Self-Reflection on Your Role

On a more serious note, it’s possible that the responsibilities assigned to you do not align with your career goals. You must evaluate your situation and address the following questions: Are my skills insufficient for the tasks I aspire to tackle? Or is there an issue with my current position? Am I still gaining knowledge in my role?

As long as you maintain a mindset of learning—something I believe is vital—everything is on the right track. This is part of what makes a programming career so challenging. The landscape is constantly evolving, and to excel as a developer, you must keep pace with new technologies and languages.

Unfortunately, there will be times when you receive mundane tasks that don’t challenge your capabilities. It’s crucial to figure out why this is happening.

Ultimately, only you, along with your supervisor or team leader, can provide insights into your career trajectory and work style.

Open a Dialogue

I recommend having a conversation with your supervisor to ask how you might improve and what specific skills you could develop to take on more complex assignments.

If you’re a developer with some experience but wish to broaden your scope or switch technologies, inquire if you can dedicate part of your work hours to enhancing the skills you desire. There are numerous online courses, workshops, and seminars available for you to explore.

However, be prepared for a potential "no." Your workload might already be too demanding, making it difficult for your team to accommodate your request. Regardless, there will come a time when you should take the initiative for your own growth.

The Best Way to Learn

The most effective way to become proficient at coding is to engage in coding itself. Just as a writer improves by writing, reading about coding alone won’t make you an expert.

One book I highly recommend is "Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship" by Robert C. Martin. This book delves into not only the technical aspects of coding but also the collaborative nature of software development, addressing the underlying motivations behind our coding practices.

While theory is essential, I acknowledge that I usually limit my post-work reading on technology, as my 40-hour workweek often suffices. Nonetheless, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of programming roles.

Taking Initiative

So, does this mean you’re powerless to change your circumstances? Absolutely not!

You have plenty of options. Always ask questions when you’re uncertain. Seek answers independently first, but don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed. Engage actively in your work.

The most critical piece of advice is this:

Take Charge of Your Learning.

Own Your Projects

Embark on a project entirely on your own, utilizing the skills you’ve acquired. Leverage the internet for resources and advice, but strive to be self-sufficient in your approach.

Choose a project that excites you—be it a mobile app, desktop software, browser extension, framework, or even a game. The key is to have a genuine desire to create it. If you pursue it simply because someone suggested it, your lack of motivation will likely lead to a half-finished project.

Establish clear goals for what you want to create and understand why it matters to you.

Getting Things Done

If you struggle with motivation when not under the guidance of assigned tasks, consider participating in hackathons, coding competitions, or open-source projects. Being part of a larger initiative can provide the encouragement you need to take action during your free time.

For instance, I found great value in game jams, which offer a limited timeframe to develop a game based on a specific theme. This sense of urgency leaves little room for procrastination.

Identify what inspires you to act, and ensure that your project resonates with you. Without genuine interest, progress will stall.

If you are currently seeking a position as a developer, you may find this article helpful:

To All Junior Programmers Looking for a Job in the Games Industry

I was in a similar position not long ago.

For junior developers, don’t miss out on this guide:

Junior Dev: The Greatest Perk

Don’t allow your fresh perspective to be stifled.

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