Have you ever made a small decision that ended up having a massive impact on your life? For me, that decision was investing $15 in an online course. At the time, I had no idea that this modest investment would lead to doubling my income within a year, landing exciting new job opportunities, and even securing freelance gigs. This is the story of how one online course not only transformed my career but also changed my life forever.
Initial Motivation
A few years ago, I found myself feeling stuck, stagnant in my career as a developer. I wanted to grow, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Web development had always intrigued me. As a teenager, I used to tinker with JavaScript scripts to modify my blog and forums hosted on open-source platforms. I wrote basic PHP and CSS without fully understanding what I was doing. I even ran my own SFTP server and wrote hundreds of posts, hoping to build an online community.
When I began my first job as a junior developer, I eagerly volunteered for web-related tasks. This often meant working with an outdated Java JSP library, where everything felt slow and cumbersome. Despite the challenges, I loved the opportunity to learn. It was during this time that I discovered Angular, a revolutionary web framework introducing new paradigms.
Fast-forward a year to my second job, a pivotal moment arrived: “We need a web app for this back-office application.” Without hesitation, I volunteered. I had the freedom to choose the framework, and Angular 2 had just launched on September 14, 2016. Its structured design, TypeScript by default, and organized folder system made it an easy choice. My familiarity with Java also made the transition smoother.
Eager to get started, I searched the internet for tutorials and guides. While Angular’s documentation was excellent, I struggled to apply the concepts to a real project. That’s when I stumbled upon Maximilian Schwarzmüller’s course on Angular 2, one of his earliest courses. At just $15, it seemed like the perfect investment for someone eager to learn and grow.
Utilizing the Course
What made the course truly exceptional was its flexibility. I could learn at my own pace, revisit complex topics as often as needed, and fit study sessions into my busy schedule. The content was well-structured, and I quickly realized the power of combining course materials with independent research. This approach not only enhanced my understanding but also showed me that I could teach myself how to code effectively.
Immediate Results
The impact was almost immediate. Within a year of completing the course, my skills had improved dramatically. I felt confident enough to apply for new positions, and before long, I landed a job that doubled my previous salary. This life-changing increase in income was a direct result of the skills I had gained through the course. That $15 investment had paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
Continued Learning
Motivated by this success, I didn’t stop there. I enrolled in additional courses on Node.js and React, expanding my skill set even further. With each new course, I became more versatile and attractive to potential employers. This continuous learning also opened doors to freelance opportunities, allowing me to supplement my income while working on a variety of exciting projects.
Best Decision Ever
Looking back, investing in that first online course was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It not only opened up new career opportunities but also showed me the value of self-directed learning. If you’re considering whether to invest in an online course, my advice is simple: do it. The knowledge and skills you gain could have a profound impact on your career and your life.
Conclusion
Online courses have the potential to transform careers and lives. My story is just one example of how a small investment in learning can lead to significant rewards. If you’re feeling stuck or eager to advance your career, explore the world of online courses. Remember, the best investment you can make is in yourself.