From Self-Taught Developer to Managing Remote Teams: My Journey in Tech
Introduction
My journey into software development wasn’t traditional. I didn’t attend a formal CS program or start with structured training. Instead, I self-taught programming, worked on real-world projects, and eventually transitioned into managing remote teams across multiple industries.
This blog is a look back at how I went from writing my first lines of code to leading engineering teams, while overcoming technical, management, and career challenges along the way.
1. Learning to Code Without a CS Degree
My entry into tech started with curiosity and problem-solving. Instead of following a formal path, I:
- Learned by doing – built projects instead of just reading tutorials
- Worked on real problems – explored WordPress, AI, and automation early on
- Used online resources – YouTube, Stack Overflow, and documentation were my best teachers
Like many self-taught developers, I hit roadblocks but figured out how to debug, research, and iterate fast.
2. Transitioning from Developer to Full-Stack Expert
As I gained experience, I realized just knowing one technology wasn’t enough. To build complete solutions, I learned:
- Frontend & UI – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and later React for better user experiences
- Backend Development – Started with PHP, then Rails and Node.js for scalable apps
- Database & Infrastructure – Optimizing PostgreSQL, Redis, and HAProxy for performance
- VoIP & AI – Integrated Asterisk, OpenSIPS, and Speech-to-Text AI models into projects
This full-stack approach helped me take on diverse projects, from Freelance businesses to AI-driven customer support systems.
3. Managing My First Remote Team
Once I started taking on larger projects, I couldn’t do everything alone. My first experience managing a team was:
- Hiring remote developers from different time zones
- Setting up workflows for collaboration (Slack, GitHub, and project tracking)
- Dealing with challenges like missed deadlines, different skill levels, and communication gaps
At first, I micromanaged—bad idea! Instead, I learned to:
- Trust my team and delegate properly
- Set clear expectations and review progress regularly
- Automate repetitive work to improve efficiency
4. Scaling Remote Operations & Leadership Lessons
As I took on bigger projects, I had to refine how I managed remote teams. Some key lessons:
- Use async communication – Not everything needs an instant response
- Keep documentation updated – Well-documented processes reduce confusion
- Give autonomy but provide support – The best developers thrive when trusted
- Focus on outcomes, not hours worked – Measuring results > tracking hours
Managing a fully remote team comes with challenges, but the right tools, workflows, and mindset make all the difference.
5. Building a Business & Handling Clients
Beyond development, I had to learn how to handle clients, contracts, and payments. Some hard-earned lessons:
- Contracts protect you – Never start without a clear agreement
- Clients don’t care about tech—they want results – Always align work with business goals
- Pricing matters – Charge for value, not just hours
- Build long-term relationships – Repeat clients are better than chasing new ones
Running projects across WordPress, AI, and SaaS applications taught me that technical skills alone aren’t enough—understanding business is just as important.
The Journey Continues
From self-learning to leading remote teams, my journey has been a mix of technical growth, business insights, and leadership lessons.
- Start small but think big – Every great project starts with a simple idea
- Work on real-world problems – Theory is great, but practice makes you a pro
- Embrace remote work – The world is shifting; flexibility is the future
For those starting out: Keep learning, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks.
What’s your journey been like? Let’s connect!
