I've been involved in web development for over 25 years. I have fond memories of the early days of typing HTML tags line by line into a blank text editor and then decorating them with CSS like a puzzle.
After moving through WordPress and finally settling on Joomla, my workflow changed forever at the end of 2023 when I switched to YOOtheme Pro.
1. From "Building" to "Optimizing"
Since I am not a professional web designer, I made a conscious choice to stop spending hours writing CSS from scratch. Nowadays, I rely on the professional, paid layouts provided by YOOtheme Pro. What used to take days of manual coding can now be achieved with a few clicks. This shift has allowed me to focus on the most important part of any website: its content and purpose.
2. Mastering the Language Barrier, Not Just the Code
While I no longer write CSS, a new "must-have" skill has taken its place: Localization. The best Joomla extensions are almost always developed in Europe or the US, meaning the admin panels are in English. For me, a Japanese interface is non-negotiable for smooth operation. I spent years struggling with this, but I have finally mastered the workflow to translate these extensions effortlessly. Overcoming the language barrier has become a more valuable skill in my daily operations than knowing how to float a div.
3. The 2026 Currency Crisis: The Burden of the Euro
However, the biggest challenge in 2026 isn't technical—it's the economy. Ten years ago, the Euro was around 140–150 Yen. Now, in February 2026, it is hovering around 185 Yen. Because most Joomla extension developers are based in the Eurozone, the price of maintaining a site has jumped by 30% to 40%.
You can't fully utilize Joomla without these extensions, but the weakening Yen is making it increasingly difficult to sustain overseas products. I find myself at a crossroads, balancing the convenience of global tools against the harsh reality of rising costs.
