2020 has stepped in for 5 days already, yet my late stage of procrastination cancer kicked in. Before I managed to skip this year’s review, I decided to sit down and write something that might not embarrass myself.
As I mentioned in my previous year, this article title is looping me in — although I already hinted myself last year that this title might be a stone that drops on my own feet. As a not-so-green-but-maybe-still-green software developer, I really need to consider scalability.
Regardless, I do have some milestones this year:
- Hit my one-year threshold being paid to write code
- Got into a possible dream job as well as my second developer job
- Did two workshops on different topics
- Gave my first talk in the community meetup
- Gave my first lightning talk in a conference
- Did my first-time interview about being a developer
- Joined as co-organizer in CopenhagenJS meetup and MC’ed it
- Bought an apartment in my hometown for my parents (this part is def not trying to brag as the price is not anywhere near high)
- …others?
I myself actually got a bit shocked after made this list. I’m such a person who is so much better at beating myself down than praising myself.
However, what do those mean to me?
Hit one-year threshold
It still feels unreal that I’ve already been in this profession for over a year. I still feel gracious as it is definitely un-imaginable for younger me. The inner perception also changed somehow — the career feels more and more promising compared to the beginning, where I felt uncertain whether I can survive in the developer world. At the same time, I also don’t push myself as hard — although I constantly doubt if I just lost passion or this should be regarded as the normal state.
Onto my second job
If getting the first job is terrifying and intimidating, getting the second one is so much a breeze.
In the interview of the first job interview, we all behave like a small animal trying to approach some food in a highly alerted manner. We only want to get that job no matter what it takes, or no matter how undersold we are. Under the skin, we don’t really know if we are capable enough but we have to put on a show.
The good thing is after we start being a developer, the following interviews aren’t that scary any more. You could reason it as confidence. However, IMO companies change their attitudes as well — when they see a blank CV (no related experience), they think they are giving you the opportunity; otherwise, you are at least on the same level, if not the opposite.
The other thing is the change of mindset. In the first job, you know you just started, you have a starter-mindset so you are free to get people to help you or talk about your difficulty, while in the second job, you are still pretty new but you also feel a bit more experienced, or you feel there’s much higher expectation of you. That’s exactly when you start carrying a burden. I’ve learned it the hard way.
What? You thought I’d cover all the list items? That’d really extend my time of procrastination. Take it as a strategy of fighting procrastination: procrastination is caused by perfectionism, so if I just cover my eyes and make a half-baked delivery, the premise of perfectionism is broken. On that note, there’s no need to procrastinate anymore.
Okay, fine, I’m trying to self-justify. At least, I want you, Mr/Mrs reader, to retrospect on your previous year and give yourself some applause. It’s all too easy to forget awarding our own wins.
Now, it’s your turn to write it down, promise?
I’m Zoey Zou, currently a front-end developer based in Copenhagen. I write about stuff, so random that I cannot conclude. I organize meetups and workshops with friends too. I have a very bizarre style of emcee and I love to see people awkward but happy at the same time.
If you want to connect with me: @zoeyzou0117
