The movies make it look so easy: type furiously on a keyboard and create code on the spot to prevent the evil hackers from, uh, doing... something? We talked to a dozen web developers and discovered that not only are their jobs a lot more complicated and busy than that, but most people don’t seem to know the difference between a web designer and a web developer -- and that's just the start.
1. No one understands what they do
Tell anyone you meet that you’re a web developer and they usually think you design websites or play video games all day. And that you’re an anti-social nerd who hides behind a computer screen 24-7.
2. Yet everyone wants them to design their website
Once you explain what you actually do, people come out of the woodwork asking for a free website or computer advice like you’re some IT guy. Then there’s the “I have a great idea for an app” conversation that inevitably comes next.
3. Everyone else thinks they’re also a web developer
Thanks to handy websites like Squarespace and Wix, everyone thinks they’re just as tech savvy and can build their own site. Real web developers write code and develop robust platforms with algorithms and data storage. Try to do that with Wordpress, sucker.
4. Even minor mistakes can bring down an entire site
Forget to enter a single key and something could display incorrectly or the site can become an unusable mess. Even worse, the site becomes an open playground for hackers.
5. There’s tons of pressure to create the next big thing
Lots of people in the tech industry want to be the next Mark Zuckerberg. While it would be nice to become rich and famous off a great idea, the reality is that most startups fail. They require a tremendous amount of dedication, long hours, personal sacrifice and cash. Lots of cash. For developers with weak stomachs or looking for job security, a full-time job with an established company is the way to go.
6. Technology is constantly changing -- and it’s annoying
If you go six months without learning something new, you’re already behind. There’s always a new language, a new system, or a new tool. Web developers have to stay on top if it all in order to stay relevant. And it’s not enough to just be on top of current updates -- you basically have to be able to predict what’s coming next.
7. The hours suck
Sure, there are some laid-back startups that have four-day workweeks, but that’s not the norm. Web developers are often left working under crazy circumstances that require 24 straight hours of coding in order to meet a deadline. And sometimes, that means working over a holiday weekend, because lots of companies prefer to launch over holidays when they know their site traffic will be lower and the kinks can be worked out without people noticing.
8. The competition is fierce
Experience means nothing: Even though recent grads have a limited resume, older developers, who may be able to call seniority, typically lose out because their techniques are usually already irrelevant. Plus, there’s a battle with offshore companies that can afford to charge way less for the same services.
9. They can work from anywhere
Get a computer and WiFi access and you’re good to go. A lot of web development jobs can be done remotely, which sounds great, right? Except being able to work from anywhere means being expected to work from anywhere at anytime.
10. But they really should be in San Francisco
If you're in San Francisco or Silicon Valley, the odds greatly increase for landing a dream job. It's a job hunter's market there and some of the highest-paying positions can be found in those parts of California, meaning if you don't live in this extremely competitive area you're already falling behind just because of your zip code.