How do I know if I am doing more than needed?

Summary

In this video, Frederick addresses a viewer's question on how to determine if they are being fairly compensated for their work and whether they are over- or underworking. He emphasizes the importance of comparing one's skills and workload to industry norms and peers. Those with broader skill sets, such as expertise in multiple areas like DevOps and software development, often find themselves underappreciated unless they work in specialized roles. He also discusses the limitations of salary growth for even highly skilled developers and the potential paths they can take, such as starting a business or seeking specialized roles.

Takeaways

• 💡 Software developers should evaluate their skill sets against industry standards to determine if they are fairly compensated.
• 🔍 High-performing developers often have a wider range of skills and can handle more complex tasks compared to their peers.
• ⚙️ Developers with broad knowledge, such as expertise in both frontend and DevOps, are often undervalued unless working in the right environment.
• 📈 Being an overachiever doesn't always guarantee higher pay unless the skills go beyond typical role expectations.
• 🛠️ Writing unit tests and doing tasks expected in a role won't necessarily increase pay—only work that goes beyond the norm may lead to higher compensation.
• 💼 Companies often hire for specific roles, and additional skills outside those roles may not always be appreciated or rewarded.
• 🚀 Some developers reach a level where they can manage entire departments due to their wide skill sets, often transitioning into specialized roles like consultants or CTOs.
• 🏢 Finding the right company or environment is key, as some places may not value additional skills if they only need specific tasks done.
• 💰 Developers can be world-class in their skill area but might struggle to find the right compensation unless they work for companies that value their expertise.
• 🌟 At some point, highly skilled developers may need to start their own businesses or pursue niche roles to fully leverage their abilities and earn what they are worth.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The video discusses how to evaluate whether you are doing work that matches your salary and if you are over or underworking in your current role.

How does the speaker suggest determining if you're doing work worth your salary?

The speaker suggests comparing your skill set and work output to others in the industry, particularly focusing on how your abilities and responsibilities align with common expectations for your role.

What characteristic defines a high-performing software developer, according to the speaker?

A high-performing software developer typically has a broader skill set than their peers and is often relied upon to handle tasks that go beyond the scope of their specific role.

Why does the speaker use front-end developers as an example?

Front-end developers are used as an example because their skill set can vary widely. Some may only know HTML and CSS, while others possess additional skills like API development and DevOps knowledge, which makes them more valuable in a larger-scale environment.

What is an example of underworking in the software development industry?

Underworking occurs when a developer's responsibilities are limited to tasks that don't fully utilize their potential skill set, such as a front-end developer only working on static websites without handling JavaScript or API calls.

What does the speaker mean by a 'unicorn' software developer?

A 'unicorn' software developer is someone who has an exceptionally wide range of skills, can handle tasks across multiple areas (e.g., front-end, back-end, DevOps), and can manage an entire system independently.

Why might a highly skilled software developer feel underpaid in certain companies?

A highly skilled developer might feel underpaid if their company doesn't fully recognize or require their diverse skill set. If the company only needs basic tasks completed, they may not compensate the developer for their advanced abilities.

What is the career path for developers with an exceptionally broad skill set?

Developers with a broad skill set often move into specialized or high-level roles such as site reliability engineers, staff engineers, or principal engineers. Some may also start their own businesses or become consultants.

How does the speaker suggest identifying common industry expectations for your role?

The speaker suggests gaining experience by working with different teams and observing what is typically expected of developers in your role. Over time, this helps you build an intuitive understanding of industry benchmarks.

What advice does the speaker give for developers who feel they are overachieving in their current role?

The speaker advises these developers to assess whether their current company values their additional skills and, if not, consider transitioning into roles or companies that reward their broader expertise, such as mature roles or consulting positions.