Feeling Stuck in Your IT Career? Let’s Level Up in 2025!

Ever feel like your IT career is going nowhere? You’re not alone. Many of us have been there — feeling stuck, unsure of what’s next, and doubting if we’re even in the right field. But here’s the thing: you can break through that wall and reach the next level. Let me share a story to inspire you and offer a roadmap to help you thrive in 2025.

My Journey: From Fresh Graduate to Software Engineer

Back in 2020, I had just graduated with a degree in Informatics. Fresh out of college, I only knew how to work with Yii2, a PHP framework. To be honest, I barely understood programming as a whole. Around that time, startups were booming, and JavaScript was the hottest skill in demand. Companies were looking for developers proficient in Node.js and Express.js. I, on the other hand, had no idea what those even were.

Still, I took a leap of faith and applied for jobs. When I was asked to complete a technical test using Node.js, I was completely lost. But instead of giving up, I decided to teach myself. I practiced independently and eventually managed to pass one of the tests. That’s how I landed my first job.

The First Job: “Fake It Till You Make It” Era

I finally landed my first job at a startup. Walking into the office on my first day was like stepping onto another planet. Everyone was so stylish, wearing T-shirts and sneakers while casually sipping their lattes. Meanwhile, I felt like a lost tourist holding a map written in hieroglyphics.

At work, even creating a simple CRUD application took me weeks. I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, but here’s what I did:

1. Take Notes — I wrote down everything my project leader explained, even if I didn’t fully understand it.
2. Ask Questions — My motto became “No stupid questions, only stupid mistakes.”
3. Evaluate and Learn — I reflected on every task, figuring out what went wrong and how I could improve.
4. Google Became My Best Friend — Why Google? Because back then, AI didn’t exist to hold my hand! Hahahaha.

The Turning Point: Embracing My Leader’s Approach

While I struggled with coding, I noticed something incredible about my project leader. They were not just a coding wizard but also a master of project management. I started observing their workflow — the tools they used, how they prioritized tasks, and their communication style. This inspired me to shift my focus. If I couldn’t code like a pro (yet), I could at least learn how to organize my work like one. This became a game-changer for me.

The Setback: Fired but Not Defeated

Just as I was starting to get the hang of things, COVID-19 hit. Like many others, I was laid off. It was heartbreaking, but instead of letting it crush me, I decided to pivot. I started freelancing, focusing on PHP and Yii2, the only tools I truly knew at the time.

How I Finally Leveled Up

1. Master One Thing First

Don’t get overwhelmed by trends. I stuck with PHP and Yii2 initially because it’s better to be good at one thing than average at many.

2. Explore New Technologies

Eventually, I ventured out to learn new languages and frameworks. I researched what the industry demanded and slowly expanded my skillset.

3. Stay Resilient

It’s easy to feel like giving up, especially when progress is slow. But remember, every expert was once a beginner.

4. Build a Growth Mindset

Adopt the mindset that you’re always learning. Failures are just stepping stones to success.

2025: Your Year to Shine

Here are some actionable tips to get you started:

• Upskill: Pick one area to master — whether it’s cloud computing, AI, or a specific framework.
• Network: Join communities and connect with other professionals.
• Showcase Your Work: Build a portfolio, contribute to open-source projects, and share your journey online.

Remember, the journey from feeling stuck to thriving in your career isn’t a straight line. It’s filled with twists, turns, and lots of learning. Keep pushing forward, and before you know it, you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.

Feeling stuck in your IT career is not the end of the road. It’s simply a sign that it’s time to level up. Reflect, learn, and take action. Remember, progress isn’t about giant leaps; it’s about consistent, small steps in the right direction.

So, are you ready to take the first step toward leveling up your career? Let’s make 2025 the year you thrive!

Let’s Chat! Got tips or experiences you want to share? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear your story! Together, we can inspire and help each other grow.