Almost every professional developer should be building side projects and here's why.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Building a NestJS course for Scrimba and other channel & life updates

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Here are a few warning signs that the self-taught developer path may not be for you.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Just finished your coding bootcamp and wondering what the heck to do next? Maybe you're a bit worried about the job market for coding bootcamp grads. If so, this one is for you.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

I dive into three common mistakes that hold aspiring developers back. If you’re serious about breaking into tech, staying motivated, and leveling up your skills, this one is for you!

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Why are so many aspiring developers burning out or giving up? In this, I explore how a lack of curiosity is holding back the new generation of junior devs. We’ll dig into why blindly following “popular” paths can kill your motivation, and how embracing exploration, passion, and genuine excitement for tech can reignite your learning journey. If you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, this might be the wake-up call you need.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

I’m calling out five big misconceptions about becoming a frontend developer that might be wrecking your progress. I talk about whether you actually need backend skills to land a frontend gig, if you should learn Next.js, and even if you should learn Tailwind. There's more I dive into, so if you're aiming to become a frontend developer, this one's for you.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

In this, I break down five major mistakes that can instantly sabotage any junior developer’s chances of landing a real coding job. I’ll talk about how inconsistent coding habits, half-finished side projects, and a questionable online presence are some of the biggest turn-offs for hiring managers, along with one or two surprises you might not expect. If you’re serious about becoming a software developer, you’ll want to hear about these red flags so you can sidestep them and stand out from the crowd. This isn’t about shaming newbies. This is about leveling up and showing recruiters and hiring teams you’re serious.

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

In this, I break down why every junior developer needs a capstone project that goes beyond simple tutorial or clone apps. I share why code-along and copycat projects may reinforce your skills, but ultimately fall short in showcasing true problem-solving ability. Instead, I explain how to create a meaningful project built around something you genuinely care about—one that solves real problems, targets real users, and demonstrates practical, hirable skills.

I discuss how capstones teach user-centered thinking, why it’s essential to iterate over months (not days), and how to utilize feedback. You’ll hear tips on brainstorming ideas from your previous industry experience or personal passions, plus the importance of picking a marketable tech stack and sticking with it long enough to master it. While freelance projects, open-source contributions, and smaller practice apps have their place, your capstone is the real game-changer that can set you apart from hundreds of other junior developers.

If you’re tired of being “just a code monkey” and ready to show you can tackle actual product development, user feedback loops, and innovative features, this one is for you. Whether you’re aiming for a product-based company or even planning to monetize your own application, a well-executed capstone project proves you’ve got what it takes. Let’s move beyond surface-level projects and create a robust portfolio piece that tells the world, "I’m serious about software development."

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper

Here's what I have planned for 2025, but also, we need to talk about the state of many aspiring developers out there right now...

---------------------------------------------------

🔥 Webdev Career Help - https://calendly.com/donthedeveloper/coaching
🎮 Join Discord - https://discord.gg/TpQe2k8Ab3
❤️ Support What I Do - https://www.patreon.com/donthedeveloper

Disclaimer: Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

===========================
WEBDEV COURSES I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

🎓 Learn Frontend - Scrimba (20% off): https://scrimba.com/the-frontend-developer-career-path-c0j?via=donthedeveloper

🎓 Learn Backend - Boot.dev (25% off): https://boot.dev/?promo=DONTHEDEVELOPER - Get 25% off your first payment with code "DONTHEDEVELOPER"

🎓 Already Experienced? Level Up Here - Code Crafters (40% off): https://app.codecrafters.io/join?via=donthedeveloper