I'm a beginner web developer and I've been at it for about a year, starting from scratch. I dove into the fundamentals like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML before focusing on Angular for the front-end. Four months ago, I landed a job as a junior front-end developer through a friend. While I can complete the tasks given to me, I often feel like a fraud because the more I observe production code and my colleagues' work, the more I realize how much I don't know. Before starting this job, I thought I was making solid progress, especially since some sources suggest that beginners should stick to vanilla JS and HTML for months. However, I'm now questioning whether I've just grasped the basics after a year, and I'm anxious about how long it will take me to learn more advanced concepts. I'm aware that comparing myself to others isn't ideal, but it's hard not to in the current job market. How can I objectively evaluate my progress and determine if I'm below or above average as a learner?
1 Answer
It’s totally normal to feel uncertain, even after years in the field! Progress in development isn't linear; it's more like this tangled web of knowledge. You could be confident in full-stack development but find yourself lacking in niche areas—like image processing. Instead of focusing on what you don't know, try to gauge how quickly you can learn new topics. That’s a better indication of your progress than worrying about mastering everything at once. Comparing yourself to others will always be tricky, but remember, everyone has their own strengths.
Damn, well written. Thanks for your input!