Is This WordPress Project Too Ambitious for a Junior Developer? A Reflection on Project Scope and Realistic Expectations
Navigating Expectations in WordPress Development: When Projects Outpace Experience
As a relatively new developer working within a small agency, I’ve encountered a situation that prompts reflection on project scope and readiness. Over the past six months, I’ve taken on a variety of responsibilities—from building new websites to handling ongoing maintenance, client support, and urgent fixes—all while also learning WordPress development.
Recently, I was presented with a new project that appears to be quite complex given my current skill set and experience level. The project requirements include:
- Creating a comprehensive website with at least 20 pages using WordPress?” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>WordPress, Elementor, and ACF
- Implementing a membership system via WooCommerce
- Generating unique QR codes for each purchase
- Enabling physical partners to scan these QR codes
- Ensuring single-use per QR code to prevent misuse
- Tracking QR code redemptions linked to user accounts
- Developing dashboards for users and partners to monitor activity and statistics
This scope is to be accomplished without a dedicated backend framework, API integrations, or additional developers involved. The plan is to complete everything within a 15-day timeline, but realistically, factoring in my current workload and limited backend experience, I estimate this project would require around 260 hours—roughly equivalent to 37 full workdays.
While I deeply appreciate the confidence placed in me and am proud of my progress so far, I have concerns about the feasibility and risks associated with such an ambitious project at this stage. Particularly, aspects related to security, backend logic, scalability, and robust architecture stand out as potential challenges.
Am I being overly cautious? Or is it reasonable to advocate for clearer boundaries and a more gradual approach? I value any insights or guidance from fellow developers or project managers who have faced similar situations.
Thank you for your time and advice.
