Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Career as a Full-Stack Developer

Pros

Here are the pros of pursuing a profession as a full-stack developer;

Programming skills that stand out

Full-stack development is a software development process that encompasses both front-end and back-end programming. This opens up a plethora of career opportunities, due to their comprehensive training in both of these areas. Not only does this allow for more job options but also better salaries as companies are willing to pay more for their ability and experience in multiple areas of development.

Those interested in full-stack development can find job opportunities at web design and programming companies. Full-stack developers are responsible for both the front and back-end aspects so that the website's coding is consistent with its user interface. If you want to sharpen your skills or learn more about every vital aspect of programming, you can take full-stack developer courses online from experienced tutors who can help you better prepare when pursuing a career in this field. 

High-value market

Full-stack developers make a handsome amount of money, usually ranging around $103,774 per year, which makes this one of the best-paid jobs. The salary is based on the experience and position held in the company. Lower salaries are usually awarded to less experienced developers, with an average of $85,172 per year after one year on the job.

Of course, more time and effort devoted to development progress can lead to higher paychecks. Developers can make up to $125,528 per year after three to five years of experience. This figure can be higher or lower depending on where they work and the budget of their company, among other factors.

Fast market growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists full-stack developers under the umbrella of "web developers and digital designers" and expects a significant 23% job growth between 2021 to 2031, nearly double the average job growth rate for all professions. In addition, 21,800 job openings for developers may arise annually due to projected retirements and a growing online business environment. With the consistent advancement and expansion of web technologies, the job market for web developers is expected to continue growing exponentially in the future. This opens up the potential for many new and exciting job opportunities for many aspiring professionals. Additionally, with more companies offering remote-work roles, there is an opportunity for qualified individuals who like working from home to take advantage of the lucrative field of programming.

Cons

Here are the cons of following a job as a full-stack developer;

Difficulty finding a first job

Establishing yourself in the web development world can be tough. Having somebody who trusts your skills and a company that needs someone with your capabilities is key. The more you practice, the more chance you have of finding clients but there will always be competitors with years of prior experience. Having certifications and/or relevant industry experience is a major factor that employers prioritize when selecting potential candidates for the role of the web developer. This ensures that the person has the necessary skill set and expertise to complete the tasks to a high standard with minimal supervision.

Extensive training and flexibility

Staying up-to-date with the ever-evolving technology landscape is important for web developers. Computing devices and web development tools are continuously being improved and updated, so it is important to remain flexible and have the capacity to adjust quickly to these changes to stay ahead of the competition. Having the ability to quickly adapt is of utmost importance in today’s digital world. It is common for developers to initiate a project with one programming language, only to later switch and use another, this is due to the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of technology which requires developers to adapt their coding methods accordingly.

Conclusion

Ultimately, becoming a full-stack developer is a massive achievement and the rewards for doing so are numerous. Not only do you gain an immense level of freedom to work with different technologies, but you also get the chance to understand and master the entire web development process from start to finish. It is an incredibly enriching experience that can open up many new career opportunities.