is not my problem
Early in my coding days when someone asked me why I didn’t do something my standard answer would be… It is not my problem. Unit tests for the payment service not passing? Not my problem. Client-side…
May 31, 2023 · 2 MIN READ
Early in my coding days when someone asked me why I didn’t do something my standard answer would be…
It is not my problem.
Unit tests for the payment service not passing?
Not my problem.
Client-side application is slow?
Not my problem.
The release is late, and the company is losing money?
Not my problem.
Because I didn’t cause any of those problems and I have already delivered my share of the sprint.
So why should I care?
Then the company started having financial issues. Developers are being let go. I need to find a job fast. It became my problem.
I am interviewing and have no idea about unit tests or web performance. It became my problem.
Avoiding taking responsibility made a mediocre developer. One day scrolling through Twitter, I bump into a phrase that struck me like thunder:
“Not all your problems are your fault.
But all of your problems are your responsibility to fix.”
So I don't only switch jobs, I switch attitudes. I chose to take responsibility.
Another team struggling with React? I am pretty good at it, so I offer a helping hand.
Email service has high error rates and not one has the time to look at it? I volunteer.
Junior developers struggle with TypeScript? I offer to give a Friday workshop where we pair program together and upskills them.
The result?
Promotions, salary raises, job security, and most appreciation for a job well done.
Change your attitude, change your outcome.
To become a Senior Developer, you must first develop a senior attitude. That means taking responsibility and moving things forward. In your career and in your life.
Today, pick a problem that is not your fault and make it your responsibility to fix.
Take care, Dragos
P.S. Looking to get to the Senior level predictably with a personalized plan, accountability, and feedback?Apply here now to see if you qualify. <https://www.theseniordev.com/apply>
