How to grow fast enough?

Summary

This video offers valuable advice to developers, especially juniors, who feel overwhelmed by high expectations and pressure at work. The speaker shares personal experiences of struggling in a similar situation, emphasizing that growth takes time and it's okay not to meet all expectations immediately. Key points include the importance of progress over perfection, the need to understand that mismatched expectations aren't a reflection of one's skills, and the value of persistence and trust. Ultimately, the message is about giving yourself grace, staying consistent, and trusting that with time, you'll reach your goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 It’s normal to struggle and make mistakes as a junior developer—growth takes time and is part of the learning process.
• 😀 The key to improving quickly is understanding that it’s about progress, not perfection. Mistakes are part of the journey.
• 😀 It’s essential to focus on developing a solid foundation and building your skills step by step, even if the pace is slower than expected.
• 😀 Communication with senior developers is important—ask for specific feedback and mentorship to target areas of improvement.
• 😀 You don’t have to solve everything on your own—seek help from colleagues, online communities, and educational resources to speed up your learning process.
• 😀 It’s crucial to manage expectations, both for yourself and from your company, and accept that growth takes time.
• 😀 Job insecurity and stress can be overwhelming, but don’t judge your skills solely based on the current environment—you are improving.
• 😀 Sometimes the mismatch between your skill level and a company's expectations isn’t your fault, it’s simply a matter of timing.
• 😀 Keep a long-term perspective—improvement is continuous, and opportunities will arise as you grow and refine your skills.
• 😀 While you may face challenges in your current job, your dedication to learning will eventually lead you to a better fit, either within the same company or elsewhere.
• 😀 Remember that expectations in the job market vary, and as you gain more experience, you will find positions where your skills align with the company’s needs.

Q & A

What challenges is the person facing in their current job?

The person is facing difficulties in meeting the expectations of a senior developer due to being relatively inexperienced. They are making mistakes, taking longer to complete tasks, and feeling stressed about the possibility of losing their job.

How does the senior developer view the person’s progress?

The senior developer acknowledges that the person is trustworthy and enjoys working with them, but has pointed out that they need to improve their skills to meet expectations. They have given the person a timeline of three months to reach a mid-level skill set, preferably full-stack.

Why does the company prefer to train the person rather than hire someone new?

The company believes that it is better to train the existing employee, as they are already familiar with the company and trustworthy. Hiring someone new would involve the same challenge of determining if they can meet the expectations and adapt to the work environment.

What advice is given regarding the pressure of meeting expectations?

The advice is to not judge oneself harshly for not meeting expectations right away, as growth takes time. It’s also important to understand that timing and the company’s needs play a big role in whether expectations can be met.

How does the speaker relate to the situation described in the transcript?

The speaker shares their own experience of working in a similar environment, feeling out of their depth at first. They emphasize that it took time to grow into their role, and that the situation described is not unique to the individual.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the difference between junior and senior developers?

The speaker emphasizes that the key difference between junior and senior developers is experience and the ability to produce at a higher level. They suggest that even though the person may not meet expectations now, they have the potential to grow into a senior role over time.

What are some potential benefits of switching to a different company?

Switching to a different company may present an opportunity for a better fit with expectations. Different companies have varying standards and needs, so even though one may not meet expectations in their current role, a different company may have different requirements.

What should the person focus on to improve their situation?

The person should focus on improving their skills and continuing to do their best, accepting that growth takes time. They should not be too hard on themselves and should understand that they might be in the wrong company at the wrong time.

How does the speaker view the role of expectations in determining success?

The speaker views expectations as a key factor in determining success, but notes that expectations vary greatly across different companies. Even for senior developers, expectations can differ, and it’s important to find a company where your skills align with their needs.

What is the main takeaway from the speaker’s advice?

The main takeaway is to cut yourself some slack, keep improving, and understand that sometimes being in the right company at the right time is just as important as skill level. With continued effort, you will eventually find a match where expectations align with your abilities.