Tales of a mid-level developer
Tags: productivity, devjournal, motivation, career
Published: 2023-07-01 12:23:56

It's no secret that one of the greatest challenges a software developer must face throughout their career, is maintaining high motivation.
The fear of failure, frustration, the overwhelming amount of knowledge combined with the constant evolution of technology, can make it tough to stay on track.

However, one of the greatest perks of being a developer is being part of a community of exceptional people. 
While it's natural to compare yourself to others, that might be discouraging sometimes.
During these moments of self-doubt it's important to remember that each one of us has unique strengths and passions, we all have a special set of skills.

And we're _not_ afraid to use them.

<img width="100%" style="width:100%" src="https://media.tenor.com/DATBw-bd_ZoAAAAC/taken-set.gif">





### An Impervious Journey

The journey of a mid-level developer often starts from humble beginnings, fixing small bugs and having minimal impact.
However, with dedication and perseverance, through fire and flames, one can progress to working in a respectable enterprise-level company. 
In this new environment, well-established practices and collaborative opportunities abound, allowing developers to make meaningful contributions and to make a difference.
No longer in a lonely corner, trying to fix age-old bugs as the junior who just learned a keyboard shortcut and thought they could conquer the world, our developer now engages in thoughtful discussions with colleagues that shape the entire team's workflow.

The transition from feeling like an expendable resource to gaining ownership over a piece of work is a significant milestone for our developer. It instills a sense of purpose and responsibility that drives personal growth and motivation, transforming them to a dependable contributor.

### Navigating Overwhelming Seas

However, as responsibilities increase, so does the pressure to perform at best. 
The transition that occurs from the beginner's excitement to a newfound fear of making mistakes — regardless of their significance – can be paralyzing.
However, our mid-developer must embrace their evolving role, recognize that personal growth takes time, and that errors are valuable learning and growth opportunities, not just a chance at being publicly humiliated.

With newfound ownership comes increased responsibility. Making decisions that impact the outcome of projects and facing potential consequences can feel overwhelming. It's like transitioning from being a child to becoming an adult, but in the context of work and career. This journey is not limited to age but rather represents personal and professional growth.

Shifting from a dependant to a dependable developer means being able to stand tall and confident in front of others. It involves learning how to handle criticism constructively. It's a process of self-improvement, of embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth without fear of being judged for doing so.
The journey is long and perilous, and the mid-developer is courageous for taking such path.

### Seek Advice In The Canteen

Once during my journey, I encountered a wise person who told me, that in order to keep moving forward in your career, three factors are crucial: how others perceive you, the trust you build with your peers, and the visibility of your work.

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Firstly, it's essential to showcase your capabilities. Don't underestimate the value of your contributions, no matter how small they may seem. Be proud of your work and share it with others. Embrace feedback and advice from others who are eager to help you grow.

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Secondly, building trust with your colleagues is key. Collaborate, share knowledge, and be open to different perspectives.
Engage in code reviews, seek advice and be open to feedback. Trust that your colleagues have good intentions, especially when it makes you feel uncomfortable.
Being under the spotlight might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but you have to trust that if no one sees you or your work, ever, you are not going to feel any different.

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Lastly, when you learn to trust others and, in turn, trust yourself, let others witness your accomplishments and share your acquired knowledge. Embrace opportunities to learn from others and gain new perspectives. Rather than letting insecurities hold you back, view every challenge as a chance to expand your horizons.

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By following these pieces of advice, one can nurture motivation and foster personal growth as a software developer. Celebrate your achievements, be open to feedback, and contribute to the vibrant community of developers. Remember, your journey is unique, and each step forward brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself.

The journey from junior to mid-level developer is a continuous process, and with each step, you move closer to becoming the best version of yourself.