Hello friends ππΌ,
I recently had an interesting conversation with a friend.
They have been wondering why lately many developers encourage others to put themselves out there.
Not everyone can write blogs or create video content or talk on podcast.
Not everyone is extrovert.
That's why there are technical writers, marketers, podcast announcers, etc.
Why developers are expected to do these things?
I personally started to write because I initially wrote for myself as my notes and I love to write. I started to learn in public because I want to keep myself accountable and help other people.
Without realizing, I put myself out there.
Writing has been a joy for me. I like to share my experiences. I challenge myself if I understand about a topic by writing, and gain more knowledge through researching the topic.
I've crossed path with many great developers through learning in public. And I'm very happy if I know that I can support and motivate someone through what I do.
But again, maybe this is not for everyone π€·π»ββοΈ.
Out of my curiosity, what's your opinion about it?
Should developers put themselves out there and why?
I would love to hear some thoughts π
Oldest comments (31)
Developers should do something to put themselves out in public. It will help them learn and could help them in a job search.
I'm an introvert so writing is a better way for me to put myself out there. I'm currently looking for a role and hope my writings will show my communication skills and give me more to talk about in an interview.
Make sense!
I'm rooting for you, Chris! π€
Hi Ayu π
I definitely think itβs personal choice, I have friends and colleagues that both like to keep to themselves or put themselves out there, I definitely flit between both.
Iβm quite an introverted person and I find socialising in person quite hard. So I started blogging for my own benefit like yourself as sometimes itβs nice to just write about your thoughts or what youβve been up to and eventually people started commenting and found some of the stuff relatable. That was a bit of a turning point for me. I still write for myself but now I feel if it helps someone else itβs a great joy and Iβve spoken to some interesting people and learnt a lot from them.
I personally love reading other peoples stories or looking up random articles on things because I feel I learn a lot and it keeps me open minded. Iβve also tried putting myself out there more and commenting and speaking with other developers as Iβm still early in my career so itβs lovely to connect with like minded people, I find it easier to speak to people online than in person sometimes π
I donβt think people should be pushed to get out of their comfort zone, as everyone has different experiences but it is something I would recommend and then itβs up to the individual π
We have similar background in why we write π
And yeah... it's definitely up to the individual π
Yes, most definitely! Whether it's on a professional social media account, a blog such a dev, github, etc. YES!
Why Every Developer Should Write
Tina Huynh γ» Mar 31 γ» 3 min read
Writing Business Proposals
Tina Huynh γ» Apr 21 γ» 3 min read
Great articles!
Thank you for sharing! π
Thanks! Hope they helped in some way, shape or form
That's interesting, Jeremy!
But you're right. There is no right answer.
Sometimes pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone would do no harm I guess.
We can always pivot if it's not for us :)
I needed to put myself out there online to learn and get support because I was learning to code as the pandemic revved up... but your post makes me think -- is this something that is encouraged for all developers, or just the ones that have more to overcome? I don't know.
I think, as Austin Kleon encourages, that everyone at least needs to be findable online. Do we need to be obsessed with creating content for likes? no. But being findable and showing your work is important for creative professionals, including coders.
I like the idea of being findable. It could open doors to more opportunities!
Your post made me think even more and I ended up writing this one! dev.to/cerchie/your-4th-grade-math...
Yessssss! Nice one, Lucia! π
Can't agree more, Jeremy!
Had I not stepped out of my comfort zone, I never learn and grow and experience the rewards! π
Yes, I agree.
Developing social skill is even more critical nowadays.
I think almost everyone should push themselves a bit outside their comfort zone and do a little writing, a little learning in public. If it brings more stress than value, at least you tried. Most people end up happy they did.
Yes, Ben!
That's the key. At least you tried to really know if it's for you or not π
Hi, Ayu!
"Not everyone is extrovert" yes, definitely agree with you. From my perpective, the short answer is "they shouldn't, but it's recommended".
Based on my experience, I wrote articles and posts because I love it and just want to share what I know to everyone else. No schedules and specific topics to indicates "these all are not commercial contents".
The pros is I got better SEO for my website and some ppl are notice me on LinkedIn. The cons is, sometimes, I feel uncomfortable to be a center of attention.
Beside of it, write an article is good because you can help other ppl and it's awesome to grow the better community.
But, as a footnote, for all introvert ppl out there who won't be a center of attention, write some posts or articles. Don't wish for view, monetize, etc. Your HR will always observe you and want their employees has contribution for other ppl.
Good to know that HR observers you for what you do out there.
Also, yes. It's recommended and not that one should do it π