2022 has been a roller coaster ride! From learning JavaScript fundementals to getting my first client and landing my first developer job.
In this blog I will share my 2022 journey. And if you have just started on your learning path I hope this will encourage and motivate you to keep going and fulfill your goals.
January: Pokemons
At about this time last year I was still learning the fundementals of JavaScript and creating simple web apps to practise my skills.
Looking at my commits in January I built a simple PokeSearch that allows users to search for a Pokemon and display its data in a Pokemon-like card. The aim of the app was to practise my JavaScript skills and array/object manipulation.
Does it require improvements. Definitely. Will I improve it? Meh.
I remember I didn't know a great deal of version control. Heck, I uploaded this Pokemon app by uploading the files directly to Github!
Yes, I was a total noob.
But hey I also made this website template by the end of January that had a few lines of JavaScript.
February - April: React
February was React time. I invested a whole month learning ReactJS and how the framework functions.
I also learnt more about version control and how to better use Git and push to Github. My commits were coming from the command line and I've learnt a few Git commands.
I made two React based applications - a Meme Generator and the popular Weather Application.
- Weather Application: This was the first React based application I made. The more confident I became with the framework the more the app grew in complexity. I added Luxon library to help with timezones. I added dynamic background images to reflect the current weather state. And I added hourly weather forecast. I also made my own favicon!
- Meme Generator: This was a fun project to build. Not only was I learning React but I also spiced up the styling by using MDBootstrap which is a crossover between Bootstrap and Material Design. I was making better use of Git and version control.
After these two web apps were built I remember I was feeling confident. I was able to learn new libraries on the fly. My problem solving skills were getting better. Googling for answers was second nature. I was enjoying this period.
April and May: Gatsby
By now I've built a few applications ranging from vanilla JS to React, it's time to build new a portfolio site to showcase my projects.
I had a portfolio built on CodePen when I was learning HTML/CSS but it needed a complete shift away from CodePen.
I was hearing a lot about static site generators including Gatsby. So I gave it a go!
I learnt alot during these months including Gatsby, GraphQL, headless CMS, modular styling and much more.
June and July: My first client
June was the month that I went out and sourced a client to test my skills and build my credibility score. I wanted a client that would be easy to work with and wouldn't mind me slipping once or twice.
It's my little boy's nursery. A non-profit nursery and they didn't have any online presence. I approached the nursery manager and they were delighted with the offer.
I provided a simple sketch on paper of the design and added the features they wanted. I started grinding hours building it with Gatsby and a headless CMS. I integrated a mailing platform for users to message the nursery. I created a how-to-guide to the CMS and how to post different content types.
The site went live and I was over the moon!
August and July: Backend
Now that I am comfortable with the frontend and deliveryed to my first client, I wanted to learn the backend, particularly NodeJS, Express, MongoDB and Mongoose.
The project I began building which is not yet complete is similar to a social platform but for developers, particularly those starting on their learning journey.
The project includes JWT Authentication, Mongoose schemas, state management, guarded routes and much more.
I left it half completed as I was focusing on landing a developer job.
September: The job
September arrived and I was out of my previous career, teaching, for a year. I had applied for countless developer jobs for about about 4 months and the frustration was building.
Just as I was about to give up on the job hunt I thought to myself "today will be the last few applications I send, if unsuccessul I will go back being a substitute teacher". Lo and behold after 2 rounds of interviews I receive an offer!
Finally hard work has paid off! This is where I am now. I work for a digital agency right from home.
December: Reflection time
This year has been remarkable. From that PokeSearch app to working for a client and finally getting my first frontend developer job.
The year had its ups and downs. The struggles of learning something new, the excitement once something works. The social sacrifices I had to make, the online forum friends that I made. The loneliness I felt when I'm working late at night, the joy and company I received when I got the job. The faith and trust I put in the process and the disbelief and shock when it became a reality!
Wherever you are reading this and wherever you are in your journey, whether learning the first steps or transitioning higher in your career, I wish you all the success. Stay consistent and trust the process. Hard work will be recognised and it will be rewarded.
Have a great new year!