Two people, two dreams - and one crucial difference.

Lisa and Anna have a lot in common: they both have the same school-leaving certificate, have both completed training in IT and media design and they both share an enthusiasm for TYPO3. They also both want to be self-employed as freelancers in the field of TYPO3 integration.

But they couldn't be more different.

Lisa decides to learn everything herself. She spends hours - no, days - in front of her screen, clicking through forums, watching countless YouTube videos, reading blog articles and cramming through specialist books. But much of it is outdated, incomplete or difficult to understand. She stumbles from one problem to the next, spends a lot of time searching and trying things out and often fails before she finds a working solution. The longer she searches, the more her self-confidence crumbles. Her dream of making it as a TYPO3 freelancer seems further and further away.

Anna, on the other hand, chooses a different path. She invests in structured learning content and signs up for the TYPO3 Masterclass. There, she not only receives a clear guideline that leads her step by step through the basics and the most important techniques of TYPO3. She also has access to an active community and regular live sessions in which she can ask questions and clarify challenges directly with an expert. In this way, she learns quickly and purposefully and gains more confidence with each module.

After a few months, both women took the plunge into self-employment. But their experiences were completely different.

Lisa is still struggling with her first website. She gets lost in the details because she doesn't understand the big picture. She has to turn down customer inquiries because she doesn't feel ready. The pressure to finally deliver results takes the joy out of her work.

Anna, on the other hand, has not only successfully implemented her first website - her customer is totally thrilled. This gives her the confidence to take on larger projects. She has made valuable contacts through the community and knows that she is not alone, even when faced with difficult challenges.

So what can we learn from this story? Learning TYPO3 can be really difficult. The difference is whether you stumble aimlessly down the wrong path or set off with a clear plan and a compass.

The TYPO3 Masterclass is like a compass that shows you the way. With up-to-date, practical content and a community that has your back, you will be specifically prepared for success.

If you're wondering how Anna got off to such a flying start, you'll find the answer here.

PS: Lisa and Anna are of course fictional characters, but I know similar stories from real life all too well. I constantly experience how important structured learning methods and the right support are for a successful start with TYPO3.