Many people pursue a frontend development career because it plays a role in the software development industry, leading to job security and growth chances.
However, if you don’t know whether you should work in this role, the following advantages and disadvantages of being a frontend dev will give you the right answer!
Overview of Frontend Developers
A frontend developer is an expert responsible for designing and implementing the UI and UX of a website or web app using HTML & CSS, and JavaScript.
- HTML defines the webpage’s structure and content.
- CSS makes it look attractive by handling colors, fonts, and layout.
- JavaScript adds features like interactive buttons, forms, and animations.
These developers also use frontend frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js to make their jobs easier and create better user experiences.
When pursuing a career in this field, you will have much growth freedom, job security, and flexible schedule opportunities. However, what you will trade for these pros are monotonous tasks, technical limitations, and tight deadlines.
I will explore these factors in this section!
First, let’s discover the benefits of this career! The following four rewards will prompt those interested in IT and coding to pursue this career.
1. Growth and Creative Freedom
If you are a person who likes to explore and learn everything to develop yourself, frontend development is an ideal career because new frameworks, libraries, and tools emerge regularly.
This career lets me be artistic because I can experiment with different designs, animations, and styles. So, it is a mix of art and problem-solving suitable for creative people.
2. Job Security and High Demand
Many people pursue this career because of its job security and high demand. The projected job growth for front-end developers from 2018-2028 stands at a promising 13%.
With over 218,350 frontend developers currently employed in the US, it’s evident that many companies recognize the importance of having skilled experts to enhance their online presence and user experiences.
What’s even more encouraging is the existence of 124,876 active job openings for front-end developers in the US. This number of job opportunities shows the sustained demand for frontend development skills.
3. Many Advanced Frameworks and Technologies
I find being a frontend developer like being an explorer in the tech industry. I get to play around with all cool tools and gadgets, like React, Angular, and Vue.js, each with unique strengths and capabilities.
For example, React is the best for building single-page websites that feel super smooth. Angular, on the other hand, is like a giant toolkit for big projects. Vue.js? It is versatile and handy.
Moreover, I’m brushing up on my JavaScript skills, learning about the latest ECMAScript features, and diving into new libraries and APIs. Thanks to these advanced techs, I find my tasks full of possibilities.
4. Flexible Schedule Opportunities
Another fantastic perk of being a frontend developer is you can work remotely or as a freelancer. This way, you have flexibility in your work schedule.
Whether you work remotely or as a freelancer, you can adjust your work hours to fit your life better. For example, if you have family responsibilities or other things to do during the day, you can change your work hours accordingly.
Now let’s explore some of the challenges and cons I often encounter in my work, including repetitive tasks, technical limitations, and tight deadlines!
5. Monotonous Tasks
Sometimes, my job involves doing the same kind of work over and over again. For example, in some projects, I have to create many web pages that look almost the same; to be honest, I sometimes find this boring. Fixing issues in existing projects is also repetitive.
To tackle this, I often use automation tools to do these tasks faster and reuse code I’ve already written. But still, there are moments when I have to do tasks that feel dull.
6. Technical Limitations
Regarding the technical limitation, one big challenge is ensuring that websites work well in different web browsers. Sometimes, what works in one browser may not work the same way in another; that is frustrating.
Also, some older devices or slower internet connections struggle with complex websites. So, I have to find a balance between making things look good and ensuring they work fast for everyone.
7. Tight Deadlines
Tight deadlines are a common challenge working in this role because clients and bosses always want projects done quickly; that means I might have to work extra hours. No one likes working overtime, right?
Moreover, it’s not always easy to create high-quality work when there’s a lot of pressure to finish quickly. Rushing through projects to meet tight deadlines can result in bugs or suboptimal user experiences. To deal with this, you must know to manage your time wisely and plan your projects.
How To Know A Career In Frontend Development Suits You?
There is no answer for everyone. Consider these questions to see if a career in frontend development is a fit for you:
- Are you curious about tech? If you enjoy learning about new techs, frontend development is for you.
- Do you like coding? You need to know coding basics to do the jobs.
- Are you good at solving problems? You’ll need to fix bugs and find solutions in frontend development.
- Can you handle challenges well? You’ll face tough situations like tight deadlines, so it’s a plus if you stay calm under pressure.
- Are you ready to keep learning? Tech changes fast, so frontend development offers continuous growth if you like learning new things.
If these sound like you, a career in frontend development could be a fantastic choice. You can be creative, solve problems, and build the best websites and web apps.
Wrap Up
Above are my shares about the pros and cons of being a frontend developer. I absolutely love the creative freedom and job security this career offers. Plus, working with cool tech and having flexibility in my schedule is a bonus.
However, there are repetitive tasks, technical roadblocks, and those pesky tight deadlines. But I believe these cons should not make you give up this career if you’re into tech and can handle fast-paced changes!