How possible is it to become a full stack web developer starting as a front-end developer?

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The first thing you’re going to want to do is learn a Javascript framework like React or Backbone. This has the added benefit of making you way more marketable as a front-end dev. You’ll be able to apply to more jobs than just the stack you’re currently comfortable working with. I’d suggest applying to a Ruby on Rails shop.

Once at your new job a good thing to do is to contribute to automated testing, perhaps using jasmine. This will give you a taste of what backend programming is like while still using languages you know.

You can also learn NodeJS and build a few projects in it. This will give you your first taste of real backend development. There’s a bunch of concepts to learn like MVC, databases, and such. Once you’ve got a few of those under your belt you can start looking at the backend code your job is using. Build a few side projects using their stack.

Once you’re comfortable with general backend stuff, and their particular stack, you can start asking for some user stories. The other devs on your team should be happy to help you out when you get stuck.

Once you feel comfortable making real contributions to the project, you can ask for a title change and a raise. Stay in your new role for six months to a year and you will be able to bill yourself as a full-stack dev to recruiters and start making the big bucks!