The saying goes, “When opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” That idea has been a guiding principle for me, especially during my job search.

Looking for a role can sometimes feel like trying to find a door that doesn't exist—scanning for opportunities that align with your skills, values, and aspirations, only to come up empty-handed. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, I decided to create my own. After finishing college, I was working on a project that I was passionate about and wanted to put it on my portfolio. I struggled to find a job and ended up creating a job for myself. I turned my project into a business and started working on it full-time.

As a developer, this mindset extends to my projects. When existing tools don’t quite solve my problems or fit my vision, I don’t hesitate to build something new. Whether it’s a custom project management tool, a small app to streamline my workflow, or an entire platform to bring my ideas to life, the process of building is empowering.

Creating something from scratch has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of self-reliance. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s one that leads to growth—and sometimes, unexpected opportunities.

When the world doesn’t hand you the tools or doors you need, remember: you have the skills to make your own.