Blending creativity and technology, Aleksandar’s path as a front-end developer is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and finding harmony between career and family life. From exploring artistic pursuits to embracing the ever-evolving world of web technologies and front-end development, his journey inspires aspiring front-end developers and working parents alike. Discover how he navigates the challenges of crafting exceptional user experiences with a positive impact.
IWC: Why front-end Development? What initially sparked your passion for this field, and what continues to inspire you about crafting exceptional user experiences?
I’ve always been fascinated by the Internet and how technology works, and this curiosity sparked my passion for frontend development because, at the same time, I was interested in the arts (drawing with pencil and charcoal specifically). What really excites me about Frontend and web development is the perfect blend of precisely that, creativity and technology, and the immediate impact design changes can have on user interaction. What keeps me inspired is the constant evolution of web technologies and design trends. There’s always something new to learn and experiment with. Knowing that my work can make someone’s digital experience more enjoyable and accessible is incredibly fulfilling. I love the challenge of creating seamless, engaging user experiences with a positive impact.
IWC: What do you consider your greatest strength as a front-end developer, and how do you leverage it to enhance the user interfaces and experiences you create daily?
My greatest strengths are my keen eye for detail, user-centric approach, and a strong desire to learn and grow. One of my favorite hobbies is staying updated with new best practices, programming languages and technologies. I love experimenting and trying out new things, new frameworks etc. This habit is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving world, especially in web technologies. Changes happen not over years or months but often within days or even hours.
IWC: You recently became a father – congratulations! What strategies have you implemented as a working parent to balance your professional responsibilities and your new role?
Thank you! Becoming a father has been a wonderful and life-changing experience. Balancing work and parenthood is challenging, but I’ve found a few strategies that work for me. Setting clear boundaries between work and family time is crucial. I ensure I have dedicated time slots for both, allowing me to stay focused and present in each role. Effective time management and prioritization are also crucial. Flexibility is another essential aspect; I am learning to adapt my schedule to accommodate my child’s needs.
And… speed up that sleep! 😄 But seriously, finding the right balance between getting enough rest and not lingering too long in bed is key. It’s about ensuring you’re well-rested without succumbing to laziness when it’s time to rise and shine.
Additionally, prioritizing time for yourself is crucial. Refrain from resting and recharging with activities that fulfill you is akin to refusing to stop at a gas station despite an empty tank. Just as a car needs fuel to keep running smoothly, you require moments of replenishment to maintain balance and vitality in your life.
IWC: Please briefly describe your professional path so far, highlighting key milestones or projects that have shaped your front end development philosophy and expertise.
Looking back on how I got here, I can’t help but credit my time practicing Karate. It wasn’t just about kicks and punches; it taught me discipline and sticking with things. Being part of the national team and coaching others through tournaments added leadership skills to the mix.
Then came high school, where I dove into the tech world, learning about computers and automation. That got me hooked, and I kept going with it in college.
While I’m into all kinds of tech stuff, I think my love for art nudged me toward working on the Frontend. And I must shout out my mentors—they’ve been like guiding stars, pushing me to keep learning and showing me the ropes of good practices and intelligent design. Their support has been tremendous for me.
Furthermore, my adaptability to various situations, which has enabled me to navigate different projects across diverse industries, has significantly enriched my experience. I have been fortunate to be part of a company where I have gained experience with React, Node.js, Next.js, and many other technologies implementing responsive designs and creating user friendly user interfaces.
IWC: When you have free time from work and parenting duties, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy most to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I enjoy long walks in nature or trying out adventurous activities during my free time. Practicing karate keeps me active and energized, while delving into trading in the stock market adds an element of excitement. These activities help me unwind and recharge. I also love reading about the latest tech or topics like finance and self-improvement. But most importantly, I make sure to spend quality time with my family. Playing with my child or hanging out with loved ones helps me feel happy and balanced.
