2024: A Year of Challenges and Growth
This year was filled with ups and downs, marked by hard work, valuable lessons, and a clearer sense of direction in my career as a Software Engineer.
A Move Towards Independence
2024 was also the year of my first move. It was a big step toward independence and finding the right environment to grow both personally and professionally.
The Reality of Retraining
This year, I completed my reapprenticeship program – a significant milestone, but one I can’t wholeheartedly recommend. The education system, as we all know, is outdated. The program focused heavily on theoretical knowledge, which doesn’t align with my mindset as a developer. After all, we work in the digital world, where nearly every answer is just a search away. With AI tools at our fingertips, the need for guidance from instructors who gained their expertise 20 years ago feels unnecessary and, frankly, outdated.
What was supposed to be a 40-hour weekly commitment felt more like 80, as I spent countless hours teaching myself the practical skills I actually needed. The program’s structure simply didn’t reflect the fast-paced, problem-solving nature of modern development. Despite the challenges, I’m already ahead of some other program graduates, but only because I dedicated my private time to continuously learning and practicing. Eventually, that hard work does pay off.
Balancing the 80-Hour Weeks
Those 80-hour weeks were intense, but I somehow managed to find balance. Maybe it’s because I approached everything with passion, enjoying the time I spent learning after the official 40 hours of theoretical classes were over. I also made time for activities that helped me recharge, like swimming and spending time with friends whenever I could. Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and push through.
Focusing on Modern Tools and Skills
This year, I focused deeply on mastering Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS, animations, design systems, and responsive design. I didn’t just use AI to automate tasks or write code for me – I made sure to understand the "why," "how," and "what" behind every implementation. It’s not about reinventing the wheel but understanding why it works the way it does. This approach has been invaluable for my growth as a developer.
Personal Growth and Lessons Learned
I’ve also gained a clearer perspective on the different stages of a developer’s career:
- Junior Developer: Focuses on working within existing projects and follows established patterns.
- Senior Developer: Can build new projects from scratch and guide others in working on existing projects.
- Lead Developer: Coordinates teams and teaches others how to start new projects from the ground up.
Understanding these distinctions helps me measure my own progress and set realistic goals for the future. While I’m not at the Lead Developer stage yet, I know the continuous effort I’ve put in privately has already pushed me ahead of some peers.
"Growth isn’t just about talent – it’s about persistence, focus, and the willingness to put in the work to achieve your goals."
Looking Ahead
2024 was far from easy, but it was instrumental in shaping my path forward. The challenges pushed me to grow, adapt, and persevere. I’m now entering 2025 with a clear focus and excitement for what lies ahead.