This is my first Hashnode post, so I wanted to share my journey on how I got into web development, the struggles I faced and what I’m doing now to land my first full-time job.

How I Got Started in Web Development

Like many beginners, I started with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. At first, it felt exciting writing a few lines of code and seeing changes in the browser was like magic. Then I moved on to React, Node.js, Express, and MongoDB (the MERN stack), and things started getting more complex.

I also picked up TypeScript and Next.js recently to level up my skills. But just learning these technologies wasn’t enough.I realized I wasn’t actually building anything on my own.

My Biggest Struggles

1) Tutorial Hell

I spent way too much time watching tutorials without writing my own code. It felt like I was learning, but when I tried to build something from scratch, I was lost.

2. Imposter Syndrome

I doubted myself a lot, especially when I saw other developers building cool projects. I kept thinking, “Am I even good enough for this?”

3. Lack of Real Projects

Following along with tutorials is one thing, but creating something on your own is completely different. I didn’t have projects to showcase my skills, which made me feel stuck.

4. No Online Presence

I never shared my work on GitHub, LinkedIn, or any platform. If no one knows what I’m working on, how will I connect with other developers or potential employers?

What I’m Doing Now

To fix these mistakes, I’ve started focusing on three things:

Building real projects: Right now, I’m working on a job board application as my first serious project.

Learning DSA & interview prep: Since I want to land a full-time job soon, I’m solving coding problems and preparing for interviews.

Growing my online presence: I’m finally posting my projects on GitHub and sharing my journey here on Hashnode and LinkedIn.

My Plan for the Next 2 Months

Since I have a full-time schedule, I’ve broken my plan into two parts:

Weekdays → DSA & interview prep.

Weekends → Building projects and networking.

I know consistency is key, so I’ll keep pushing myself to stick to this plan.

What’s Next?

This is just the beginning! I’ll be sharing my project-building experiences, lessons I learn, and maybe even some coding challenges here on Hashnode. If you’re also a self taught developer on this journey, let’s connect.

I’d love to hear from you onwhat’s the biggest challenge you faced while learning to code? Let’s talk in the comments!