10 years of maternity leave isn't a death sentence. How to become a PHP developer after a long vacation

Alesya said:

• How I started my journey and came to development
• Why I chose courses instead of free training
• How much does a PHP developer earn and what are their responsibilities

PHP is a general-purpose programming language used to write code for web applications. PHP developers create back-end components, connect applications with others, and integrate plugins for popular platforms. They also handle external requests, such as orders on an online store website.

"Since childhood, I've loved everything related to mathematics": about the beginning of my journey

— Alesya, let's start from the beginning: where did you study, what did you do for a living, and how did you get into development?

Since childhood, I've loved everything related to mathematics. I looked forward to lessons. I went to Olympiads. So, choosing a university was easy. I entered the Faculty of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science at BSU.

She got married in her fourth year, and gave birth to her first child in her fifth year. Her maternity leave lasted ten years. During this time, the knowledge I gained at university lost its relevance. But my desire to develop as a programmer remained. While on maternity leave, I tried web development, completing small commissions through acquaintances. It was all just a hobby, so when I had enough free time, I decided to study and pursue a higher income.

— So you already had a technical foundation. Wasn't it easy to learn development with that? Why did you need courses?

Courses are a more narrow specialization, while higher education is general. Knowing mathematics helps you think and solve problems, but development is something completely different.

Besides, I studied a long time ago, and technologies have changed a hundred times during this time. Although some theoretical knowledge of development was useful to me. For example, markup, but table layout has not been used for a long time. I had to retrain to start my path in web development.

I tried to study on my own and at the very beginning I hit a dead end. I didn't know what exactly I needed to master. It would take a lot of time to build a training structure.

“The platform suited me because there are no time limits”: about training

— Tell us, why did you choose Skillbox and the online format? Perhaps you started your training with free resources and they didn’t work out?

Yes, I started with a free, full-fledged course for advanced students. But that option is only suitable for those with a lot of free time. I didn't have time. With a family, a part-time job, and household chores, it was impossible. I was very frustrated at one stage of my studies: I invested a lot of time, and then simply didn't have time to turn in my homework. I was very upset.

Then my husband told me not to bother. So we decided to try a paid web development course at Skillbox. The platform suited me because there are no time limits. You can submit your homework even after several months, and the supervisor will check it in one day.

— Which skills from the course were useful at work?

Almost all of them. Layout, JavaScript and PHP programming languages, and DevOps came in handy.

But in any job, you need to continue learning, understanding the intricacies and needs of the company. You can't rely on just one training, be it a course or a university. You should always update your knowledge.

"The most difficult case was when I joined the company": about work, plans, and earnings

— How quickly did you start working as a PHP developer? Was it difficult to find a job?

I was working before the course, or rather, I did freelance work on the side. I didn't have any serious knowledge, so the course helped me in my further work.

After the course, I took on more serious freelance orders. During my studies, I found a job in a company as a freelance PHP developer.

— Tell us about your work: what do you do every day and what are your responsibilities?

At work, I combine two main tasks: PHP development and DevOps. In addition, I perform other tasks:

• Working with the API;
• Website integration with AMO CRM and the Unisender mailing service;
• Administrator development on Laravel; 
• Integrations with third-party services.

— It's not easy to combine. Most likely, a flexible specialist like you has a complex case? I'm exaggerating: for example, I developed a website in one day for a client.

I'm not exaggerating! I truly did the impossible in two days—I finalized the integration with AMO CRM. I needed to improve the code and eliminate duplicate contacts in the CRM system.

So the most challenging case was when I joined the company. Then I really wanted to show that I was a good specialist and complete this task in two days.

— How much do freelance and in-house PHP developers get paid?

My maximum earnings, taking into account freelance work, are $2,000.. Any experienced specialist can earn this money and even more.

— Yes, there is always room for growth. What about your future career plans?

I want to get a permanent job with the company. Hourly pay doesn't suit me. I have to work a lot. It's very exhausting.

It's easier for a full-time specialist to negotiate. For example, take an extra day off. When you work on a project-based basis, you pay for all your weekends and vacations yourself.

— What about beginners? Is it realistic for a junior developer to find a job these days?

Yes, but it's more difficult for beginners. You can easily find freelance work. Outsourcing also hires specialists without experience. But when it comes to full-time employment, preference is given to experienced developers.

I would recommend getting an internship with subsequent employment. Another option is to join the company as a tester and then move on to becoming a developer.

— What advice would you give to those just starting out in this field?

• Study, show persistence and love for the work.As trite as it may sound, you need to study. Don't beat around the bush, but just go and do it regardless.

• Don't get upset if something doesn't work out at first.I understand the desire of newbies to get into a cool company with a high salary right after training. But it doesn't work that way. You have to put in a lot of effort to find a good job. You might have to work for a startup for free or take inexpensive orders on the exchange. This is normal, because there is a high income behind it.