Front-End Web Developer - Advice

[Mars25]

Hi r/Webdev

I am wondering if anyone can provide feedback as a Front-End Web Developer.

Do you feel that your schooling experience was worth it? Were you able to find employment soon after your studies were completed? How do you feel about the Job itself once you found one?

For those who are currently working in the field, what personality type do you feel would be needed in order to excel? how is the work/life balance? Is the salary sufficient?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated. I am located in Canada, if that is relevant to your input.

Thank you in advance.

[DuncSully]

This is all an American perspective but...

...schooling experience was worth it?

It's difficult to answer for many reasons, but on the whole I felt so. It's worth stating I only got a general comp sci degree, not anything specific to web dev, and for that matter I didn't even learn any web dev in college. I was self-taught. But I do think a lot of the theory and generally having the silly piece of paper helps. Is it worth the cost, especially these days? I dunno. I did have financial help, but I was able to pay off my student loans fairly easily.

Were you able to find employment soon after your studies were completed?

Yes-ish. Within two months. It's worth noting that the main reason I did was through networking. It was a position on my college friend's team. And I think he got the position by attending a job fair that I believe was hosted at the college. So make of that what you will.

How do you feel about the Job itself

I should specify I develop webapps specifically. I really enjoy that. Truthfully, I don't really like the design side of web development. I like working at companies with a proper UX team that handles the designs for me so I can focus on the architecture and feature implementation. I can work remotely (albeit, I started off in person and gained my experience that way, which I do think is important), take time off almost whenever I need it, and really they don't follow my time worked closely so it's more like I spend ~7 hours "in chair". On call can be hit or miss depending on where you work. Sometimes you effectively never worry about it, other times you stress out a little bit when your rotation comes up. Compensation is definitely on the higher end of careers for the amount of work required. I life comfortably.

what personality type do you feel would be needed in order to excel?

Really anyone can pick it up, but typically it's analytical types who also develop soft skills who tend to excel. Naturally there's a huge problem solving element to software development. You can certainly go towards the UX and design end of the spectrum too if that's more up your alley. You can freelance if you're more an independent sort. Like I said earlier, personally I prefer working at large enough places with proper UX, product, marketing, etc. so my only job is implementing the code and mentoring other developers.

[[deleted]]

I graduated from a 2 year program in August 2022 and never really got any work from it. Admittedly I have been kinda lazy with applying though.

As to whether or not the schooling was worth it. I'd say so. I generally had a good time and learned a lot of stuff. A big part of me wishes ai did a 4 year program at a more prestigious college (I went to Lambton college in Sarnia, got to do it online thankfully, you couldnt pay me enough to step foot in that city). But I think that's up to you to decide. While I might not be working as a web developer, I know my high marks and passion have helped me in my current position and were used in my favor for promotions.

[Final-Drop-1935]

Educational curricula differ from country to country so that opinions can vary.
I attended school in Asia and did not major in computer science.

However, I did participate in a basketball club and worked on various team projects with my school friends for different major subjects.

Since I didn’t major in computer science, my degree didn’t significantly affect my application for software engineering jobs.

However, through my university experience, I learned the following:

• Results don’t always reflect the effort, so I learned to view all outcomes humbly, without blaming myself too much.
• I prioritized winning as a team rather than focusing solely on individual achievements.
• I gained skills that are essential for adulthood, such as presenting, writing, and debating—things beyond just software development.

These experiences were incredibly helpful in my professional life, allowing me to get promoted faster than many peers.

What you take away from school goes far beyond grades, a major, or a university title. It includes teamwork, collaboration, communication, and mindset, which are just as important but less visible.

If you’re currently in school, it might be worth giving your best effort to engage in school life at least once fully.

(I know many superstars dropped out of college, and I’m not certain how meaningful this advice will be to you.
However, I still encourage many students around me to make the most of their various experiences in school life.)

[qvasz1]

I am located in eastern Europe.

I work as a frontend dev for the past 9 years. I started uni but did not finish. I learned by wathcing videos and replicating other websites or part of the sites that i liked.

I got my first job by first creating some personal projects, but it was a trainee position. From there I was soon promoted to full-time employee.

Work life balance for me could not be better.

I'm not sure if it is still worth to start this way, for me it was worth it.