Today marks exactly 20 years since I started my career as a software developer. On 29 August 2006, in Sarajevo, I walked into my very first job — a young developer, not fully sure what awaited me, but full of curiosity and excitement.

The Beginning: C# and SharePoint

My first role was as a C# developer, working with SharePoint and desktop applications for an Austrian company Smarter Software Solutions. I still remember the call that changed my life. I had applied for a job through a forum after making a few online games. They asked me: “Do you know C#?” At that time, I wasn’t even sure what “C-Sharp” was — I had only seen “C#” written before!

Still, I showed up. I can clearly picture that big building, 10th floor, thinking the whole thing might be a joke. But it wasn’t. I met my first colleague, Mahir Jirlo, who guided me through my first lines of real production code. He tested me a little, then called Austria to confirm I could stay. And that’s how my career began.

I spent six months there as a .NET developer before moving to DNC, where I continued working with SharePoint, C#, and ISP. That journey even took me to Saudi Arabia, where I implemented SharePoint Services for a project.

Early Milestones and Certifications

After that, I worked on Bosnia’s first IPTV project with Logosoft, developing internal portals and even software for TV set-top box keyboards. It was a fascinating challenge, combining graphics and programming with colleagues Refuf Slamnik, Sowa, Vedran, Damir D.

During this time, I also achieved my Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) certification in ASP.NET 3.5 — a milestone that gave me confidence in my path.

Then came Sunrise, where I worked with Muhamed Hasic, Nerma,  and a great team for about 15 months. The projects were interesting, but very heavy on SQL and reporting — too much tables, too many reports. I knew it wasn’t the right long-term fit for me.

Also, Authority Partners, where I spent two and a half years. Working on big projects for US banks, there I meet really a lot of great guys like Adnan, Nedim, Nihad, Damir, Edis, Drug, Zuko, Emin and the rest. This job took me to USA, TX nice experience to see life over the sea. 

Exploring Independence: Android Games and Startups

That led me to try something new: Android development. I created and published several games, reaching 300,000–400,000 downloads. It brought in some income, but not quite enough to sustain a career.

I also co-founded a company with a Bosnian colleague from Denmark. We ran it for about six months, but with limited projects and no strong pipeline, it didn’t last. Still, it was an important entrepreneurial lesson.

The Remote Chapter and the Big Switch

Next came one of the most significant chapters of my career: working remotely for a Canadian company for 3.5 years. It was solid work with ASP.NET and C#, but around 2014–2015, while in Thailand on New Year’s Eve, I had a turning point.

I realized that .NET was changing too fast — ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, endless upgrades across dozens of sites. It felt overwhelming. So I made a decision: to focus on one framework and truly master it.

That framework was Ruby on Rails.

Ruby on Rails: A New Path

I started small, taking contracts with companies like BalloonOnline (UK), 2iltd (US), Lost and Found, EV Charger (electric wheelchair charging), Monochrome (UK), Corcovado,  A Place for Mom, NetGuru, Elgar Group Ltd, Fuse Universal, and FinestClubs (where I still occasionally contribute).

I also worked with Bluetumb.com.au, though unfortunately, that experience ended badly with a CEO and CTO who tried to take advantage of me. A difficult chapter, but one that taught me resilience and the importance of standing up for myself.

On the brighter side, I also contributed to Qualinox, an industrial project for a Swiss company — another reminder of how diverse and global this career can be.

Here’s a smoother version you can use in your anniversary blog (keeps it humble but impactful):

I’ve also had the chance to build a few websites that together have reached tens of millions of views, and to create several eBooks that have helped hundreds of people prepare for IT job interviews.
 
Some of my projects include:

Today: Flutter, Mobile, and a New Life

These days, I’m working on mobile development with Flutter, building apps for both iOS and Android. My journey has taken me across so many technologies:

But beyond the code, this career has given me so much more.

Life Beyond Work

Being a software developer gave me the freedom to travel the world — beaches, cities, new cultures, and amazing people. It also gave me the ability to build a family life in Indonesia, where I now live close to the ocean, surrounded by sunshine, fruit, and a big, loving family.

Looking back, becoming a developer was one of the best decisions of my life. It has been full of challenges, transitions, and growth, but also joy, freedom, and adventure.

What’s Next?

After 20 years, I can honestly say: I don’t know exactly what the next chapter will be. Technology never stops moving, and neither do we as developers. But for now, I’m grateful.

Grateful for the journey, the lessons, the travels, the projects, and most of all — for the life this career has allowed me to create.

Here’s to the next chapter. 🚀