DP788_S22E12 When Coffee Hits the Fan: Developer Disaster Recovery
Posted on Developer Journey

When Coffee Hits the Fan: Developer Disaster Recovery

Welcome back to our podcast as we continue our season on the developer journey. Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with many: navigating challenging work environments, or as we put it, “when the coffee hits the fan.” Specifically, we’ll discuss developer disaster recovery and how to manage such situations effectively. Unforeseen Company Disasters Recently, many companies experienced significant disruptions due to issues with system updates. These problems rendered many systems non-functional, highlighting the importance of preparedness in developer disaster recovery. As developers, we must anticipate and equip ourselves to handle such challenges. Being a Prepared Road Warrior In previous discussions, we’ve emphasized the importance of being a “road warrior” developer—prepared for work anywhere, anytime. Essential tools for developer... Read more

Finding Balance: The Importance of Pausing and Pivoting in Tech
Posted on Developer Journey

Finding Balance: The Importance of Pausing and Pivoting in Tech

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of our podcast series on the developer journey. Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: finding balance by knowing when to take a step back, pause, or even pivot. This is particularly significant in the tech world, where developers often find themselves deep in the weeds, laser-focused on their projects. The Importance of Finding Balance Between Productivity and Rest One of the biggest challenges developers face is distinguishing between being busy and being productive. This issue often manifests early in a developer’s career but can persist even for seasoned professionals. You might find yourself constantly thinking, “I’m almost there. Just one more configuration file, and it’ll all work.” However, technology projects are often... Read more

Decluttering Your Code and Digital Life
Posted on Developer Journey

Decluttering Your Code and Digital Life

Welcome back to our ongoing series exploring the developer journey! Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects every coder’s life: digital clutter. As developers, we often start our careers bright-eyed and eager, only to find ourselves buried under mountains of code, tabs, and digital debris years later. Clutter can significantly impede our productivity and creativity, whether in our codebases or desktops. This episode will explore practical strategies for decluttering your digital life, from cleaning messy code to organizing your workspace. We’ll share real-world examples of clutter nightmares and provide actionable tips to help you streamline your development process. Whether you’re a seasoned developer drowning in legacy code or a newcomer looking to establish good habits early, this episode is... Read more

Essential Habits for Software Developers: Boosting Productivity and Career Growth
Posted on Developer Journey

Essential Habits for Software Developers: Boosting Productivity and Career Growth

In the latest episode of our podcast focused on the developer journey, we explore the critical topic of good and bad habits that can significantly impact a software developer’s career and overall productivity. As we’re midway through the year, it’s an opportune time to reflect on our practices and consider areas for improvement. The Power of Status Reporting Habits One of the most effective developer productivity habits is regular status reporting. This might seem tedious initially, but it offers substantial benefits over time. A daily stand-up routine, similar to Agile methodologies, can help you reflect on your progress and plan your day effectively. For instance, every morning, take a few minutes to answer these three questions: Doing this creates a... Read more

DP784_S2208 Turning Feedback into Future Success - A Guide for Developers
Posted on Developer Journey

Turning Feedback into Future Success: A Guide for Developers

Welcome back to our series on the developer journey. In this episode, we’re diving into an essential topic: how to gather and leverage feedback to win more projects after completing your first one or any subsequent project. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, understanding how to use feedback effectively can transform your career. Why Feedback Matters Feedback is more than just a pat on the back or a critique; it’s a tool for growth. Positive feedback can highlight your strengths, while constructive criticism can point out areas for improvement. It can be a goldmine for developers, helping refine skills, improve processes, and enhance client relationships. Getting Useful Feedback When a project concludes, the obvious step is to ask... Read more

Winning Your First Project: A Developer's Guide to Starting Your Side Hustle
Posted on Developer Journey

Winning Your First Project: A Developer’s Guide to Starting Your Side Hustle

Welcome back to our Developer Journey series! In this episode, we dive right into a crucial topic: winning your first project, particularly in the context of a side hustle. Landing that initial project is pivotal whether you want to start a consulting business or build client products. Listen to Michael and Rob talk about how to “Win Your First Project.” Let’s explore the strategies and steps to secure your first project and set yourself up for future success. 1. Establishing Your Identity for Your First Project Before you can win your first project, you need to establish who you are as a developer. This involves creating a professional presence that showcases your skills and experience. Here are some key elements... Read more