From Recruitment to Front-End: My Journey into web Development

In this article, I will be sharing my journey of how I transitioned from a career in recruitment to a career in front-end development. I will be discussing the reasons why I made the decision to change careers, the challenges I faced during the transition, and the lessons I learned along the way. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others who are considering a similar career change and provide them with valuable insights and advice.

The Decision to Change Careers

For many years, I worked in the field of recruitment. I enjoyed helping people find their dream jobs and I was good at it. However, after a while, I started to feel unfulfilled. I realized that I was not growing as a professional and, placing so many candidates in the tech space, I found that my true passion was in technology and software development.

I started doing some research on different careers in the tech industry, and I quickly became fascinated with front-end development. I loved the idea of being able to create beautiful and user-friendly websites and applications. I also realized that this was a field with a lot of growth opportunities and that I could have a long and successful career in it.

It was not an easy decision to make, but I finally decided to leave my job in recruitment and pursue my dream of becoming a front-end developer. It was a risk, but I felt that it was a risk worth taking.

This decision was not a sudden one, it took me a while to decide, I took the time to research, talk to people who were already in the field and also took some online courses to see if this was something I could actually see myself doing. It was a long process, but it was worth it in the end.

Making the decision to change careers is never easy, but I believe it was the right choice for me. I am now much happier and fulfilled in my current job as a front-end developer, and with my current company Soltype, and I know that this is where I am meant to be.

It is important to mention that I don't regret the time I spent working in recruitment and the skills I've acquired through it, it was a great learning experience and helped me grow as a person and professional. But following your passion and being true to yourself is essential in order to be happy and fulfilled in your career.

If you are considering a similar career change, I encourage you to do your own research and to talk to people who are already in the field. It is also important to be honest with yourself and to not be afraid to take risks.

The Challenges of Transitioning

Making the decision to change careers was only the first step. The next step was to actually make the transition. This was not an easy task, and I faced many challenges along the way.

The first challenge was learning the technical skills required to become a front-end developer. I had no prior experience in coding or web development, so I had to start from scratch. I took online courses, mostly on codecademy (this is no paid promo but the guys truly helped!!) read books, and practiced coding exercises to build my skills. This was a long and difficult process, but I was determined to succeed.

Another challenge was dealing with the fear of failure. I was afraid that I would not be able to make the transition, that I would not be able to find a job, or that I would not be good at it. This fear was something I had to overcome in order to move forward.

The third challenge I faced was financial, as changing careers can be a costly decision, with the time and money invested in learning the skills required. Considering I was earning good money in Recruitment, I had to say goodbye to those good paychecks for the dream of something bigger.

Despite these challenges, I was determined to succeed. I knew that the transition would not be easy, but I was willing to put in the work and to make sacrifices in order to achieve my goal.

The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during my transition was the importance of networking and mentorship. While I was learning the technical skills required to become a front-end developer, I also made sure to connect with other professionals in the field. This helped me to gain valuable insights and advice, and it also helped me to build my professional network.

I was also fortunate to have a mentor who was a senior front-end developer: The good old D. He was willing to share his knowledge and experience with me, and he helped me to navigate the challenges of the transition. Having a mentor was crucial in my journey, as it allowed me to have someone to talk to and to guide me through the process.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having a support system, a mentor or a group of professionals who can give you valuable feedback and advice. It can make the transition process a lot easier.

The Rewards of the Transition

Despite the challenges I faced, the transition was worth it. I am now working as a Lead Front-end developer at Soltype and I couldn't be happier. I am doing something that I am passionate about and I am making a positive impact in the world.

The transition has also opened many doors for me. I have had the opportunity to work on exciting projects, to meet new people, and to learn new things. I have also had the opportunity to advance in my career, and I know that there are many more opportunities ahead.

I am also making a better salary than I used to and I have more flexibility in my schedule.

Changing careers is not easy, but it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It takes courage, determination, and hard work, but it is worth it in the end. If you are considering a career change, I encourage you to follow your passion and to not be afraid to take risks.