If you have been using create-react-app, you should have a look at Next.js or GatsbyJS. Both are used in production by companies. While learning them, you will write more server-side code which can help you gain exposure. You will also learn more about performance since it is what those frameworks optimize for.
To learn more about best practices, thanks to the internet we now have different ways to access the wisdom of other devs. Here are some of my favorites:
Building side projects is the best way to get a job. They can be a Codepen, hosted website, or coursework(check out Wes's courses above). You mentioned you have "built a number of projects with React that just work fine". Showcase them in your resume and I am sure you can find a junior web developer job. Look for a position that uses modern stacks and has a good team that you can learn from.
Regarding TypeScript, my suggestion is don't sweat it. Yes, there are companies that use TypeScript and I like it myself. But I am sure you can find a job that doesn't use TypeScript or doesn't require you to be a TS expert. From my personal experience, it can be frustrating to learn TypeScript and React/Nextjs/Gatsby together. Instead, you can try to use TypeScript in a side project with a framework that you are already familiar with, such as CRA. For your future reference, React TypeScript Cheatsheets will be helpful.
We all have our time of confusion. The important thing is we are making progress towards our goals. 🍻
If you have been using create-react-app, you should have a look at Next.js or GatsbyJS. Both are used in production by companies. While learning them, you will write more server-side code which can help you gain exposure. You will also learn more about performance since it is what those frameworks optimize for.
To learn more about best practices, thanks to the internet we now have different ways to access the wisdom of other devs. Here are some of my favorites:
Building side projects is the best way to get a job. They can be a Codepen, hosted website, or coursework(check out Wes's courses above). You mentioned you have "built a number of projects with React that just work fine". Showcase them in your resume and I am sure you can find a junior web developer job. Look for a position that uses modern stacks and has a good team that you can learn from.
Regarding TypeScript, my suggestion is don't sweat it. Yes, there are companies that use TypeScript and I like it myself. But I am sure you can find a job that doesn't use TypeScript or doesn't require you to be a TS expert. From my personal experience, it can be frustrating to learn TypeScript and React/Nextjs/Gatsby together. Instead, you can try to use TypeScript in a side project with a framework that you are already familiar with, such as CRA. For your future reference, React TypeScript Cheatsheets will be helpful.
We all have our time of confusion. The important thing is we are making progress towards our goals. 🍻
This a super comment, useful links there. Thanks alot!
You are welcome. I turned it into a post to include more resources. Hope it helps. Cheers!