I originally posted this post on my blog.
"Focus on one thing," a coworker used to tell me. But I didn't listen.
I was in my first job about 10 years ago. I was learning C#, catching up with PHP, and reading about Python. I remember going through Hangfire documentation without knowing how I'd use it.
Like most new coders, I suffered from shiny object syndrome.
I was focused only on mastering syntax
At that time, for me coding was only about syntax, symbols, and languages.
One day, my boss called me to his office and I arrived late because I was "coding." He lectured me that day. And I deserved it. Looking back, I'm surprised I didn't get into more trouble.
And to make things worse, I picked Clean Code. By the time I finished it, I had become a Clean Code cop. I started to look for violations around me. Every piece of code had to follow the book.
Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
The hard lesson: Coding isn't only about syntax
Yes, coding is about syntax. But it's more than just typing symbols.
Most coding happens away from a keyboard: in meetings, brainstorming sessions, and on whiteboards. You'll spend a lot of time talking to non-tech people, negotiating deadlines, and managing change.
Junior me didn't know that. And by trial and error, I had to learn the lesson. Getting fired was part of it.
Learning more languages will grow your toolbox, but it won't necessarily make you a well-rounded coder. Work on your collaboration, clear communication, and writing skills too.
I wish someone had told me that when I started out. And that's why I wrote Street-Smart Coding: 30 Ways to Get Better at Coding. Because coding is more than typing symbols fast.
Top comments (6)
Loved this! So many new devs think learn more languages is the shortcut but the real growth comes from communication, collaboration and understanding why we’re building things. Your honesty about shiny object syndrome and the Clean Code cop phase is super relatable. Thanks for sharing the lesson so clearly.
Absolutely! I was one of those...Thanks for your comment.
Wow! A hard lesson to learn, I guess. Being fired is a bitter taste experience for everybody.
Great experience to talk about, anyway. All mishaps in the way force us to learn, either forcefully or not.
Yes, that was probably the biggest lesson from my first job. And yes, getting fired was part of the lesson
Got to learn something new today and I think I should start working on this asp I also had a idea of improving my communication skills as well along my coding journey.😁😁
Good decision!