Can You Have a Career in Web Development?

Episode Inspiration/Introduction

• My idea for this episode started with the thought that we’d tackle the “biggest career questions of web developers in 2025”
• But my research quickly led me to a Reddit threat that provoked my curiosity (check it out below).

Reddit Thread

Title: Is web development worth it in 2025?

Link: Click Here

Author: Crystal_Inks

Description: I am 29F and I guess I will jump right into the point. I have been on reddit just scrolling through and seeing that people with CS degrees are even struggling to get jobs. I currently work in retail and I always had a hard time trying to figure out what career I want to get into. I am someone that loves art but I don't make a living off my art so I figured I could bridge the gap with art and tech and figure web development is that option.

So far I am self learning while I am also in community college learning web development and programming getting an associate degree. However, seeing how the job market is and AI have gotten me worried about entering this field in hopes to get a job. I would like to get a front end developer job but I am willing to go full stack. I would just like to know people opinions and maybe advice thsh would be nice. I am also trying to work on my portfolio so far I just made a simple website about myself. I do plan to work on more projects.

First Comment

Comment Author: JosephHabun

Comment: I have my CS degree from UCI, which I finished in 2 years. I have 1 YOE at a Fortune 500 (got laid off twice but combined both on my resume to look like 1 straight year) at the age of 21 + 1 good internship + a startup with 10k in profit. Nothing crazy (not an Ivy, FAANG, or a 100k+ startup (like some people)), but nothing to scoff about in any way at 21 years of age. I have applied to 1k jobs from SWE to QA analyst and have gotten nothing (none were easy applies). 4 of my other laid off coworkers - nothing. I'm not doing another startup because it was very stressful, not my type of thing, and not worth the risk rn with my mental health.

Two weeks ago, I started selling pixel art for video games. Yes. You heard that right. Pixel art for video games has put more food on the table for me than SWE the past couple months. Pixel art for video games.

Our Discussion Topics

• It’s clear that those who are laser focused, skilled, and interview well will still be able to get into this industry… but unfortunately, all of that is easier said than done
  • This plays on the trope that we’ve discussed before where not all web developers are identify as web developers - they see it as just a job… these individuals will likely struggle to dedicate so much time to job searching
• Are online “distractions” the answer?
  • As an entrepreneur, freelancer, and self-taught developer… I’ve been constantly distracted by “making money online” through a million different methods
  • Since we have understanding on how websites work and how to build them from the ground up… we have a unique edge in the “online money making” space… don’t we?
  • Instead of working for people that are making money online, why don’t we keep the investment of time we have in our existing skillset, and use that to get an edge in whatever “online money making market” we choose to join

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