Question about Front End Developer Jobs?

Career Advice
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Does anyone know if certain jobs as a front-end junior dev are more difficult than others? I imagine depending on the company you work for, you could do new creative projects that require you to constantly grow and adapt OR you could have a more boring or routine job where you consistently build the same-looking websites, surveys, etc. I’m wondering if it’s advisable to go after the safer jobs for your first job…then once you are comfortable and have experience…then branch off to more challenging opportunities? If so, in the front-end dev world…what are considered the safer options for a first job? (like working in the health industry or something else)

I’m very far from applying for jobs but I have just been thinking about what direction I may want to go in when that time comes.

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I have worked in both frontend and backend and they are both complex in their own ways.

There is no such thing as a safe job.

Frontend, backend, devops, etc… they all have their complexity to it.

My advice would be to learn the fundamentals really well and build a ton of projects to build up your experience and skillset.

No matter what path you take, when you start off as a junior, the company will have you start off small.

You will start off with small tickets and over time start to work on larger features in the codebase.
During the first few months, you will be focused on getting the hang of things.
Then over time you will start to make more significant contributions to the project.

My advice would be to pair up with seniors as much as possible, ask questions and learn from them .
Once you get settled in your new role, start to pick up new tickets on the board that are outside of your comfort zone.
That is a great way to learn and challenge yourself.
That is also a great way to learn different parts of the tech stack.
Over time, you will start to see what areas interest you more.

As mentioned earlier, there is no “safe” job.
Especially when you start off as a junior with no experience.

As a junior, your company just expects you to work hard and learn on the job.
For tips on how to land that first job, I would suggest looking at Danny Thompson’s videos and Leon Noel’s videos.

Hope that helps! :+1:

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That helps a lot. Everything you said makes a lot of sense. I’m very unfamiliar with what working in tech would actually look like on a day to day. I was wondering if they just throw you straight into the deep end but it’s nice knowing companies let you grow gradually. Didn’t mean to imply that any jobs in this field would be safe, this is hard work and I respect everyone doing it. Thanks for the reply :slight_smile:

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Some jobs have a heavier emphasis on css and others have a heavier emphasis on JavaScript. it really depends on the job though.

I think a better distinction is agency work (multiple projects for various clients) versus in-house (working on one or a small number of projects over a long period).

Having done both I much prefer in-house and personally wouldn’t work for an agency again. But it can be easier to find entry level work in agencies and that can act as a stepping stone to in-house roles.

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Adding my 2 cents

I have done some in house and a LOT of agency work

In house is definitely ‘less challenging’ in terms of not hopping around different tech from project to project, with more flexible deadlines.

In house was a large bank so was more relaxed

All agency work were small businesses

First was terrible company who had no social skills. People used to pop into the office and say good morning, have a nice evening, and that’s it lol. They had unrealistic expectations for a junior dev to get things done

I left but learnt a LOT in a short timeframe but was VERY stressful

Then moved to current role for 3 years - again agency but had more common sense with realistic expectations. The first year was difficult as heck being fast paced.

But personally, I learnt a LOT faster with agency work but that said, the issue with so many projects etc, is that best practise is skipped and this could hamper progression from that viewpoint

The stress isn’t there anymore but at times like all decent jobs there are moments of cluelessness.

Like the first response, no job is safe, there are pros and cons to both choices on in house or agency

What I’d suggest is having a best matchup as possible tech stack wise and tailoring yourself to fit what’s needed. There were always be a big transition period before comfortable so the idea is to prepare as much as possible

Also, never forget to check reviews for any company you apply for - doesn’t matter how much potential a junior has if the company you get into is a mess. One wrong step into the wrong place can hamper your view on the field completely

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Thank you all for your great responses! Very helpful :slight_smile:

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After having so much experience in one thing, you must have to start your own company and offer jobs. Also, keep learning and creating beautiful projects for improving your creativity.

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Hello, I have a question as regards “How to get started in tech”

My question:
To get started in tech would you advise a beginner like myself to take a course in “how computers work” or a course in “introduction to web development” (this is where my interest is)

@jwilkins.oboe I’ll really appreciate your advise

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If you are interested in web development, then you should start at the beginning of the freeCodeCamp curriculum with the responsive web design course

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Thanks, I really appreciate

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