10 things I learned from my first job as web dev

1. dzone is better than digg
2. there are frameworks that accelerate or decelerate your progress
3. how not to mess with code not in any version control
   
4. to love firefox & firebug & to hate IE6
   
5. to be thankful there are tutorials blogged for newbies
6. not everyone uses OOP, and OOP is not for everything
7. interface is almost useless when you can duck type
8. taking a nap after lunch can gain productivity and weight
   
9. primary goal: keep the boss happy
   
10. coworker who looks Chinese might be Korean

What's your 10? Do you still remember your first job??

A year as a ColdFusion developer... now what?

I don't know where my future is headed, and I need some direction.

Graduated from some university with a CS bachelor degree, I landed myself a job writing CF web app about a year ago. I took the time on the job to learn CF8 inside out, and to understand ModelGlue, Coldspring, Transfer, and common design patterns. I successfully got them all working together while my coworkers were still writing CFM and some basic CFC with no idea why should they care for var scooping. After working there for a year, I quit because I have delivered a decent application, and I found nothing new and exciting to learn. And I want to be surround myself with experts and learn from them, instead of the other way around.

And now I'm unemployed, or in between jobs, that sounds better. I'm excited to learn about Flex/AIR, as it seems it is the most logical path to follow now that I have experience with web development and they work so well with CF and LCDS Express. However, as I being to search for my next job, reality kicks it, CF is just not that popular. Don't you think it is sad to just see feed occasionally titled "1 CF dev needed in XX state", or "2 Flex dev needed in YY state"?

I love Adobe, and ColdFusion. In fact, I should hate them for spoiling me 'cause they make things so easy (most of the time). I guess if I stay with doing web app, and if my future project happen to be not in CF, I will miss CF very much... and start learning other frameworks, in other languages, all over again.. which is normal.. I guess.

I actually not sure if I should continue doing web app, since I've seen so many useful/useless app and service popping up everyday on makeuseof.com, but I wonder if they will actually keep getting users and traffic once the hype dies down. Many of them has no business model behind them, yet they offer service for free which keeps me puzzling. Oh well, last time I check YouTube is still losing Google's money... so I don't know anymore.

There should be another world out there outside of web apps, but... where to begin? I feel so lost... Help...

To all experts in this field, please forgive my ignorance and guide me to a better place in my career path. It would be very helpful to share what you have been through, or any advice to people who are in similar situation like me.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!