It’s easy to overlook the profound ways our childhood hobbies can shape our futures. For Francisco Esteban, a software developer from Mexico City, it was video games. He didn’t know it at the time, but his passion and curiosity for gaming would soon become the spark that ignited a lucrative and exciting career.
The Journey Begins
Francisco’s first encounter with programming came when a friend introduced him to computer games. In his house, game consoles weren’t an option, but when his dad brought home a computer, it became his gateway to exploring the world of technology. He remembers being fascinated by the idea that behind every game, there were programmers making it all happen. That realization led him down the path of learning how to create software himself.
Encouraged by a high school teacher, Francisco started experimenting with Visual Basic and HTML. He recalls his first big project—a simple website—as a defining moment in realizing the potential of coding. This early passion led him to study Computer Science in university, where he deepened his understanding of programming structures, algorithms, and the broader world of software development.
Building a Career
While still in university, Francisco landed his first job as a trainee developer. He was just 18, working alongside colleagues significantly older than him, which pushed him to prove himself quickly. His first major project involved working on an insurance software system, a challenging but rewarding experience that set the foundation for his career.
After graduating, he continued his journey in Mexico’s tech industry, working for a major television company where he contributed to large-scale projects in entertainment and media. But as his experience grew, so did his ambition.
Taking the Leap into Freelancing
Francisco’s first attempt at freelancing came early in his career, but he quickly realized he wasn’t quite ready. Instead, he spent years refining his skills, working remotely with international teams, and learning from colleagues around the world. By the time he fully transitioned to freelancing five years ago, he had built a strong foundation of experience, technical expertise, and confidence in his ability to manage projects independently.
For Francisco, freelancing isn’t just about flexibility—it’s about working on meaningful projects with global teams, continuously learning, and expanding his skill set. Currently on his first assignment with Mission, he enjoys the autonomy it provides, allowing him to work from wherever he chooses while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Life Beyond Code
Outside of work, Francisco enjoys quality time with family and simple yet fulfilling activities. He’s a devoted dog owner, spending much of his free time with his three furry companions. A self-proclaimed old-school gamer, he prefers single-player experiences over multiplayer games, finding relaxation and inspiration in immersive storytelling. To balance the nature of software development, he also practices cross-fit and weightlifting, a hobby that helps him manage stress and stay active. Francisco and his wife like to travel, and every couple of months the pair take the dogs on trip, often exploring classic Mexican towns like San Miguel de Allende and they recently visited Guanajuato, Mexico.
From playing Pokémon as a kid to building software solutions for international clients, Francisco’s career path reflects the evolving nature of technology and the opportunities it creates for those willing to embrace change.
At Mission, we love highlighting the diverse journeys of our developer community. Francisco’s story is just one of many, and we look forward to sharing more inspiring paths in the months to come!
