I applied to grow
I applied internally for two open positions in my company: one as a Software Developer and another as a Junior Web Developer. I wanted to move toward a field more aligned with my interests and skills, and I was genuinely excited.
However, my manager offered me a spot on his own team, since they had an internal web development team. He mentioned they used PHP—which I don’t deeply master—but also said I could use ChatGPT as needed, so I accepted with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Day one: a red flag
On the first day, I was paired with the only developer on the team. During our conversation, he bluntly told me I was “overqualified,” and that he didn’t agree with the tech changes I had “suggested.”
To clarify: I never suggested any changes. I just asked if he knew any PHP frameworks, since the internal website they built was running quite slowly, and I wanted to understand its architecture.
What I found was extremely complex and messy code: files with over 10,000 lines, PHP mixed with HTML, no clear separation of concerns, and zero documentation. A textbook case of spaghetti code in production.
A hostile environment
The conversation started turning hostile. When I asked him directly if something about me bothered him, he said yes: I was overqualified. It was clear my presence was uncomfortable to him.
He constantly tried to make me look bad, possibly due to insecurity or ego—I honestly don’t know.
Later, the same developer confronted me about having a personal consulting gig (which is public), insinuating that I shouldn’t have one if I didn’t know how to set up a physical server. I’ve never claimed to be an expert in that, and I made it clear from the beginning.
The manager: vision or contradiction?
I also spoke with the manager, who eventually didn’t approve my transfer request out of the team. But before that, when I asked to talk, it turned into a direct confrontation.
He ended up saying I didn’t know how to code—without ever seeing me write a single line in context. That comment threw me off completely. It was a shallow and unfair judgment of my work and profile.
He also told me he could build websites himself using ChatGPT. He said it in a condescending tone, as if using modern tools was a sign of weakness or laziness, when in reality, they are a valid part of today’s development workflow.
Minimum tools… barely offered
The technical setup was also discouraging:
- I was given a laptop with no internet access.
- I couldn’t install VS Code or configure my preferred tools.
- Despite being told I could use ChatGPT, I had no access to it.
- They expected me to know how to set up physical servers and SSL certificates—skills I’m open to learning, but which require guidance and proper environments to practice.
I researched it, yes, but couldn’t try it due to the restrictions.
I tried to adapt: even after hours
Despite all this, I understood the vision the manager wanted: a more modern, robust, scalable environment. That aligned with my interests, so I took initiative. After work hours, I started building a demo using PHP, Laravel, and MySQL.
I tried to propose a more modern structure, aiming to solve many of the issues I had observed: better architecture, improved loading speed, maintainable code. I didn’t get to finish it, but I did it with commitment and respect for the work.
However, instead of opening the conversation or valuing the effort, the environment grew more hostile. It wasn’t about building together—it was about control.
Am I a developer or just a copy-paster?
This experience left me confused. It made me question myself and my skills. I felt judged, undervalued, even humiliated.
I started wondering: do I really code—or just copy and paste?
The truth is: I do code. With mistakes, and with constant learning, like everyone in this field. But I also know how to listen, research, verify my sources, and ask for help when I need to.
Final thoughts
What hurt the most wasn’t the rejection—but the treatment. The hostility. The way I was made to feel "less than" for trying to do things right or for thinking differently.
My intention was never to replace anyone or impose anything. I simply wanted to contribute through my strengths, as anyone with technical vocation would.
What do you think?
- Have you ever gone through a similar experience?
- How do you handle situations where your knowledge or willingness to improve is seen as a threat?
- Is it fair to demand technical work without providing basic tools?
- Do you think it's reasonable to tell someone they can't code just because they don’t know how to set up a physical server?
- Should I leave this company? (Open to offers 😅)
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
And if you made it this far: thank you 🙌
Top comments (2)
From my own experience, I can tell you that your best bet is to get out of there. What you're describing is a really common issue, especially at companies that aren't software-focused or even at so-called "consulting" firms. What you're dealing with is exactly what you said - it's all about ego and people not being willing to accept changes that would push them out of their comfort zone or get rid of things that only they understand and that keep them in their positions.
Honestly, you're better off looking elsewhere. It's going to be an uphill battle to change the dynamics and the hostility there. But if you can't leave right away, try to keep learning more (or pick up other skills) on your own time, and start looking for better opportunities. If you'd like, I'd be happy to help you out with the learning process and job hunting.
thank you very much for taking the time to read this article, as well as the offer to help me find a job, which I would like and I would appreciate it very much, since I am not happy in that company, I would like to leave .... but it is not so easy because of my family obligations... I am starting to use getonbrd․com and I will be looking at some other platforms, where I can find something that suits me.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)