Hey there, friends! Today, I want to share something deeply personal and relatable about my journey to web development. That is the fear that held me back and how I learned to let it go.
So, here’s the thing: transitioning from my old career to web development was a major leap. I had a stable job and a comfortable routine, but there was this burning desire inside me to do more.
I was ready for a change, but boy, was I scared!
It was all a different sort of fear. At first, I was scared of what the heck I was doing with my life. Then, gradually, as I got deeper and deeper into programming and realized that hey, maybe becoming a developer isn’t as impossible as it seemed, another fear overwhelmed me.
This time it wasn’t because I didn’t know what I was doing but because I didn’t believe I could do what I had to do.
Hey!
THT is a little silent these days because the past two months have brought lots of changes (keep an eye out for an upcoming life update!) and I’m taking my annual, rather well-earned, vacation. Stay tuned for serious cool projects that’ll be coming your way very soon 👀
Fear of Taking on Projects
Let’s start with the fear of taking on projects. You know that feeling when you look at a complex project and think, “Can I really do this?”
Yeah, I felt that too.
The tech world seemed like this intimidating jungle, and I was just a newbie explorer. The fear of messing up, of not meeting deadlines, of not being ‘good enough’ haunted me like an unwelcome ghost.
I passed over quite a few opportunities when I was job hunting because submitting an application required also submitting a project. It was all so very sad.
Pss… I saved one such instance of passing over a job app due to a project and went back to it months later. Check out This Is How To Make A Really Good Users Table not only for how I built the app but, also, how I wasn’t scared to take it to a whole other level 😌
But here’s the deal, THT-ers (I’m only allowed to call you this once per post thanks to DM): I realized that every coding wizard, every developer guru, started exactly where I was.
They didn’t just wake up one day with all this knowledge; they worked for it, one project at a time.
So, I took a deep breath, broke down those giant projects into bite-sized tasks, and started building.
And you know what? Each small victory felt like conquering a new territory. It was empowering.
Not Believing in My Ability to Create Applications
Another huge roadblock for me was the nagging self-doubt. I thought, “Do I really have what it takes to create full-fledged applications?”
Imposter syndrome was my constant companion, whispering that I didn’t belong in this new world.
But guess what? Imposter syndrome is a sneaky little liar!
I realized that my unique background brought fresh perspectives to the table. My journey from another career has given me skills that were invaluable in problem-solving and critical thinking.
Plus, the web development community is incredibly supportive. There are mentors, online resources, and communities that cheered me on when I felt down.
The Power of Just Starting
The turning point for me was understanding that the hardest part was just starting.
Taking that first step towards a project, no matter how small, was like opening a door to a whole new universe of possibilities.
It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board, hesitating before that exhilarating plunge into the unknown.
Once I started building, I couldn’t believe the progress I was making. It was like learning a new language (no twisted pun intended) – challenging at first, but as I kept practicing, it started to make sense.
Each line of code was a stroke on the canvas of my dreams.
And each project was a testament to a growing skill. I look back sometimes and visibly see the difference, the complexity, and the skill reflected in each new undertaking.
Sometimes, I can’t even believe I made some things. It’s rather surreal 🥲
Embrace the Journey
Becoming a web developer isn’t just about coding; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth.
It’s about letting go of the fear that holds you back and believing in your ability to create amazing things. It’s about learning, making mistakes, and growing stronger with each challenge.
So, to anyone out there contemplating a career change, or just trying something new, remember this: the journey may seem daunting, but the most challenging part is taking that first step.
Believe in yourself, surround yourself with supportive communities, and embrace the change. It’s a wild ride, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and remember, you’ve got this!
Stay tuned for more updates on what DM and I’ve been up to along with some new cool projects.
Catch ya next time!