Monday, lunch break. You're talking with your co-workers about the weekend. When it's your turn, you share a story about a new technology you're exploring. The conversation proceeded well until someone asked, "Do you love your job enough to work on the weekends?"
That question tends to divide people into two camps: those who love their work; and those who view their work as necessary to live.
My journey into software engineering
I didn't take the traditional route to software engineering. I didn't study computer science at university. In 2020, I decided I needed to make a big change. Not because of the pandemic, but because at the time, I was working in a call center. And I was not happy. I wanted a career that I could truly enjoy. So I enrolled in an online web development program.
And I loved it.
Fast forward to today: I am an experienced software engineer with about four years of experience, but even now, I sometimes feel that not having a formal university degree is a weakness in my resume. I learned to use that feeling as fuel.
Change weakness into strength
About two years ago, I had the critical realization that I could work to be so good at what I did that not having a degree became irrelevant. I have changed my mind since then. I started focusing on my career rather than just my job. Everything I do today - whether it is learning, exploring new technologies or working on personal projects - they are all investments in my future.
This isn't about pleasing my current employer. It's about my long-term growth. I want to be confident in my skills. And quiet the little voice that says, "You are not right for this job because you do not have the appropriate educational qualifications." when coming across a new job offer.
The lunchroom question revisited
So, back to my colleague asking: "Do you love your job enough to work on the weekends?". I know some people don't see things the same way I do. And that's okay. People have different attitudes.
But what I find confusing is that people spend every day using a tool, language, or framework without really trying to understand how it works at a basic level. Of course, no one can know everything and all the complex details. But isn't there a minimum level of curiosity? For some people, just knowing how to do something is enough. Not for me.
As engineers, we are paid to solve problems and create solutions. In my opinion, there is a need for an understanding of responsibility. It's not just about doing it.
Why do I study on weekends?
This is why I invest in personal projects and self-improvement. Not for my employer but for my career. Each weekend I learn or experiment to strengthen my skills, increase confidence, and it makes me better at what I do.
Of course my current employer benefits. But in the end I am the one who benefits the most. These skills are with me. They make me more valuable, more confident, and I am in a better position to negotiate my role in the company. Whether it is with my current company or with a potential future company.
I even had a recruiter tell me that I would be a great fit for the position. But I don't have the "proper" qualifications and you know what? That is their loss. If a company values education over real-world skills and experience, those companies aren't right for me.
The fun of being competent
I often think about the words of David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails: "It's fun to be competent." And in fact, it is.
Learning and mastering new concepts is not only useful but also fun. It is very satisfying to see the results of your efforts: understanding how something works and being able to share that knowledge with others, seeing opportunities for improvement, offering better solutions and becoming a more reliable and trustworthy member of your team is also very rewarding.
These aren't just skills at your current job. But it is also a lifetime asset. You will be trusted by your team and managers alike. The reward is very satisfying.
To conclude
To be clear, I am not judging anyone who views work differently. Everyone has their own way of looking at their career. But I think it's important to care about your career, especially if you love it, if you have ambitions. You will greatly benefit from it.
You don't have to spend every weekend learning or creating personal projects. But even a small investment in your skills pays off in the long run. In the end, your career will more than likely span decades. Why not do something you enjoy and are proud of?
Top comments (1)
thanks for the advice