DEV Community: Sushant Chhetry

Bouncing Back: How to get out of a slump as a developer

Sushant Chhetry — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 02:39:28 +0000

Throughout the year there are weeks where I find myself in a creative block. I am not able to focus on working on my side projects, creating online content, or even my hobbies.

I get the motivation to open my laptop, but I feel like I have lost the fire to produce anything creative. I stare at the screen waiting for that spark, that I thought I had for the task at hand. Next, self doubt starts to creep in and questions start popping in my head:

“Am I ever good enough for this?”

“Do I enjoy this?”

“Is this a waste of time?”

“Should I be pivoting into something else?”

Self-reflection is good, but these were thoughts that made me get into an analysis paralysis. No progress was being made.

I start losing momentum on all my side projects and once I gather myself out of this block, I have to spend some time regaining the inertia. Some side projects that I had made good progress on, now due to the time sensitivity of it, have become obsolete. I did not enjoy seeing this happen.

So, I decided to create a system to prevent myself from falling into this slump. Think of these as checkups you conduct on yourself. Once a week I ask myself the following questions and depending on my answer proceeded accordingly. With the help of these, I have been able to avoid a block or burnout.

1. Am I setting realistic goals?

As developers, a lot of us have those eureka moments. We think of this great project idea and we get busy working at it. The first few lines of codes are like a shot of adrenaline, we are excited and we see our vision slowly coming together.

But as the project continues, this invigorating feeling starts wearing off. Our progress is not as visible as it was in the early phases and we start asking yourself if there is even progress being made. If unfortunate enough, we sometimes lose all the steam we had and don’t even finish the side project to see our vision become reality.

To avoid this, make sure to break down your goals into smaller subgoals with predefined success. This will make your progress more tangible and boost motivation.

2. Am I taking care of myself physically and mentally?

Sometimes we tie our worth to the progress of our project. We decide to spend sleepless nights coding, start losing track of our meals, and slowly stop taking care of ourselves.

This is an unfortunate reality a lot of developers have faced or are currently going through. However, regardless of how much progress your project is making, this lifestyle is not sustainable and will slowly and surely become a big hindrance on not just your project’s life cycle but your personal lifecycle as well.

So, it is very important for you to take care of yourself. Here are some sub-checks for self-care:

Have I been hydrating myself?
Have I been eating healthy meals?
Have I been taking care of my personal hygiene?
How clutter free is my living / working area?
Have I been taking time out for physical activities?
Have I been taking time out for my relationships?

Making sure to have a balanced lifestyle is key to not falling into the endless pitfall of slumps.

3. Am I continuously learning and challenging myself?

Another big reason for getting into a slump is not feeling challenged enough. As we grow into our role, the amount and type of effort we put to achieve success does not provide the same output.

If you are not familiar with “Laws of Diminishing Returns”, it explains how after a certain point the amount of effort and time you put into something won’t provide the same return, and after a certain point the return might even start being a negative net return.

So, to avoid this state, make sure you are performing self audits on your side projects and knowledge portfolios. Here are some sub checks for audits:

Do I know exactly what my side projects are trying to achieve?
Am I continuously learning and improving my skills?
Are my side projects in line with my long-term goals?
Am I connecting and sharing knowledge with others in my field?
Is the effort I'm putting into side projects worthwhile in terms of results?

4. Am I recognizing and celebrating my achievements?

One of the worst things for your progress is not knowing that you are making them. You have invested time and effort into your side projects, so make sure you are taking the time to recognize your success.

This will not only keep you motivated to stay on track but also makes the process worthwhile. Because if you are not enjoying the process, then it will not be sustainable.

In conclusion, don't be too hard on yourself. It's all about how you bounce back, and you will, that's for sure. By following these checks, you can ensure that you don't fall into a slump.

Networking 101: Intro to Human Networking

Sushant Chhetry — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:51:21 +0000

When we hear “Networking”, the first thing we think of are “IP addresses”, “subnet”, and “DNS” but not “small talks”, “handshakes”, and “exchanging contacts.” Clearly networking is often overlooked in our industry. As developers we are told to emphasize on our technical expertise and grind Leet code, build projects, and do continuous learning. All of these are definitely essential for a successful career. However to grow into your role and reach your fullest potential we need to go out and network as well.

Leap of Faith

I also was a developer who had his head down, typing away in front of my computer. But, I slowly realized that my skills were plateauing. Sure I was completing my work on time but it felt like I had reached my limits in terms of my abilities. The things I was doing were not helping me grow at the same rate compared to a few years ago.

I was experiencing a plateau because I lacked someone to share my work with, gather feedback, and gain insights from others' experiences and projects. Realizing this, I was determined to address it. I started by searching for two keywords: 'React' and 'Conference.' I knew that attending a React conference would invigorate me, as it aligned with my passion. At the forefront of the search results was 'RenderATL'.

I got my information and signed up for it. I will be honest, there was some nervousness because this was my first ever conference and talking to people is not my forte. However, attending the conference changed everything for me. A whole new perspective. I met people from different stages in their career, people who were doing amazing things, speakers with expert insights, and friends who I would’ve never met if I had not taken that first step.

In the past 6 months, I attended 5+ conferences, virtual and in-person and my eyes were opened to the world of networking. I was able to meet people within the tech fields who were in the same career path as me, as well as people who had a different path. I was able to learn from people inside the tech field as well as upper management. Those small talks turned into coffee chats, and those coffee chats turned into allies, allies who will support you in your journey and you support theirs in turn!

Networking: an art of human connection

In this article I will share some tips and tricks to help you break out of your shell as a developer so you can get out there and network. Think of this as an introductory course to making meaningful connections, networking with people, and having fun.

What is networking?

Networking is often misunderstood as a terminology that belongs in the business world. We think of people in expensive Italian suits exchanging their business cards and shaking clammy hands. However, this is a wrong perspective to have, except for shaking clammy hands, unfortunately this happens from time to time. Networking is about making connections, fostering relationships, and helping others.

One of the biggest mistake people make going into networking is asking:

“What can they help me with?”

Having a selfish mindset like this can cause you to miss amazing chances to make great connections and friends. Instead go with the mentality of

“How can I help them?”

One of the easiest ways to connect with anyone is recognizing their journey and being willing to help them with the skills you have. Sometimes the person you are talking to might have more expertise than you, during such times we have to use our creativity. Imagine if you are networking with Bill Gates, instead of thinking

“How can I ever help Bill Gates? He is a genius and he has everything!”

We can go with a more open minded perspective. We know Bill Gates is heavily involved in climate change efforts. So if you are a college student, you can bring a unique perspective to him and share the current situation in your college town and what efforts are being done in your campus. I bet he would love to hear your first hand experience and this would potentially open up a conversation and a network!

As we can see, everyone, even you, can shake Bill Gates hands and network with him, hopefully it is not clammy!

So, to break it down, networking is about helping others and being creative in your approach to foster meaningful connections.

Depth connections vs Breadth Connections

There are two misconceptions about networking.

Networking is about connecting with as many people as you can on LinkedIn
Networking is about having deep meaningful connections with less than three people

Well, which one is the correct way of going about this?

The answer is, both. It is about balancing them as both have their own advantages. Having a breadth of connections allows you to meet people from different fields and schools of thoughts which will help you avoid scope creep and plateauing in your growth. With depth connections you will be able to have people you can share your growth and struggles. Depth connections are usually people who are in a similar path as you, someone you can see yourself having a long relationship with. However, you should always have an open and supportive mindset for both types of these connections.

Where can I start?

You might say:

"This is all fine and dandy Sushant but I am a remote worker and I don’t like talking to people and I have a clammy handshake, how do you expect me to go out and network?”

I can help you with two of the three struggles. (For the third one, maybe a quick hand wipe before the shake might help)

The answer is taking small steps. I was the same, I am not a social butterfly nor a charismatic extrovert. However, I started my journey small. Before attending RenderATL, I joined their discord server and started chatting there. Slowly I got comfortable making the first move and I started having audio chats. This helped me think of what I needed to work on as well as what I was good at. It was an iterative process that helped me slowly break out of my shell. Nothing happens overnight, not even the ability to talk to people. Making human connections and having conversation is a skill that needs practice. Start small, but start today!

Quick Tips

Who doesn’t love bullet point lists, so here are some tips that will help you in your networking journey:

Set Clear Goals:
- Define what you want to achieve through networking.
- Whether it's finding a job, seeking advice, or expanding your social circle, clarity is key.
Build an Online Presence:
- Create and update your LinkedIn profile.
- Join relevant professional groups on social media platforms.
Polish Online Profiles:
- Ensure your social media profiles are professional and up to date.
- A strong online presence can attract connections.
Be a Good Listener:
- Pay attention to others in conversations.
- Show genuine interest in their stories and experiences.
Follow Up:
- After networking events, connect with people you've met.
- Send personalized messages expressing your interest in staying in touch.
Offer Help:
- Networking is a two-way street.
- Offer assistance or insights to others where you can.
Diversify Connections:
- Network with people from various industries and backgrounds.
- A diverse network can bring fresh perspectives.

Concluding statements

You did it! You took that small step by reading this article. But this is only the tip of the iceberg to the amazing world out there where you will be able to reach your truest potential and make amazing connections on the way. So what are you waiting for, go out there and network champ, you got this!

If you liked my article, Let's connect and network to build meaningful connection!

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth: Insights from a Software Engineer's Journey

Sushant Chhetry — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 04:21:42 +0000

During my sophomore year in college, one of my capstone projects for CS321: Intro to Web Application Development class was to build a complex e-commerce website for a local business in our college town. It involved getting in touch with the business, gathering some requirements, then building the application. Once I got the requirements, I got excited, hopped on in front of my computer and started typing away some code.

I was confident that I could create something extraordinary and unique that would not just impress my classmates and professor but also would be an actual product the business would adopt launching my career as the next Steve Jobs!

Weeks turned into months and I poured my heart out into this project. However as deadline started creeping in, cracks in my codebase started emerging, features that were working smoothly started causing some unexpected errors and crashes. Each day I got more and more anxious.

No matter how hard I tried to fix up the mess of technical debt I'd built up, it just wasn't going anywhere. I had to face the harsh truth that my project was heading straight for failure. At one point, I threw my hands up and stuck the project on the shelf, thinking maybe some time away would help me tackle the issue later. But the problem was, the longer I left it there, the tougher it became to muster the motivation to pick it up again. It wasn't until the deadline was almost breathing down my neck that I snapped back to my senses and forced myself to dive back in.

In a moment of humility, I decided to reach out to my professor. I went into his office during his office hour and there we were looking at the spaghetti code that I had served in front of him. With his help I was able to figure out that because of my overengineering, I forgot to see the bigger picture and started complicating the auxiliary processes, causing the actual process to behave strangely. Those hours were truly humbling, as my enthusiasm had blinded me to the importance of maintainability and scalability.

In the end, I was able to finish the project, albeit with a smaller set of features than I had initially planned. While I failed to impress the local business enough for them to adopt my website, the failure itself became one of the most valuable lessons I learned. I learned the significance of maintaining a balance between ambition and practicality. More importantly, I learned that embracing failure and learning from it is an integral part of becoming a better developer. This lesson is still prevalent today as a professional software developer. Whenever I am getting overconfident I am able to think back to this moment.

So why did I share this anecdote?

Because I found that this is a common phenomenon among people and even developers. We tend to forget that our failure is a gold mine of knowledge. And I would like to share the nugget of golds I extracted from this failure with you. In this article I would like to introduce everyone to two terms

Ostrich Effect
Overconfidence Bias

1. Ostrich Effect:

Originating from the myth that ostrich bury their head when there is danger around, the “Ostrich Effect” is a psychological phenomenon where an individual shows the tendency to avoid situations or information that seems distressing or dangerous. People often show this phenomenon with a false belief that the situation or information that they are ignoring will resolve itself or go away if they choose to not acknowledge it.

I was acting like an ostrich with my head buried in the sand when I began noticing the cracks in my codebase. To avoid confronting the situation, I resorted to shelving my project. Unfortunately, this also made it increasingly challenging to regain the motivation to dive back into the project, confront the challenges, and learn from them.

Here are five strategies to prevent succumbing to the Ostrich Effect:

1. Confront Challenges:

Instead of avoiding problems, actively address them. Embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth, and tackle them with a proactive mindset.

2. Seek Information:

Stay informed and seek out relevant information even when it might be uncomfortable. Being well-informed empowers you to make better decisions and take appropriate actions.

3. Stay Open to Feedback:

Welcome constructive criticism and feedback. By listening to different perspectives, you can gain valuable insights and make necessary improvements.

4. Set Realistic Goals:

Set achievable and measurable goals, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the task at hand. Realistic expectations help prevent the tendency to underestimate challenges.

5. Practice Self-Awareness:

Recognize your own biases and tendencies to avoid uncomfortable situations. Cultivate self-awareness to identify when you might be tempted to ignore problems and take steps to address them proactively.

2. Overconfidence Bias

This term refers to the tendency to have excessive confidence in one's abilities or judgments, often leading to taking on tasks that are more complex or challenging than one can handle. In my anecdote, the initial confidence in building an extraordinary and unique website might be an example of overconfidence bias.

My confidence led me to dive into coding without fully understanding the scope and potential difficulties. As a result, I encountered technical issues and unexpected errors that challenge my initial assumptions. This overconfidence bias contributes to the development of technical debt and the subsequent realization that the project is more challenging than initially perceived.

Do not fall into this bias and follow these five tips:

1. Stay Grounded:

Maintain a realistic assessment of your capabilities and avoid underestimating the complexity of tasks or challenges.

2. Embrace Humility:

Acknowledge that mistakes and setbacks are natural parts of learning. Embracing humility allows you to learn from failures and continuously improve.

3. Seek Diverse Perspectives:

Engage with others and welcome different viewpoints. This helps you gain a broader understanding of situations and make well-informed decisions.

4. Challenge Assumptions:

Question your assumptions and beliefs to prevent unwarranted confidence. Critical thinking helps you approach tasks with a balanced perspective.

5. Learn from Experience:

Reflect on past successes and failures. Analyzing your experiences provides valuable insights and helps you make more informed choices.

In closing, remember that some of the most significant growth as a developer emerges from failures. While successes may shine brightly, there's an art to learning from our missteps. Take a moment to look back, and you'll find that mastering this art of embracing failures can be a crucial part of your journey.

If you enjoyed my articles, reach out to me on LinkedIn or Twitter and let’s start a conversation!

Decode Your Emotions: Emotional Intelligence for Software Developers

Sushant Chhetry — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:19:01 +0000

In the software industry, the focus has long been on showcasing coding prowess and technical achievements—solving LeetCode problems, mastering complex algorithms, and contributing to prestigious open-source projects. However, a crucial aspect of a successful software career often gets overlooked: emotional intelligence.

The ability to regulate emotions, read the room, and influence others plays a significant role in achieving professional growth and thriving in the world of software development. In this article, we'll delve into the importance of emotional intelligence for software developers and how it can pave the way to a fulfilling and prosperous career.

"Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the compass that guides us through the complexities of human interactions. It's not just about being smart; it's about being wise in understanding our emotions and using that wisdom to inspire, motivate, and positively impact the lives of those around us."

There are four aspects to emotional intelligence:

Self-Awareness: The ability to recognize and label your own emotions accurately.
Self-Regulation: Skillfully managing your emotions to respond appropriately to situations.
Social Awareness: Understanding and empathizing with the emotions of others.
Relationship Management: Cultivating strong social connections and effectively navigating interactions with others to build meaningful and collaborative connections.

So let us look at examples where these pillars would come in play for a software engineer

Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation:

As you work on this new feature, the deadline looms ever closer, and there's a mountain of tasks ahead. You find yourself struggling with poor sleep and an abundance of caffeine in your system. Suddenly, stress takes hold, and thoughts flood your mind—

Will I be able to finish this product on time?

What if I can't?

What if my colleagues resent me for it, and your boss forms a negative impression?

Could this jeopardize my entire career, hindering the future I've been tirelessly striving towards?

As the cursor blinks before you, you feel paralyzed, unable to write a single line of code. Taking a deep breath, you recognize this as a burst of anxiety. Reminding yourself of your hard work, you realize your mind is simply trying to keep you safe. You decide to take a short break, listen to your favorite music, and savor some tea. Soon, you return refreshed and refocused, ready to tackle the challenge at hand.

In this instance, we leverage self-awareness to not only identify our emotions but also to effectively manage them, enabling us to navigate through the stress and regain focus on the task at hand.

Social Awareness and Relationship Management:

In a software development team meeting, there is currently an air of tension. There are conflicting ideas among the developers, testers, and project manager on how to tackle this technical hurdle. You notice the increasing tension and observe emotional cues of frustrations among your teammates, this is causing some hindrance to the collaboration and progress.

So you suggest a quick break to collect thoughts and allow emotions to settle. During the break you reach out to teammates and others individually to listen to their insights, and offer some compromises that align with everyone’s goals. When the team reconvenes, there is a noticeable improvement in the atmosphere, and progress begins to flow more smoothly.

In this scenario, we demonstrated not only our ability to read the room but also our commitment to improving relationships by proactively reaching out and actively listening to our team members. By fostering open communication and understanding, we contributed to a more harmonious and productive team dynamic.

“Emotional intelligence is critical in building and maintaining relationships and influencing others—key skills that help people throughout their career and wherever they sit in an organizational structure,”

Margaret Andrews (executive director at the MIT Sloan School of Management)

So, with these scenarios, we clearly recognize the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) not only in our software development but also in our personal lives. According to Harvard’s article on EQ, these are some telltale signs of low EQ and high EQ:

Low EQ:

Feels that they are often misunderstood
They easily get upset
Emotions can overwhelm them easily
Have problems with being assertive

High EQ

Have a better understanding of their emotions and relationships among them
They cans stay calm and composed during stressful situations
Have the ability to influence others towards a goal
Can diplomatically deal with difficult people

EQ is not a black and white concept. An individual can find themselves relating to aspects of both sections of high and low EQ. It's a continuously learned and honed skill that can be developed over time. The wonderful thing about EQ is that it can be learned and mastered, empowering us to enhance our interpersonal skills and emotional well-being. Here are some key points on how to improve EQ:

1. Be aware of your emotion

Take a moment to reflect:

What emotions are you experiencing right now?
Can you identify and name these emotions?
Are you aware of the triggers that led to these emotions?
When faced with stressful situations, what is your immediate reaction?

Being able to pause and recognize your emotions, as well as manage your reactions accordingly, is a crucial aspect of emotional intelligence. By developing this self-awareness, you can respond to challenging situations with greater composure and make more informed decisions.

2. Get Feedbacks

It is a beneficial habit to audit your self-perception because sometimes our view of ourselves may not align with reality. To gain valuable insights into your emotional intelligence, reach out to people who know you well or have worked closely with you, and ask them to provide feedback on your EQ. Consider asking questions such as:

How do you perceive my adaptability?
How have you seen me react to difficult situations in the past?
Would you describe me as empathetic?
How do you think I handle conflicts?

Receive their answers with an open mind, embracing this feedback as an opportunity for personal growth. Understanding how others perceive your emotional intelligence can help you identify areas for improvement and further enhance your interpersonal skills.

3. Practice active listening

Active listening is a vital aspect of developing EQ. When we engage in active listening, we put aside our judgment and distractions. We are able to gain valuable insights and also build meaningful connections.

By maintaining eye contact and using verbal and non-verbal cues, we show genuine interest and empathy for the speaker's emotions and perspectives. Reflecting and paraphrasing their words demonstrates that we are actively engaged and seeking to understand their message accurately. Asking open-ended questions encourages deeper conversation, inviting the speaker to share more thoughts and feelings.

4. Journaling

Journaling can be a valuable practice for enhancing emotional intelligence (EQ). By expressing our thoughts and emotions on paper, we gain self-awareness and insight into our feelings. Regular journaling allows us to identify patterns, triggers, and areas for growth, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves and improved emotional management.

In conclusion, as a software developer recognizing the significance of emotional intelligence in both the professional and personal life is a truly transformative journey. By honing on self-awareness, empathy towards others, actively listening, and emotional regulation As we continue investing in developing our emotional intelligence, we unlock the key to becoming not just exceptional developers but also compassionate leaders and collaborators, making a positive impact on ourselves, our teams, and the entire software development community.

Managing Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Self-Doubt as a Developer

Sushant Chhetry — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 02:58:14 +0000

Have you ever felt like you are currently where you are as a result of pure luck?

Do you find your successes and accomplishments undeserving?

Do you doubt your intelligence and have a fear that others will soon discover that you are not as capable as people think you are?

All of these questions come up frequently when impostor syndrome sets in. You may have imposter syndrome, which makes you believe that all of your accomplishments are the result of luck, timing, or uncontrollable events. It's a common occurrence in the developer community, impacting people at all professional stages.

Imposter syndrome is a silent thief, stealing away your confidence and sabotaging your accomplishments, while leaving you feeling like a fraud in a room full of genuine talent.

Imposter syndrome must be addressed since it can result in serious problems including anxiety, exhaustion, and even depression. I can personally relate to this struggle as I faced a severe case of imposter syndrome when I started my career. I consistently questioned my programming abilities and performance at work, living in constant fear of being exposed for lacking the necessary skills.

Consequently, I found myself overworking to compensate for this fear, mindlessly grinding leetcode problems after work, going through online tutorials, or constantly comparing myself to other people in my field. This resulted in an unhealthy work-life balance and multiple instances of burnout. Regrettably, during that time I lost enjoyment of working on my side projects and even neglected to prioritize self-care. When I finally recognized this, it took me a few days to recover as well. Imposter syndrome is undoubtedly a daunting and distressing experience, capable of significantly impacting various aspects of our lives.

With pressures to stay up or risk falling behind, the tech industry is continuously growing and at a faster rate each year. This constant pressure can push us into a perpetual state of self-optimization and an endless pursuit of improvement. Moreover, the prevalence of social media in our lives has made it easier than ever to compare ourselves to others who may appear further along in their careers and who share their successes. However, it's important to recognize that we often don't see the full picture of what it took for them to achieve their success.

“The problem isn’t necessarily the person; it can also be the setting or culture.”

So now that we know what imposter syndrome is, let's explore practical tips for addressing and overcoming it:

1. Take a step back and observe

It is simple to get worked up about where you want to go in the future. Nevertheless, it is crucial to zoom out and consider where you are now in comparison to where you were a year ago or even five years ago. Think on your path and the difficulties you have faced along the way that have helped make you the person you are now. When you are reflecting, take the time to notice your inner dialogue. When you do, treat yourself with the same care that you would for a buddy who is downplaying their accomplishments. Recognize your achievements and your individual journey.

2. Let go of perfection

As developers, it's common to strive for the perfect application or dream of that side project that could potentially bring immense success. We often find ourselves looking at those who have achieved it, fueling our desire to attain the same level of perfection. Moreover, there's a prevailing culture that glorifies constant hustling and working relentlessly towards perfection. However, it's important to recognize that chasing perfection is an endless journey that often places unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Instead, let us focus on growth, improvement, and the fulfillment that comes from creating meaningful work. Embrace the iterative process and the valuable lessons learned along the way, rather than fixating solely on an elusive notion of perfection.

"Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." - Salvador Dalí

3. Share, Share, Share

In a society that encourages us to showcase only our perfect selves and hide any flaws, we unknowingly feed into our imposter syndrome. However, when we have a circle of trusted individuals with whom we can share our failures, we gain a valuable perspective. We come to realize that those who genuinely care about us accept our flaws with open arms, just as they celebrate our achievements. This realization frees us from the stress of concealing our imperfections, enabling us to focus on growth and self-improvement. By embracing vulnerability and openly sharing our feelings, we not only unburden ourselves but also forge deeper connections with those who genuinely care about our well-being.

4. Self-compassion

Lastly, it is essential to recognize that your journey is unique, and practicing self-compassion is vital. In the tech field, individuals come from diverse backgrounds, and their experiences are shaped by their own unique paths. It is unfair to yourself to constantly compare your journey with others'. Take a moment to appreciate how far you have come and be proud of your own accomplishments. Embrace self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that you are doing the best you can in your own circumstances. Celebrate your progress and growth, honoring the milestones you have achieved along your personal and professional journey. Remember, your story is yours alone, and it deserves recognition and appreciation.

In conclusion, imposter syndrome is a prevalent challenge among developers. However, by implementing these practical tips, you can navigate and overcome self-doubt. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and with self-compassion, reflection, and support, you can build confidence and thrive as a developer.

Here are some helpful resources related to mental health among developers:

Mental Health in Tech: https://mentalhealthintech.com
Open Sourcing Mental Illness (OSMI): https://osmihelp.org
Mental Health America: https://mhanational.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://nami.org

Good luck in your journey and you are doing great ♥

Rising Above Mediocrity: Unleashing the Potential of Junior Developers

Sushant Chhetry — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 01:45:45 +0000

As a junior developer, it's incredibly easy to fall into the trap of complacency. I can personally attest to this, as I found myself caught in its clutches. Throughout my college years, I maintained good grades and worked on some side projects using the popular tutorials found on YouTube. However, I had zero internships under my belt, and I held a misguided belief about the field of computer science. I naively convinced myself that good grades, a CS degree, and a few side projects would be enough to secure a job. So, I waited until graduation day to embark on my job search, only to have my dreams shattered. It was a harsh reality check that taught me an invaluable lesson - a degree alone doesn't guarantee employment.

Now, you may wonder if this article is just a venting session or a remorseful reflection. Rest assured, it's intended to be much more than that. This article is meant for those who may find themselves in a similar situation, believing that completing a single tutorial or relying on their network of classmates is enough to succeed in the tech industry. I've written this piece to share all the lessons I learned before finally landing my first tech job. It's the article I wish I had come across when I first decided to pursue a career in the tech field.

This is an article about breaking the box you put yourself in.

Why did I fall into this mindset?

Complacency: feeling too satisfied with minimal effort.
Delusion: convincing myself that getting a job would be easy.
Ignorance: not doing the research needed.
And fear: being scared of rejection, not being good enough, and falling behind.

If any of this sounds familiar, this article is your wake-up call. Just by reading it, you're already taking an amazing step towards success as a junior developer.

Everyone love lists, so here are some points on what you can do to maximize your potential as a junior developer:

1. Never stop learning

Consider this mantra as the timeless gospel of developers, a truth to be cherished deep within your heart. The field of technology is constantly growing, racing forward at an amazing pace. It is important that you embrace this reality and ensure you are evolving with it. Failure to do so risks being left in the dust, a mere bystander to the ever-advancing tide. But this is an incomplete advice, read more to find out why?

2. Never stop building

This is the crucial second part of the initial advice. If you don't actually build projects, you won't be able to use what you've learned in real-life situations. The best way to learn something is by applying it to real examples. Just knowing about a method isn't enough; you have to put it into practice. When you build projects, you'll face challenges, and overcoming them will make you a great developer. These challenges teach you important skills like patience, creative problem-solving, effective research, asking good questions, and appreciating the satisfaction of finding a solution. If you avoid struggling, you'll miss out on the joy of figuring things out.

3. Be active

This doesn't necessarily mean being physically active, although I highly encourage incorporating exercise into your daily routine, considering the sedentary nature of our work. What I mean here is actively engaging with the community around you. This entails joining clubs, attending meetups, and networking with others. Don't limit yourself to predefined boundaries. If you can't find a club nearby, consider starting one yourself. If there are no local meetups available, join a virtual one. Unsure about networking? Numerous online resources are available to assist you. Become part of an online community and engage in conversations with fellow developers. Connecting with others is the most effective way to learn and grow in our field.

4. Fall in love with the effort

Once you find joy in the journey itself, the number of setbacks you encounter becomes inconsequential, as you possess boundless motivation. Furthermore, having a genuine passion for your work is an immensely appealing quality during interviews. I have witnessed countless candidates being offered positions in companies not only because of their skills but also due to their passion. Individuals with true passion have the capacity to surpass their own potential and continue to thrive. And you will too!

Conclusion

To be completely transparent, the inspiration behind this article stems from a deeply personal place. As I sat down to write, I couldn't help but dedicate these words to my younger self, imagining the guidance I would offer if time travel were possible.

However, as I continued to write this piece, I came to the realization that it is truly intended for all the junior developers out there. It is for those who, like me, lack the guidance and support surrounding them. It is for developers who may not boast an impressive resume but harbor immense ambition and drive. It is for those who possess the potential to rise above mediocrity and achieve greatness.