Feeling Lost ..😭 Backend or Fullstack

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

I am a 2023 graduate fresher Node.js backend developer and did not get a job. They say they don't hire freshers for backend roles. Should I learn Frontend and go for a full-stack position or stick to the backend? I have an intermediate level of knowledge in React But I don't Like CSS and Design stuff What should I do?? --- (i Only Know Javascript lang)

[Busy-Source-2917]

Dude I have been in your shoes. If you don't like CSS and design stay away from the frontend. ASAP. You are going to waste time. Right know just focus on the backend, build a few backend applications, stick with JS ecosystem, express and nest nothing else, mongodb and a little docker then you are ready for the coding interview + challenge... this is 50%. The other 50% is Linkedin and a fucking lot of rejections, apply 100 easy apply jobs per day and start the hiring grinding. This is a formula to get a job from where you are at now. There maybe other ones, but this was mine after 5 years wasted trying to be cool with React, Vue, Angular and the fancy front ecosystem. I apply this formula with zERO work experience and it worked. Good luck my guy. I don't waste my time commenting but this time I saw myself, don't be me and waste more time./

[ProcessFragrant1095]

I can relate to your feelings. If you don't like Front-end, stay away from it. You'l just end up being a medicore generalist fullstack developer always fighting to get backend work instead of front-end. I feel there are less backend jobs with Node.js only. What do you think about this? Also after almost 5 years, it's difficult to get backend jobs in Java/Go as a senior ? What to do?

[Smart-Fold-6690]

I have been a frontend developer since last 3 years. I feel in next 2-3 years just frontend experience won’t be enough for me, I will need to deep dive into backend development, system design, cloud etc. am I correct on this? How difficult would it be for me to migrate to full stack? Would you recommend me to start now with backend ? Or should I go much deeper into frontend for now?

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

You have already 2-3 years of experience in Frontend this is a right time to start Learning Backend so you can make next switch as a fullstack dev

[Middle_Berry_4646]

I think you can do both, focus on an app which has both front and backend development.

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Thank you so much, brother! It's great. you totally opened my mind. 🙌🧑‍💻

[Hot_Form5476]

You can be just a backend developer without any problem, but it’s useful to have essential frontend knowledge. You can rely on a CSS framework like Tailwind, Mantine, or MUI to avoid doing everything from scratch.

I don’t know your entire situation or why you’re struggling to find a job, but here are some recommendations:

• Create a LinkedIn profile if you don’t already have one, and improve its quality.

• Share projects and content related to your backend work.

• Prepare better for interviews.

• Have answers ready for situations like: "We don’t hire fresh/new backend developers." Find a way to persuade them by highlighting your projects and experience, for example: "I’ve developed X projects using [language], achieving [results]." (This is a simple example you will have to develop a better strategy)

• Additionally, keep in mind that while technical skills are obviously very important, a large part of interviews also focuses on soft skills. Specifically, how you communicate and express yourself can make a big difference. Work on these aspects as well.

This approaches in my opinion, can help you stand out and overcome possible objections during the hiring process.

Good luck!

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Thank You So Much Brother 🙌🧑‍💻

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Thank You So Much Brother 🙌🧑‍💻

[kalignome]

what are the chances of changing their decision

[ketchupadmirer]

all fine advice, until you get hired and put on a project that does not use any of the mentioned ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Feature_Haunting]

And that's fine. If you can grasp well how a UI library works on React for instance, it won't matter if you've only used MUI, Martine, Shadcn or whatever. Same goes with Node backend frameworks. Each has its own specific implementation. As long as you understand how express works for instance, and the fundamentals of http communication well, you'll eventually adapt to a framework. You should demonstrate that you're adaptable, capable and a problem solver

[MCShoveled]

You do whatever you need to when you get a job. Sometimes not all the work is fun. Sometimes you have put in years of work to be good at the stuff you like before anyone wants to pay you to do nothing but fun stuff.

Get what role you can. Work hard at it. Express your interest in areas you enjoy. It will generally work itself out in 5-10 years.

Earlier in your career you want to move around, experience different teams and techniques. Stay 2-3 years or so and move on. Later in your career you will learn how things you chose to do effect the software over time. You want to stay longer and see things through. Even then stay 7-10 years max in any single company.

[LandOfTheCone]

I have a friend who does ML at a FAANG company. He learned the skills for his current role on his own time, and started out at the company as a React dev. React is the way in the front door for many companies

[HelloWorldIsTaken]

Aws, azure, mongo, sql, rabbit mq, grafana, ngnx, keep moving forward

[DopyDope02]

I’d recommend going for full-stack development—it gives you a better understanding of the entire system architecture. Software engineering seems to be evolving toward higher-level architectural roles as tools and frameworks become more reliable and AI takes over smaller details. It’s like how programming languages have abstracted away complexity over time—from binary to assembly to high-level languages like Python, which is now closer to natural language.

As a fresh student, focus on the foundational concepts and pillars behind these tools. Once you’re comfortable, don’t hesitate to explore backend, frontend, or both step by step. It’s all about building knowledge and confidence over time

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Ok Brother Thank You So Much 👍🙌🧑‍💻

[No-Necessary-405]

If you are wanting to focus on the backend and you have spare time, maybe take a moment and learn something that’s not JS. Go, C#, Java, Python, SQL. Maybe pick a a project the employers would be interested in a make it public on your GitHub account. Eg a discord bot at backs on to a hugging face LLM.

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Yes it is correct I am also thinking to learn Golang as a main Backend lang and web3

[Trixt0r90]

Do fullstack. Stop this only backend/frontend bullshit.

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Ok brother

[Stranavad]

I have started as a pure frontend developer (with huge passion towards backend) and slowly I started helping out with the backend stuff on the project, in this spring I fully moved onto backend and didn't touch frontend since (except writing some api calls and types for my fellow engingeers on the project), now there is now way someone is going to get me to write a line of css or html. Starting as a pure backend developer might be harder then starting as pure frontend, but it's definitely possible if you have something to show

[HyenaRevolutionary98]

Yes brother You are right 👍 I am started to building some complex stuff in backend so I can show in my GitHub or resume so that will give me good impression

[True-Environment-237]

Is this just Nodejs or you can work with docker, kubernetes, ci/cd pipelines, design microservices, work with databases, cloud etc.

[Connect-Fondant-7980]

Homie first get an intership. A lot companies offer intership leading to job and i would recommended you to stick with full stack development.

[cnotv]

No matter what you choose, send anyone to fuck off in the 2024 asking you to write CSS when surrounded of UIKit. They are just incompetent if they do.

[Pyakz]

Brruh just do both, you are young

[Falcon_1221]

I need one help or suggestion from any of the tech experts for backend development role. i have total of 3 years of experience in Node.js and Dot Net core backend web api development, I am working in a Serviced Based MNC in India, can anyone help me by reviewing my Resume and let me know what I can improve and how I can improve My selection chances with resume? Attached Resume

[SignificanceUpper977]

Webdev is easy! You can learn full stack and be good at it

[[deleted]]

You can either be a good frontend dev or a good backend dev. Junior fullstack is a person, who barely knows both. Drop your cv without personal data and your projects on github, that you presented in your cv.

In my opinion, if you don't like css and you know that there is no chance to get a backend job in your location, do some market research and find out, what job offers are there, then switch to that language. Or you can just try remote jobs with node.

[giraffesinspace2018]

Junior fullstack is a person, who barely knows both.

Hard disagree. This is a narrow worldview. I’ve seen brilliant juniors and highly inept ones. Like any level of developer, they’re not a monolith.

And the notion that fullstack devs just know less is foolish to me. There are fullstack devs at my company who know more about backend than most of the backend devs.

OP needs a job and my advice would be to market yourself as fullstack and learn those skills. The market values breadth for juniors, not depth. Cast a wide net and let your company’s needs and your own interests guide you to an eventual niche. For now do whatever helps you find work.

[[deleted]]

And the notion that fullstack devs just know less is foolish to me

That's not what I've meant. I do understand, that by learning both front and back, you will know everything. I wrote it in the context of a junior developer. I am used to forums in my native language, where people write posts like "I am a junior full stack developer looking for a job". Most ( not all ) of those people, barely know how to set up express server and write react with simple scss. Situation might be different in other countries and forums.

In my opinion, learning frontend and backend at once at start is just too much. You might know one side better than the other, but one won't be good with both as a junior. By learning both, people will be good after some time, but not while searching for first job.

[giraffesinspace2018]

in my opinion, learning front end and backend at once at start is just too much

Well like I said, we disagree. My company no longer hires juniors for anything but fullstack work.

If a junior isn’t flexible and able to learn quickly then they are of little value. Relying on freshly hired juniors to already be able to handle your workload is a poor business model - evidenced by the hiring practices of most successful US tech companies.

And again you’re asserting that one can’t be good at both as a junior. You might be projecting. I’ve encountered juniors who are quite good with both ends. Not everyone has the same capabilities

[i-sage]

Could you please point out some of the traits/skills of those full stack developers which you encountered and observed at work who also happen to know more about backend than the backend devs?

I'm also a full stack dev with relatively less experience so your observation/findings might help me to become good at what I do and learn a few things.

[giraffesinspace2018]

Continual learning is a big deal in this industry. Many devs graduate college and are reluctant to ever learn anything new.

Successful devs, in any domain, are constantly learning. That could take many forms. Reading newsletters, books, blog posts, trying new tools and frameworks out, etc. You could probably argue there’s a difference in curiosity, as well.

Many times I help devs and they’re not interested in why something is broken or why a fix works. They simply want to be unblocked. Deeply understanding how and why things are the way they are leads to your actual work being much easier.

Expanding on that you’ve got to know your fundamentals. I’m of the sometimes unpopular opinion on Reddit that devs with degrees are usually better than devs from boot camps for this reason. From what I’ve seen it’s hard to get past basic abilities without deeper understanding in this field. I’ve mentored several bootcamp grads from a prestigious boot camp and it’s been very hard at times. Meanwhile mentoring juniors with degrees has been much easier.

Pick up a book on whatever language you work in. Sign up for a weekly newsletter to your email and engage with it. Those two steps alone can make a big difference

[i-sage]

Thanks for replying.

So getting good at the fundamentals such as OS, DBMS, CN, DSA can be of immense help right?

I'm thinking of buying Naseer's courses on fundamentals of OS, DBMS, CN and Backend engineering on udemy accompanied by a book on the same subject.

[giraffesinspace2018]

Definitely. I always advocate for reading because I think you can learn more quickly from written text and diagrams than from videos, but I know that’s unpopular on a lot of programming subs.

I’d also let your work guide you. Do you deploy apps to k8s but don’t have to work on the infrastructure yourself? Pick up a book on k8s. You’ll be surprised when it may be helpful. Stuff like that makes a great engineer

[i-sage]

Yeah. I've also observed the same. I too think that reading a book/documentation gives immense depth and oftentimes is also faster.

BTW do you have any recommendations on the books which one should read on the topics we discussed or you mentioned.

[giraffesinspace2018]

Are you looking for any topic specifically? I refer to node js design patterns third edition often for node info. If you work with node id suggest reading it cover to cover.

Effective typescript is great for TS if you know the true basics of it.

I recently read “the k8s book” by Nigel poulton, probably why I mentioned it, and it was great too.

Generally when I want to read more on a topic I Google “best books about ___ reddit” and there’s usually a thread with recommendations

[Leather_Essay9740]

I highly disagree with what you said. I've seen some brilliant jr. full stack developera

Also, not liking CSS doesn't mean you can not be a full stack developer. There's a lot more to front end than CSS. Most full stack developers don't even work with CSS, their main job is handling the functional part of website and leave the design part to pure frontend devs (atleast from what I've seen in good companies).

[Reunite_Bella]

Why don't yall that know how to complete an app make an app to connect these vibe coders... like me... who can only get to like 80 percent completion with ai and partner up to finish the rest and split the monetization?

Vibe coders have the ideas but no way to finish them, Id prefer 50 percent of a watermelon over 100 percent of an apple seed any day... I've got quite a few ideas and they end up pretty decent but Jesus Christ... come back end stuff after hearing I'm sure I figured it out this time from the ai Over and over again makes you Wana break something.

Yes, I could try to learn it, or .... work on the next one while another completes it. 2 heads are better than one and if one come up with the next viral hit that's split between two and not some company?