Employee experiences: Heather’s lessons for thriving in a developer role

For Heather Jackson, Senior Front-end Developer at Happydance, growth has been a constant companion over her 14-year journey with the company. Starting as a Junior developer, she’s risen through the ranks, fuelled by a love for collaboration and a curiosity that drives her every day. 

“I love bringing beautiful designs to life—it’s rewarding to see ideas take shape through code." 

"What I enjoy most about my role is the learning,” she shares. “I’m surrounded by a team of developers who inspire me daily, and the support we provide each other makes all the difference. Plus, working with the Design team to bring their beautiful visions to life using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is incredibly rewarding.” 

“The toughest days are often the most rewarding…they’re when our teamwork shines brightest.” 

Some of Heather’s most memorable moments have come from challenges. “The toughest days are often the most rewarding,” she says, reflecting on a recent high-pressure project. “Our team came together to meet a tight deadline, and we didn’t just deliver—we used the experience to refine our website delivery process. It’s those moments of teamwork and growth that stay with you.” 

Happydance’s people-first ethos extends beyond professional growth. Heather highlights how the company has helped her achieve balance in her personal life: “Since returning from maternity leave, I’ve worked part-time to spend more time with my little girl. That flexibility has been a game-changer.” 

“Be curious, ask questions, and share your knowledge.” 

When asked what advice she’d give to new team members, her response is simple yet insightful: “Be curious, ask as many questions as you can, experiment and share your knowledge. Collaboration is key to everything we do at Happydance—it’s how we keep learning and keep making better solutions.” 

For Heather,  Happydance isn’t just about work; it’s a place where collaboration, curiosity, and care combine to create a truly rewarding experience.