I've been working with WordPress for about eight years, and while I feel confident in my skills and knowledge of the ecosystem, I'm trying to figure out the best direction to take for my career. Here are some options I've considered:
* Enhancing my WordPress development skills, focusing on plugins, doing freelance work, and seeking a full-time position managing WordPress sites. I believe I'm qualified for a senior role, but the job market is tough right now.
* Exploring a headless approach by learning React, even though I think I'm not great at JavaScript. I want to tap into the WordPress ecosystem while gaining modern skills.
* Switching to a completely different platform or language, like Sanity with React, and building applications from scratch, which sounds exciting but would require significant effort, especially to refresh my JavaScript skills.
* Moving away from development entirely and becoming a web marketing manager to oversee all aspects of site management.
My biggest concerns are time and avoiding burnout. I've spent a lot of time in previous jobs learning new languages that didn't enhance my marketability significantly. I've also networked with professionals who still work within the WordPress ecosystem, and they mention it's challenging to find new talent since many developers think of WordPress as 'old tech.' I'd love some advice from others who have faced similar crossroads.
2 Answers
Don't worry, WordPress is here to stay! It powers a huge part of the web. However, the market is definitely evolving. Many companies are now looking for developers who can navigate modern JavaScript ecosystems like React, Next.js, or headless CMS options like Sanity. If you're considering a shift, going headless could be ideal—your existing WordPress knowledge can be a big asset while you upscale your marketability.
I think focusing on personal branding and marketing yourself is key. Charge more and work on showcasing your WordPress expertise online. There are lots of businesses still needing WordPress skills, so keep yourself updated with the latest tools in the ecosystem.
Solid advice! Branding yourself can really open doors, especially in a tight market.