seems like something to maybe pick up down the road if needed.
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I'm not sure which I'd enjoy more (both sound generally up my alley), which is the easier path, which is more employable, which is going to be better for my bottom line in 5 or 10 years, etc. Would love to get some feedback on this front especially from people already in the field.
Ideally, I'd like to have one of these skills at an employable skill level within a year, even if it entails a pay cut. Right now I make about 60k... would be willing to drop down to around 40k as long as it could ramp up pretty fast. Don't think I'd wanna go below 40 lol.
I can devote around 20 hrs a week to focused study, maybe 5-10 more of flex hours.
Last thing: I like working for myself a lot more than I like being an employee. Anyone have an idea of which is easier/better to do as an independent developer? I prefer stability to high peak income potential if it matters. Get a dozen clients paying me a monthly maintenance fee to keep their apps running smoothly and life is good.
Thanks guys!
1. I could focus on my JS skills, then go into PHP+SQL and become a full stack developer. From some light research that looks like it'd net me an additional 40k a year or so at standard salary rates for my area (DFW/North Texas) once I'm at an employable skill level. Hitting six figures in the next 5 or so years would be pretty nice and this seems like a fairly reliable way to make it happen.
The downside here is that I'm entirely self-taught. My degrees are in philosophy and English. In my experience people almost expect front-end guys to be self-taught, but there's a lot more demand for a related degree when you go full stack. On the other hand, my direct boss right now is a SQL ninja who's still in the process of getting his AA in cnc machining or something.
2. I could push into Python and do more general purpose software development. I've got a fair understanding of the LoB and academic app markets and could probably do well in that once I master the language. Python also seems to be increasingly relevant on the server which would obviously be a good match for my existing skills.
The downside is that I took a fair dose of comp sci back in college but that was a pretty long time ago (I'm almost 33) and I'd basically be starting from scratch at this point - especially since my classes were mostly in C and Java. I understand Python's easy by programming standards but I'm not crazy enough to think that means it's actually easy especially with my rusty-at-best background.
3. ??? I'm open to suggestions
4. I considered Ruby as well, but it looks pretty niche and lacking a compelling ease of use or pay benefit over the other options. Seems like something to maybe pick up down the road if needed.
---
I'm not sure which I'd enjoy more (both sound generally up my alley), which is the easier path, which is more employable, which is going to be better for my bottom line in 5 or 10 years, etc. Would love to get some feedback on this front especially from people already in the field.
Ideally, I'd like to have one of these skills at an employable skill level within a year, even if it entails a pay cut. Right now I make about 60k... would be willing to drop down to around 40k as long as it could ramp up pretty fast. Don't think I'd wanna go below 40 lol.
I can devote around 20 hrs a week to focused study, maybe 5-10 more of flex hours.
Last thing: I like working for myself a lot more than I like being an employee. Anyone have an idea of which is easier/better to do as an independent developer? I prefer stability to high peak income potential if it matters. Get a dozen clients paying me a monthly maintenance fee to keep their apps running smoothly and life is good.
Thanks guys!
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