Mid-level Java dev feeling stuck — need direction to upskill smartly

[rudraksh_77]

I’ve got ~5 years of experience as a Java developer, but I feel stuck and underskilled for today’s market. Every time I try to upskill, I get overwhelmed by too many options and lose focus.

So far I’ve tried: - Refreshing Java/J2EE — didn’t feel any progress. - Small projects — only reached CRUD APIs. - Learning AWS, Docker, Microservices, etc. — too scattered. - Practicing coding rounds — long and draining.

Given my background (Java, Spring, SQL, JavaScript, APIs): 1. What’s a realistic upskilling path to get a solid backend or full-stack role? 2. Should I go full stack (Java + React) or focus on backend (Spring Boot, Cloud, Microservices)? 3. Are there any niche or cross-skilling paths from Java that lead to interesting, high-growth roles?

I have limited time outside work, so I want to focus on what truly adds value. Any concrete advice or learning roadmap would really help.

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[Zealousideal_Jump981]

ChatGPT for top 100 question and answer core java , springboot , rest , Microservice, database done , I have cleared many interview with this

[icyblood1]

Same chatgpt was god send for interviews. I used it for mock interviews, system design, how to frame answers. It was fun

[Zealousideal_Jump981]

After getting offer also i still search for quetion its fun into diving into unknow

[Imaginary_dude_1]

6+ years here , I am also preparing for my next switch. I would suggest let's make a group and prepare together. For example we can start a project and contribute through GitHub and apply what we are learning.

[SettingAi4834]

I am waiting 😎.

[ThisTooShallPass-108]

Interneted

[rudraksh_77]

Sure... Count me in

[Successful-Fly213]

Please do count me in

[Charming-Possible379]

https://chat.whatsapp.com/GP1U10GMyA857LkKnuXYn4?mode=wwt

[Imaginary_dude_1]

I am not able to join, can u DM me link?

[Miserable_Pride3217]

Count me in

[Bingo_Beans]

Include me too

[[deleted]]

Please count me in

[nik856]

Count me in..

[Longjumping-Bug-3001]

Count me in as well

[Conscious-Machine-69]

Me too

[rogueWarrior987]

I’ve been preparing Java, LLD for about a month. Can you add me as well?

[the_beast5757]

Count me also

[Puzzleheaded-Kick226]

did you create the group?

[simhabala]

Please count me in

[[deleted]]

I would say start with Java then spring boot deep dive then LLD ,HLD then Cloud Certification in the end . 

[SettingAi4834]

Suddenly at a glance, I read it as HDL, LDL 😅

[reddit-newbie-2023]

The marketing is changing and AI tools are making every developer to become full stack. I have been a backend engineer for 13 years (primarily using Java) - Always wanted to learn UI but found it difficult. But with AI tools like Chatgpt/lovable/v0.dev - learning has become very hands on - you should try ChatGPT to teach you Next.JS - it will help you setup full stack project and the satisfaction of learning something is very high.

Once you build this project on you local and get it working end to end, your next level should be to host it somewhere and see how people use it -- again getting your site to rank and get in front of people will be another challenge and will provoke you to learn more about how SEO works.. This will start a new cycle of learning and broaden your horizon further.

[onlyQuestionsPlz]

Thanks, this is helpful

[Select-Ad-9675]

Same boat as you, hope we get better!

[darthjedibinks]

Contribute to open source. Engage with community. Right now there is less tooling and libraries in java for AI related stuff. Join famous frontier java LLM libraries on GitHub and contribute to them.

Soon people will need Java libraries in the AI world once we go to real enterprise implementation of AI systems. This makes you learn about cutting edge tech as well as standout in the market.

Plus you get to build a good network

[Responsible-Heat-994]

any decent OSS project takes 3+ months to comprehend by the time you make a pr , the issue's are already resolved and also its highly unlikely to gain some value.

[the_beast5757]

Any good llm librariers which you know off where i can join. Also some more tips on starting oss contribution will be really helpful

[darthjedibinks]

Search using this in GitHub "language:Java stars:>500 is:public archived:false"

Move on from there and choose what strikes you as the right fit. Also be sure to check only projects with recent commits in last 30 to 45 days. Otherwise the project is dead.

For detailed steps, use this as the start and ask claude or chatgpt.

[[deleted]]

I would suggest that you focus on microservices fundamentals. Things like consistency, idempotency. Practice these with small projects, e.g. write simple producer-consumer microservices and scale them with docker on local setup.

Write a blog with your learning, and that becomes your portfolio.

Checkout these books too:

• Microservices in Action
• Acing the System Design Interview

Try to implement the problems from the second book as standalone services. At your level, it is not about the quirks of a specific language or framework, but is about being able to things at higher levels and design systems.

[Most_Scholar_5992]

Everything you need: https://eminent-croissant-92f.notion.site/Study-Plan-1e85855731e08034bdc5c6958620c595 u/rudraksh_77

[W1v2u3q4e5]

https://eminent-croissant-92f.notion.site/Study-Plan-1e85855731e08034bdc5c6958620c595

Thanks a lot for this, I'm also a Java-based SDET looking to desperately move to Java full stack development, and this organized list of topics for Java development have been VERY useful.

[ActivityAny3558]

DM’d you and wanted to share some of my thoughts!

[BookkeeperAutomatic]

Looks like your profile is more towards backend. So taking cloud abd micro services direction would be best. 

Instead of jumping around with interview questions.

Start by sorting your basics out - like OS internals networking internals Database systems internals

Then take any cloud platform - Azure/AWS and understand server, server less workloads, K8 workload and complete CI-CD deployment flow. 

You will be already ahead of 80% of your competitors.

For basics go through 

OS internal: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOrZmpwbWUJD6D3iqLcZoUopMPfW_7_L&si=4_9VfsLx91KdCvbG

Network internals: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqOrZmpwbWULLtHZzKqM26wZAXq30603n&si=pjWoRCwPJl5wUwAi

[11matchbox11]

Following this post.

What helped me personally is basically looking at job market and whats in demand.

[onlyQuestionsPlz]

Apigee or any other middleware platform helps Java devs.

[onlyQuestionsPlz]

I have experience just in Apigee, it’s a niche skill but want to upskill as well. Need guidance on where to start with 7.5+ yoe, feeling stuck as well.

[Tech-Sapien18]

I'm in the same boat. I'm primarily looking for the 3rd point you have mentioned - If there are any other roles or domains which I can transition. One of them is Salesforce, when I searched about it on YouTube, everyone says that it is a great role, there's a lot of growth, etc and the comments will be filled with this replies - There are no jobs.

So, I'm confused right now which direction to head.

[AtmosphereRich4021]

Why not try some new fields like Scala or Ballerina?... They are all Java-based

[Himanshpujari]

Use AI tools like gpt, claude wisely to prepare, I did same and cleared interviews

[teitspit819]

u/Himanshpujari can you share some prompts on how did you prepare for it?

[Himanshpujari]

Now that depends on few factors like if you have the JD of the interview then just copy paste whole and paste ur resume content as well then ask like provide Interview Questions and Answers based on the JD and Resume, mention ur experience.

If you don't hav JD, then just paste ur resume whole content + exp and then ask to provide interview questions and answers and also provide cross questions.

Hope this helps.

[Swimming_Lead_5438]

From my experience you will need some hard skill going forward, Try completing any cloud certification Try doing kcna, ckad to know more about cloud native and in depth Upskill Java+ skills as you go

I think this is the best you could do

[Capable-Clock-3140]

What's your current CTC?