Know Your Worth and Always Do Your Best

Regular communication is critical to software development because sometimes, things do not work as expected. Communicating that you are going to miss a deadline before you miss the deadline ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps resolve unanticipated delays. Potentially missing a deadline will happen in the real world. Frequent communication prepares other team members and stakeholders to expect these unforeseen delays.

As I gained experience working in high-risk, complex situations where my actions could potentially have long-term consequences, I learned that my boss would absolutely shape the quality of my life. It's important to work with a boss that knows your value. It's easy to miss the importance of communication or relay a deadline that is YOUR deadline and not the deadline of the deliverable. It's essential to structure your communication toward when you can deliver your work as opposed to when you plan to finish it. I work hard to reach deadlines; however, when expressing my work, I have an estimation focus: "this is when I can produce the work you are asking for."

 

There are two kinds of employers out there: employers who are slave drivers and employers who are interested in your creativity. A boss that ruthlessly enforces deadlines creates a negative work environment that reduces overall productivity. A boss that supports his employees allows them to produce their best work. I have often found that men who are upset over deadlines are actually upset because they feel a loss of respect for their authority. I would be concerned if my boss were truly emotionally upset over a deadline because that is inappropriate for the workplace environment. 

An element of complexity exists in software development. In a complex working environment, you will miss deadlines. A good boss will give you permission to fail and advise you on how to do better next time. I am a borderline workaholic. I would be harder on myself than any boss should ever be on me over a missed deadline. I have a very strong work ethic.  Anyone that knows me knows that about me. I care immensely about the people around me. I regularly work past the hours that are required of me, and I produce quality work. I do not leave team members hanging on purpose. I wish someone had told me this when I was younger: YOU get to CHOOSE who you work for. Always do your best, but know your worth. Don't work for people that fail to recognize it.

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