**Seeking Guidance on Advancing My Web Development Career
**
I recently learned HTML and CSS and put in my best effort to master CSS. After learning these skills, I got my first client who wanted a landing page in HTML and CSS. I completed it successfully, exactly as the client wanted. However, someone then requested a single-page website using the Bootstrap CSS framework. At that moment, I turned to ChatGPT and created the single-page website in Bootstrap with its assistance.
Using Bootstrap was a mix of jQuery, JavaScript, and CSS, and I found it manageable with the help of ChatGPT. Now, I’m at a crossroads and very confused about what to do next. When I land a real job, how do I present myself as a web developer?
Some people suggest I should start learning backend development with PHP and its framework Laravel. In fact, I hired someone to create my final year project in Laravel because my SRS report mentioned that I would use Laravel for the project. Unfortunately, due to some issues, I couldn’t manage the time to complete it, and my group lost hope, leading us to outsource the project.
Others recommend starting with JavaScript, then moving on to React, and subsequently Node.js, forming the MERN stack. Another suggestion is to learn the MEAN stack.
I have 10 hours a day to dedicate to learning and development. I want to ensure I invest my time in the right areas to secure a job as quickly as possible. Should I focus on PHP and Laravel, or dive into the JavaScript ecosystem with React and Node.js? Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
I started by learning HTML and CSS and successfully created a landing page for a client. I then used ChatGPT to help me build a single-page website using Bootstrap. I expected that mastering these skills would provide a solid foundation for my web development career and make me ready for job opportunities. However, I’m now unsure which path to pursue next—whether to focus on backend development with PHP and Laravel, or to dive into the JavaScript ecosystem with React and Node.js. This uncertainty has left me confused about how to advance my skills and present myself as a competent web developer.