Have you ever felt like you’re spread too thin, trying to be good at everything but exceling at nothing? As a full-stack dev, I’ve been there too. For five years, I’ve been working at a small company, wearing many hats, and learning a bit of everything. But now, I’m starting to wonder if this approach is holding me back. When I look at job postings, I see that companies want specialists, not generalists. It’s like I’m a mile wide and an inch deep.
I’m not alone in this feeling. Many developers struggle with the same issue. We want to be good at everything, but we end up being mediocre at best. So, how can we grow from here? How can we focus our skills and make ourselves more marketable without feeling like we’re starting from scratch?
One approach is to identify your strengths and weaknesses. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing? Focus on those areas and try to become an expert. Another approach is to create a personal project that showcases your skills. This could be a blog, a GitHub repository, or even a side hustle. The key is to create something that demonstrates your expertise.
Networking is also crucial. Attend conferences, meetups, and online forums. Connect with other developers who share your interests. Learn from them, and share your own experiences. This will not only help you grow as a developer but also make you more visible to potential employers.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, it might be time to look for a new opportunity. This could be a new job, a new company, or even a new industry. The key is to take action and not be complacent.
In conclusion, growing as a full-stack dev requires focus, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. We can’t be good at everything, but we can be great at something. So, let’s focus on our strengths, build our personal brand, and connect with others. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be the experts that companies are looking for.