Richard Donovan

@richarddonovan
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With over two decades of software development experience, I’ve gone from self-taught junior to engineering leader, to software architect for a global FTSE 100 company.
At my worst, burnout burned, and imposter syndrome hit hard.
I’ve been there, I’ve done it, and no matter your level, there are always challenges to overcome.
Now I help software developers with their mindset and wellbeing. 👍

The biggest issues we face in software development are people-focused rather than technology-focused.

Drop the stereotypes and treat those around you as people first before considering their job titles…

You’ll find problems are more easily solved, and cooperation is offered more generously.

#developers #coding #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #wellbeing #mindset #mentalhealth

The biggest thing you have going for you in this regard is curiosity.

🟢 Curiosity is a superpower 🚀

You already use it all the time:
👉 When investigating a problem
👉 When learning a new language
👉 When exploring the best tool/framework for the job

Direct that curiosity towards getting to know people, and you are on to a winner! 👀

It's great being super technical and going deep into a language or concept…

But just being technical is only going to take you so far...

The good news is you already have the skills and traits to build your relationships and communication skills - two things that will have a profound impact on your career as a software engineer.

#developers #coding #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #wellbeing #mindset #mentalhealth

🟢 Don’t forget to take credit for what you already know, while continuing to learn.

The more you learn, the less you know…

When you learn something new…

You realise there is even more stuff you don’t know…

But remind yourself…

It doesn’t mean you know less than you did…

You’re just more aware of what you don’t know…

It’s far better to know you don’t know something than not to know you don’t know…

#developers #coding #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #wellbeing #mindset #mentalhealth

Make the most of your weekend and do something to positively impact your wellbeing. 👍

Now, I’m not suggesting these two are equal in any way, but people often don’t exercise because they set the bar so high and don’t think anything less is worth the effort…

And yet, according to my Apple Watch, calories burned favoured the walk that day (not always the case!).

👉 The point is, from an energy expenditure perspective, going for a walk is absolutely worth doing, and it’s great for your mental health.

What are you planning to do this weekend to positively impact your wellbeing?

Last week, I went for a walk for just over 50 minutes, and a little later, I spent just over 50 minutes in the gym.

It wasn’t the most intense workout I’ve ever had, but it was decent.

👉 Which do you think burnt more calories?

#developers #coding #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #wellbeing #mindset #mentalhealth

Working fully remote is great, but starting a new fully remote role can be really difficult...

What can you do as an engineer to make this easier for yourself?

What can companies do to make this easier for you?

#developers #coding #softwaredevelopment #softwareengineering #wellbeing #mindset #mentalhealth

🟢 They empathise with the poor developer who has to pick up their code in the future, so they design it appropriately and pay attention to readability.

How else do you use empathy as a software engineer?