· Alex Mac · Development · 4 min read
Growth, Perseverance and Perspective
Reflection on the first few months of 2025 where I moved away from web development, embraced part-time retail work, progressed academically and committed to my long-term growth.
It’s now March and I set a New Year’s resolution of making 2025 my year of growth. With the first two months behind me, it feels like the right time to reflect on how that intention is translating into action.
In mid-January, I stepped away from my full-time role as a Web Developer to focus more deliberately on my own personal and professional development. My long-term goal has been clear for quite some time: to transition into a role that involves greater elements of project management, leadership and public service, where I can contribute positively to communities and to the planet.
About six weeks in and I can confidently say the shift has been both challenging and rewarding.
Progress Since January
Since making that change, I’ve taken several intentional steps forward:
- Started working part-time nights with Tesco: This has allowed me to remain employed while dedicating meaningful time to my studies and development. It’s a very different environment from remote development work but one that offers a different perspective.
- Enrolled in a government-funded Team Leadership course: I’ve been making solid progress and developing practical leadership skills that complement my Masters studies and project management ambitions.
- Continued studying towards the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ): This marks the beginning of my formal pathway toward accreditation and professional recognition within the project profession.
- Engaged with hobbies and embraced networking: I’ve made a conscious effort to attend events, step outside my comfort zone and connect with others. Exposure to different perspectives has been invaluable in broadening how I think about my career, impact and growth.
Each of these actions, while small in isolation, contributes towards a larger strategy of becoming a well-rounded, capable and adaptable future project professional.
Lessons from Retail
Working in retail has been a stark contrast to my previous 9–5:30 remote web developer routine.
I had forgotten the physical intensity of supermarket work. On some Wednesdays I average around 18,000 steps, finishing a 7am shift only to return at 10pm the same evening. It is demanding, both physically and mentally. However, it has also been grounding.
Retail workers are often undervalued, yet their role in maintaining food supply chains and supporting economic stability is critical. This is something we were reminded of clearly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being back in that environment has reinforced my appreciation for frontline roles and the operational backbone of society.
From a leadership perspective, it has also strengthened my:
- Resilience
- Time management
- Team coordination
- Empathy for operational staff
All of which are essential qualities for effective project and organisational leadership.
Balancing the Present with the Future
I am actively working towards the next step in my career.
There are two possible pathways ahead for me this year:
- Returning to full-time employment if the right opportunity arises.
- Continuing part-time work while focusing on my studies, progressing steadily towards completing my MSc in Technology Management by the end of 2026/2027.
Whichever path unfolds, I remain confident that this transitional period is not a pause, more of a preparation for the next stage.
My decision to step back from full-time development work was rooted in clarity, not uncertainty. I am intentionally building capability in leadership, innovation and project management so that when the right opportunity presents itself, I will be ready for it.
Growth Is Not Always Linear
When I wrote in January that 2025 would be about growth, I knew it wouldn’t necessarily look glamorous.
Growth currently looks like this for me:
- Night shifts instead of office hours.
- Study sessions when others are relaxing.
- Choosing long-term direction over short-term comfort.
- Rebuilding routine and identity in an entirely new context.
But it also looks like:
- Increased self-awareness.
- Stronger discipline.
- Expanded networks.
- Renewed energy and focus for my future.
Advice for Anyone Considering a Career Shift
If you are contemplating a change, my advice would to seize the opportunity.
It certainly isn’t always easy, it can feel uncertain and uncomfortable, BUT life is ultimately a journey of self-discovery in itself. By uncovering what genuinely brings us fulfilment and aligning our work to our values and ambitions, we will likely find ourselves on a much better path in both our careers and our personal lives.
Recognising my diverse, cross-disciplinary background, I have come to appreciate that no experience is wasted. Each role, each challenge and each pivot in my journey so far has adds depth to my perspective on life and the world of work, as well as strengthening my capabilities.
As we move further into 2025, I remain committed to making this a year of meaningful development: academically, professionally and personally.
The next chapter is still being written, but I feel excited and confident that exciting opportunities might just be around the corner.
