Being a good engineer kinda sucks

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on their career in software engineering, emphasizing the challenges of working in environments where mediocre practices are rewarded. They discuss the importance of being surrounded by motivated, growth-oriented individuals and share personal stories of frustrations with bad coding practices. The speaker highlights the value of mentorship, constructive feedback, and the need for finding a supportive work environment. Ultimately, the message encourages viewers to prioritize growth, seek better opportunities, and never settle for less when it comes to their career development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of being surrounded by motivated individuals in your career is crucial for growth and improvement.
• 😀 If you're the best engineer on a team, but others around you aren't motivated to improve, you need to find a better environment.
• 😀 Career progression often requires taking risks, standing up for what’s right, and not just going along with the status quo.
• 😀 Finding and nurturing relationships with like-minded people is essential for personal and professional development.
• 😀 Mentorship and collaboration with motivated individuals can dramatically accelerate your growth.
• 😀 Even the most frustrating experiences or mistakes (like a 'button that clicks itself') can teach valuable lessons and shape your career.
• 😀 It's important to recognize when your colleagues are capable of growing and to provide them with opportunities for growth.
• 😀 Sometimes you need to leave a situation that doesn’t allow for growth, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.
• 😀 Personal growth often comes from being in a community that pushes you and supports you through difficult times.
• 😀 The people you connect with throughout your career can become lifelong friends, mentors, and allies that significantly impact your success.

Q & A

What was the main frustration the speaker faced in their engineering role?

The speaker was frustrated with working in a team where the people around them were not motivated to improve or grow. They found themselves surrounded by colleagues who didn't care about the quality of their work, leading to dissatisfaction and unproductive environments.

What is the significance of the 'button that clicks itself' story?

The 'button that clicks itself' represents a major technical flaw that caused serious problems, such as automatic ads running during important events. This issue was caused by poor engineering practices, specifically using state changes in a way that triggered actions without user interaction, highlighting the importance of thoroughly understanding code behavior.

How did the speaker's career trajectory shift after leaving a toxic team environment?

After leaving the toxic team, the speaker found a more positive environment where they were able to grow, connect with motivated individuals, and eventually transition into a more successful career, including a more lucrative YouTube career.

What lesson does the speaker impart about working with others?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with motivated, competent individuals who push you to be better. Being the best engineer on a team that lacks motivation can stunt your growth, so finding people who share your drive for improvement is crucial for career development.

What role do 'allies' play in the speaker's success?

Allies were crucial to the speaker's success, providing support when they faced challenges or when their own behavior was difficult. These allies defended and mentored the speaker, helping them grow and navigate difficult situations, which contributed to the speaker's career progression.

What advice does the speaker give regarding handling frustration at work?

The speaker advises that, when faced with frustrating situations at work, it's essential to find a balance between standing up for quality and not letting the frustration hinder your progress. They note that while it's important to challenge bad practices, sometimes it might be better to leave an environment that is not conducive to growth.

Why does the speaker mention their experience with React and Twitch?

The speaker references their experience with React and Twitch to highlight how they learned from others and built meaningful professional relationships that helped them grow. It also illustrates how mentorship and collaboration can play a significant role in professional development.

What does the speaker mean by 'you need to find these people'?

The speaker is referring to the need to find people who are motivated to grow and excel, as these individuals will help push you forward in your career. They advise that you should actively seek out and build relationships with people who share your drive for success.

What is the impact of seeing personal growth in others, like in the case of 'void'?

The speaker highlights the impact of seeing someone grow and improve, as it reinforces the idea that creating the right environment can foster development. In the case of 'void,' watching them progress and become a better developer shows the importance of supporting others' growth and how it contributes to overall success.

What is the final message the speaker wants to convey?

The speaker's final message is that finding and nurturing relationships with motivated and supportive individuals is more important than titles, roles, or technology. If you're in an environment where this is not possible, you should seek out a better place where you can thrive and grow.