I don't have money for a blog. I'm unemployed, and besides, it sounds like a lot of work.
Emma, a bright and talented junior developer, voiced her skepticism when I suggested she start a blog to enhance her job search. Little did she know, for little effort and less than the cost of a coffee each month, she could create a powerful tool to distinguish himself in the crowded job market. Emma’s hesitation isn’t uncommon. Many developers dismiss blogging or other content creation as too costly or unnecessary. But here's the truth: as a developer, you have the skills to build. And building things is at the heart of what being a developer is all about. In this post, I’ll show you how a blog, set up for less than 5 euros a month, can be the key to unlocking career opportunities. By sharing my experience coaching Emma, I aim to debunk the myths around blogging and inspire you to take action. Whether you think it’s too expensive or not worth it, I’m here to prove otherwise and show you the incredible value a blog can bring to your professional life.
Simple or complex, it's up to you
Blogs can be as complex or as simple as you want them to be. This flexibility means you can gradually learn the technology at your own pace. Whether you're a junior like Emma or a seasoned pro, setting up and maintaining a blog is a fantastic way to enhance your digital skills. From basic design tweaks to advanced features, every step you take builds valuable technical knowledge that employers highly value. For example, you could start with a simple static website using AWS S3 and CloudFront, and later add a newsletter functionality with a serverless architecture. Just in this simple setup you can be using AWS CDK, Javascript Frameworks, setting up CI/CD and much more.
A Platform for Your Thoughts
A blog is a unique platform for processing and sharing your thoughts with a wider audience. It’s a space where you can articulate your ideas, reflect on your experiences, and showcase your expertise—even as a junior developer! Writing regularly helps you clarify your thinking, improve your communication skills, and establish yourself as a thoughtful, engaged professional in your field.
Staying Engaged with the Industry
Maintaining a blog keeps you more engaged with what’s happening in your industry. As you research topics and formulate your opinions, you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. This continuous learning loop ensures you’re always on top of your game, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities.
Standing Out in the Job Market
These seemingly simple activities distinguish you from your peers. How many of your peers are building their own blogs, researching, and writing on topics in the field? Employers are always on the lookout for individuals who stand out. While blogging is the option I am presenting here, you can also contribute to an open-source project or, if you have the time, create video tutorials. By putting in the work, even as a junior professional, you can impress interviewers with your resourcefulness, eagerness to learn, and proactivity.
Wrapping Up
In the end, the cost and effort of starting a blog are minimal compared to the benefits it brings. Emma, like many others, initially see blogging as an unnecessary expense and a lot of work. But now she is building and making a path. So, if you're looking to boost your career, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. From my early days of blogging on my first Codigozen blog in 2011, to sharing insights on Medium and LinkedIn, hosting my own Ghost CMS instance and now having a minamalistic low-cost setup, my journey in the blogging world has evolved significantly. What began as an exploratory venture has become a vital part of my routine, helping me stay sharp and informed about the latest industry trends. My minimalist approach now reflects this journey, emphasizing clarity and focus in a constantly changing landscape. If you have little time start your blog today and watch your professional life transform.