I am 26 years old.

For the past 5 years, I have been immersing myself in PHP development, primarily focusing on Yii2. I also dabble in frontend using Angular 1.x.



Within this period, I've taken on various roles: junior, middle, senior, team-lead, and even IT director in startup environments. It may seem strange, but in small startups, the first developer often assumes the title of IT director, even though their responsibilities are similar to those of a middle or senior developer in a regular IT company.

I've been involved in freelance and remote work for a couple of years now.

Let's compare freelance and inhouse work settings:

    Freelance.
    Pros: Freedom to manage my own schedule, taking time off when needed.
    Cons: Constant pressure to utilize every free moment for work, lack of clear career progression, the need to constantly attract new clients, self-funded vacations.
   
    Inhouse.
    Pros: Stability, opportunities for career advancement, paid leave, bonuses, team support for professional growth.
    Cons: Commuting time, fixed 5/2 schedule.

Perhaps a seemingly simplistic question arises: Where should I focus my development efforts?

Options:
1. Dive into learning React, enhance my JavaScript skills, and strive towards becoming a Full Stack developer.
2. Secure a position at Badoo and let their guidance steer my direction.
3. Upgrade my profile on Upwork and seek out high-paying clients.
4. Propose an alternative approach.

Given your background and career journey, it's clear that you have a broad understanding of the software development industry and are capable of taking on various responsibilities.

It's important to acknowledge the value of your experience in PHP development, particularly with Yii2, as well as your work with Angular 1.x on the frontend. This expertise has provided you with a solid foundation in web development, and you have been able to apply this knowledge across different roles, from junior to team-lead and IT director.

Considering the options you have outlined, there are several paths you can consider to further focus your development efforts:

1. Embracing Full Stack Development: Given your experience with PHP and frontend technologies, diving into learning React and enhancing your JavaScript skills to become a Full Stack developer could be a valuable direction. Full Stack developers are increasingly in demand and having a strong grasp of both frontend and backend technologies will open up a wider range of opportunities for you.

2. Joining Badoo and Leveraging Guidance: Joining a company like Badoo can provide you with the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced professionals. Their guidance and mentorship can help you refine your skills and expand your knowledge in different areas of development. This option can offer stability and structured career progression within a well-established organization.

3. Pursuing High-Paying Clients on Upwork: Your experience in freelance and remote work has equipped you with the skills to thrive in this setting. Upgrading your profile on Upwork and seeking out high-paying clients can be a viable option, allowing you to continue enjoying the freedom of managing your own schedule while also having the potential for significant financial rewards.

4. Proposing an Alternative Approach: Your diverse background and entrepreneurial spirit may lead you to consider creating your own path. Whether it's starting your own development agency, launching a tech-related startup, or exploring a different industry altogether, proposing an alternative approach could offer the opportunity for personal and professional growth aligned with your unique vision and goals.

The decision on where to focus your development efforts depends on your personal and professional aspirations. Reflect on your strengths, interests, and long-term goals to determine the path that aligns most closely with your vision for the future. Your journey in the software development industry has already demonstrated your adaptability and versatility, and embracing a new direction with confidence and purpose can lead to further success and fulfillment.

You have been engaged in a few minor projects, otherwise why would you be inquiring about this?
The backend development is a vast area to explore.
Consider implementing the same Domain-Driven Design with all its implications. Execute the business logic without relying on a database, API services (e.g. API dоcumentation).
There are plenty of possibilities to consider.

Why limit yourself to just working in an office or freelancing?
Most people work remotely.
For instance, I have not stepped into an office for 6-7 years, I've been working remotely all this time. The schedule is the usual 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Salaries for remote workers in standard office positions are not lower.

There's no need to expand horizontally. Instead, focus on vertical growth. Take on your own project, build a team for it, act as a mentor or senior partner, code for enjoyment, not just for financial gain.
Working longer hours doesn't necessarily equate to earning more money. My suggestion would be to break free from the traditional employee or freelancer mindset, if you desire greater opportunities.