Plotting Your Developer Path
Tags: career, beginners
Published: 2019-12-18 05:02:13

# Introduction
I think the **hardest** part of becoming a developer these days is the **unlimed amount** of choices we had on choosing one's career path as a developer. 

Especially when it's **13 days** to the end of this year. 

I believe there will be tons of road maps on becoming x and y for the year 2020.

As well the usual career choice for graduates to prepare them for a full-time position.
 
# What is Your Why?
Whatever path you pursue in your developer journey. 

It is your [why][1] that must be greater than your obstacles.

When the rubber meets the road to **transform** yourself in becoming that person doing the work you plan to do. 

Imagine that you had a **magic wand** that could instantly transform into the type of person you see yourself in a few years.

What will it look like & ask the following questions:

* Why am I doing this?
* Why does it **matter** so much to me?
* What is the **type** of work I would be doing?
* Would I be an **independent contributor** or part of the **management** in the company or organisation? 
* What is the type of **lifestyle** I will be living?

# Create 3 Odyssey Plan
Now create 3 [odyssey plan][2] to allow yourself to see 3 possible futures of yourself as a Developer.

Please do not choose the type of work to be like **Full-Stack**,  **Front-end** & **Backend** developer. 

Don't fool yourself since it is just the same work with different **technology**. 

Let me provide you with my example in my job search to plot my developer path.

* Backend Developer - With a focus on API development, chatbot & DevOps practices for the digital transformation of companies.

* Developer Relationship/Advocate - To create, grow, manage & add value to developer communities. By spreading awareness of the product or services that I believe in and are passionate about it.  

* Product Manager - To lead and remove obstacles for my team to create product or services that deliver value to the users.  

# Research & Feedback on Your Odyssey Plan
Now once you had created 3 odyssey plans, start by **researching** and gathering **feedback** on your odyssey plan by doing the following:

* Searching **10 different job descriptions** of the job in both overseas and your country. - This allows you to indirectly give you a **gut feeling** if this is the type of job for you.

* Attending local meetups & tech conferences - This allows you to gain a **perspective** & **insights** by just a face to face conversation with the attendees.

* Approaching a person with the **job title** in **Linkedin** or **Facebook** for coffee - If you are sincere in your approach. They are willing to have a chat with them. Have a couple of chat with different people. You will gain a **perspective** on if this is the type of work you would like to do.

# Conclusion
While I was going through my military training as an armoured scout. 

I always remember the quote "Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!".

This had helped me to overcome the various challenges. 

That was thrown at me from **survival** to **prisoner of war** training that challenges you in both the physical and mental to the tipping point.  

**Transformation** is never an **easy** task.

Therefore I implore you to dig **deep** on your "**why**". 

Before you even start your journey based upon the **odyssey plan** you had chosen. 

Lastly, If you have **no idea** of the path you would like to be.

Do your own research on various developer [career paths][3].

**Think** on **paper** to let it flow from you without your phone for about **30 minutes** - **1 hour**.

You will be amazed at how your mind will flow from just it. 

I did that multiple times while I am reflecting on things or thinking about what should I do.

If you like this article **sign up** for my [Adventurer's Newsletter](https://maxongzb.activehosted.com/f/1) for a weekly update in the area of **Python**, **Startup** and **Web Development**.

You can also **follow** me to get the **latest** update of my article on **Dev**


The original post was on [Plotting Your Developer Path - Reading Time: 3 Mins](https://www.maxongzb.com/plotting-your-developer-path-reading-time-3-mins/) and cover image by [Photo by Nagy Arnold on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/whCb6Fqc2j4)

# Reference
* [Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans][4]
* [Starting with Why][1]
* [Can't Hurt Me][5]
* [Career Paths For Software Developers & Programmers: How Should I Choose?][3]


[1]: https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA
[2]: https://youtu.be/wnU5DaIPr2Q
[3]: https://youtu.be/MylEpDO9b3s
[4]: https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Your-Life-Well-Lived-Joyful/dp/1101875321
[5]: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287