The podcast discusses attention to detail for software engineers and provides advice on how to improve this skill. They also talk about taking a sabbatical from a software engineering career and the impact it can have on one's life. They explore the advantages of fresh eyes and the importance of writing things down. Lastly, they discuss the challenges of implementing workflow changes and the impact of prioritizing family over work.
Taking a break from the software engineering industry can provide an opportunity to focus on family, community involvement, and personal growth.
Returning to the software engineering industry after a break may require rebuilding certain skills, but individuals who take breaks often bring fresh perspectives and renewed passion for the field.
Deep dives
Taking a break from work to focus on family and community
Marshall, after eight years in his software engineering career, is considering taking a break from the corporate nine-to-five routine to spend more time with his family and get involved in the community. With the support of his partner, Marshall plans to explore interests outside of work, such as watching the kids, learning household skills, and contributing to the community. While he loves software engineering, he wants to take this opportunity to evaluate if a break from the industry would be beneficial. Marshall wonders if he can easily re-enter the field after several years and what the landscape might look like for him.
Returning to the software engineering industry after a break
Marshall contemplates the possibility of returning to the software engineering industry after taking a break to focus on family and community. Although it is common for individuals to step away from work for a few years, Marshall wonders about the implications of a gap on their future prospects. While it may be necessary to start at a lower level or rebuild certain skills, the likelihood of securing a job in the industry is generally positive. People who take breaks often bring fresh perspectives and a renewed passion for software engineering. Presenting a well-crafted narrative that highlights the value gained from the break, while assuring potential employers of long-term commitment, can increase the chances of a successful transition.
Considering the potential challenges and benefits
Marshall understands that exploring life outside of the software engineering industry might bring both challenges and benefits. It is important to consider the impact on skill development and network maintenance during the break. To stay relevant, Marshall may need to invest time in side projects or pursue additional learning opportunities. While concerns about re-entry exist, taking this break allows for a deeper connection with family, personal growth, and community involvement. Marshall contemplates the potential regret of not embracing this chance to prioritize family and explore new experiences, noting that stepping off the career path temporarily can bring invaluable perspectives and contentment.
In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions:
Hello! Thank you for your podcast, I definitely find the episodes to be helpful. Lately I’ve been struggling with attention to detail. I just forget to do simple things like run pre-commit hooks before I put in a PR or before merging a PR. I went through a pretty bad layoff when my old company went bankrupt a few months back and now I am at a new role where I really like everyone I work with. The engineers expect checked-in code to pass tests and typechecks and be generally high-quality. How I can be better about attention to detail as a software engineer? How do you keep track of remembering all the little things that need to be done?
Hey guys I’m around 8 years into my career as a software engineer, been at a few companies and have been promoted to senior during my time. I like my job and have done relatively well in my career, but I’m burned out. While I think this is the best industry for me, I’d just like to walk away from the corporate 9-5 for who knows how long.
Fortunately, I’m in a position where my partner is able to be the breadwinner for the foreseeable future. We’ve talked about it, and she’s okay with it as long as I don’t sit on the couch doing nothing all day. I figured I’d take this time to watch the kids, learn some skills around the house, get involved in the community, etc. I don’t know if I’d ever want to get back in the software saddle, or if I do, perhaps I’d return in a different role or capacity.
But my question is, if I leave this industry for several years and decide to ever come back, what would the landscape be like for me? Am I making a mistake by deciding to hang it up at such a young age?
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode