Not Starting Over – My Tech Journey

I didn’t start my career with JavaScript.

Back in 2017 I began as a PHP developer, building custom WordPress themes and plugins, editing templates, and even exploring Laravel deeply. I enjoyed the ecosystem, and I was good at it. But curiosity and a desire to do more led me to explore different parts of tech.

Between 2018 and 2020, I have dabbled into:

• Embedded Systems/IoT – I loved it then, but could not afford the tools.
• Mobile Development – I tried Android with Java but I didn't enjoy it.
• AI/ML – Fell in love with the possibilities, but lacked access to good resources and job opportunities back then.
• Web Development – Where I found long-term focus and fulfillment.

Initially, I wanted to be a Backend Engineer, but I had to learn Frontend so my projects would look presentable. That necessity ended up making me more well-rounded and I have grown in both over time.

The Shift to JavaScript

In 2020, I noticed the growing demand for JavaScript developers, React and Node.js were everywhere. I made the switch, started learning, and soon landed my first job at a Nigerian company. My blend of coding skill and project management training got me appointed as the Team Lead/Project Manager.

I remember being the only one who could confidently answer a client's questions about the project plan, timelines, and goals. I created Gantt charts, roadmaps, and delivered more than code, I delivered clarity.

After that, I spent nearly 3 years working remotely for a startup as a Fullstack Developer. I worked across teams, shaped products from both ends, and learned how startups move, build, and grow.

Life Happened

I became a mother in 2023 and in October 2024, we decided to relocate to a more developed city. What I thought would take days took weeks. Searching for an apartment, balancing work and stress, it all piled up. I was eventually let go.

I could have pleaded, but I knew the distraction would continue until my family was fully settled. So, I accepted the decision with peace. Instead of rushing back in, I took a two-month break, no coding, just rest and research.

Reigniting My Passion for AI

During that break, I started researching the massive growth happening in AI and LLMs, and I felt the same excitement I had years ago. But now, the tools, communities, and opportunities were all in place.

That break helped me realign. Now, I have decided to go deep into what truly excites me.

Not Starting Over, But Going Deeper

Sometimes it feels like I should already be a “Senior” by title, and maybe that’s true. But what I have gained over the years ranging from WordPress to Laravel, from IoT to Android, from PHP to JavaScript, and now to AI.

I am not starting over.

I am going deeper, with clarity, maturity, and more intentionality than ever. It is a focus on depth, backed by real experience and a high sense of direction.

What I Am Focused On Now

• Engineering and building robust backend systems
• Training NLP models with a strong foundation in Machine Learning and Deep Learning methods
• Integrating AI into web applications to create intelligent, user-centered systems
• Mentoring developers, building developer tools, and contributing to the open-source ecosystem

This journey has not been a straight line and that is okay.

Do I regret not sticking to one path early enough, YES but what matters is that I have learned, adapted, and grown. I have gone wide, and now, I am going deep.

I bring experience across tech stacks, real-world leadership, and a strong foundation in problem-solving.

If you are building something meaningful, especially in the AI + Web space, I am all in.

Thank you for reading.