Introduction
In September 2007, I embarked on a journey that would shape my career as a software engineer. From studying at the Technological Educational Institute of Serres in Greece to starting my first job in Sweden, the past 10 years have been filled with challenges, failures, and invaluable lessons. Here are the 10 key lessons I’ve learned during this time.
Embrace Change, or It Will Ruin Your Career
The tech industry evolves rapidly. Staying relevant means continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and frameworks. Never get too comfortable—embrace change and be ready to “kill your darlings.”
Work Experience > Education, But With a Twist
While real-world experience is invaluable, a strong foundation in fundamental skills is essential. Remember, only the past 5-7 years of experience are typically relevant in this fast-paced industry.
Nobody Likes a Brilliant Asshole
Technical brilliance means little if you’re difficult to work with. Collaboration and humility are key to building strong teams and successful projects.
Prepare for the Impossible, Because It’s Going to Happen
Always consider edge cases and test disaster recovery strategies. As the saying goes, “Trust nobody, assume nothing, check everything.”
Work Did Not Destroy My Hobby
Turning my passion for coding into a career has only deepened my love for it. Even challenging projects haven’t diminished my enthusiasm for software development.
You Don’t Code for You, You Code for the Client
Focus on delivering solutions that meet client needs, even if it means compromising on your ideal implementation. Deadlines and practicality often outweigh perfection.
Premature Optimization Will Kill Your Project
Don’t over-engineer solutions. Build what’s needed now, and avoid unnecessary complexity unless future requirements are clear.
Mentoring and Being Mentored Cannot Be Overestimated
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my growth. Seek guidance from experienced colleagues and pay it forward by mentoring others.
If You Don’t Have Room to Grow, Move
Growth requires challenges. If your current role doesn’t provide opportunities to learn and advance, it may be time to move on.
Do It Your Way
While advice and mentorship are invaluable, ultimately, your career is your responsibility. Make decisions that align with your goals and values.
Conclusion
These lessons have shaped my journey over the past decade, and I look forward to seeing how my career evolves in the years to come. I hope these insights resonate with you and help you on your own path.
Ps: The featured image for this post was generated using ChatGPT, symbolizing the journey of a software engineer over 10 years.