7 Stages of Programmer Growth: Mikhail Flenov's Journey

Contents:

• The First Job and Its Impact on Your Career
• The Importance of Mentoring in a Programmer's Career
• Public Activity: The Path to Self-Expression
• Programmer Career Growth: When Should You Consider Quitting?
• The Peak of Professionalism: How to Achieve Success in a Programmer's Career
• Revising Life Values: How to Find a Balance Between Work and Personal Life
• The Future of Programming: Fears and Expectations

The First Job and Its Impact on Your Career

Mikhail, do you think a negative experience at your first job can negatively impact a newbie's desire to develop and build a career in IT?

When analyzing the personal development process of a novice programmer, one should take into account their sensitivity to criticism. This often leads to insecurity and shame for mistakes made. For successful learning and professional growth, it is important to avoid negative evaluation and focus on support. Support from more experienced colleagues helps overcome difficulties and create a comfortable learning atmosphere, which in turn has a positive effect on the motivation and confidence of a newbie.

Failures at your first job in IT can have a significant impact on your desire to continue your career in this field. However, such situations, fortunately, do not happen very often. If you encounter difficulties, it is important not to lose hope. Seek out new opportunities and continue to fight for your career. The IT community is diverse: some are willing to provide support, while others may use newcomers to boost their self-esteem. The main thing is to not give up and strive for new achievements in the world of information technology.

My first job had a significant impact on my programming career. It became a launching pad for gaining practical experience and applying theoretical knowledge. In this position, I learned to work in a team, interact with colleagues, and understand client requirements. Understanding the real-world challenges and problems companies face helped me develop my skills in solving complex problems and increase my competitiveness in the job market. Furthermore, my first job allowed me to build a professional network, which became an important aspect in my subsequent career advancement. This experience became the foundation for further education and development in the field of programming.

To be honest, nothing had a significant impact on me. My first job was at the Rostselmash plant in Rostov, where I mostly worked alone. Even though I was part of the IT department, teamwork was virtually nonexistent.

When working alone, you often feel like your code is flawless. However, the lack of colleagues prevents you from receiving valuable feedback. As a result, I only learned about my mistakes after the fact, when I had to make changes and search for solutions in books, blogs, and official documentation. This underscores the importance of teamwork and project collaboration to improve code quality and reduce bugs.

When looking for your first job, it's important to consider several key points. First of all, it's recommended to clearly define your goals and interests to choose a suitable field of work. Don't rush into choosing an employer; it's better to take the time to analyze the companies you want to work for. Avoid organizations with a bad reputation, low salaries, or limited opportunities for career advancement. You should also be wary of companies that don't provide clear information about their values ​​and culture. It's important to pay attention to employee reviews and the overall team atmosphere. Choosing the right employer will help you not only gain experience but also develop your skills in a comfortable environment.

For programmers striving for rapid professional growth, it's important to choose a company with well-organized teamwork. This approach has become the norm for most modern employers, as effective teamwork promotes skill development and the sharing of experiences.

Determining which companies to avoid can be difficult. One team may be characterized by a collaborative spirit, while another may struggle with a few programmers who don't properly articulate their concerns in code when submitting change requests. This underscores the importance of team communication and collaboration skills in software development. Proper code commenting and clear task flow facilitate more efficient work and minimize misunderstandings. Therefore, when choosing a company, it's important to consider not only technical skills but also the team's communication culture.

When looking for a job, it's difficult to determine in advance who you'll be collaborating with and whether a new position will lead to career advancement or, conversely, psychological problems due to negative feedback. Therefore, it makes sense to consider various offers and strive to work in a friendly and supportive team. This will not only allow you to develop professionally but also maintain psychological comfort in the work environment.

The Importance of Mentoring in a Programmer's Career

A mentor can significantly change your career by providing valuable support and direction. An experienced mentor shares their knowledge and insights, which helps avoid common mistakes and reduce the time to achieve goals. Mentoring promotes the development of professional skills, expands your network of contacts, and increases self-confidence. Through personalized recommendations and feedback, you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses, which allows you to effectively plan your next career steps. Ultimately, working with a mentor opens up new opportunities, promotes career growth, and increases competitiveness in the labor market.

In 2009, after moving to Canada and starting work at Klick, I faced new professional challenges. My previous experience was limited to developing desktop applications and web programming in PHP. However, my new role required me to learn C# and work with high-load websites. During this period, I met my first real mentor, who helped me adapt to new technologies and improve my skills. This experience became an important step in my career, opening doors to new opportunities in the world of web development.

Under my mentor's guidance, I quickly adapted and became the sole developer responsible for supporting the Sony Rewards project from development to launch. My role covered not only programming but also aspects of DevOps, which helped expand my skills and knowledge in system administration. This allowed me to effectively manage the project's infrastructure and optimize workflows, which in turn positively impacted its successful implementation.

With my mentor, I mastered a variety of tools, including Git, load balancers, and distributed systems. In 2009, user-friendly visual interfaces for Git did not yet exist, and I had to work through the command line. This experience proved invaluable, as I was subsequently able to contribute effectively to larger projects. Knowing the Git command line gave me a deeper understanding of version control processes and improved my teamwork skills.

Programmers should consider having a mentor. Programming mentorship offers many benefits, including the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge from more experienced professionals. A mentor can help avoid common mistakes, accelerate the learning process, and deepen understanding of complex topics. Having an experienced mentor also promotes professional networking and opens up new career opportunities. Additionally, a mentor can offer feedback and support, which is especially important for beginning programmers seeking to advance in their field. Ultimately, having a mentor is a crucial aspect of a successful programming career.

Self-development is an important aspect of personal growth, but it requires significant time and effort. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of people who have already faced similar challenges can significantly accelerate the process of achieving goals. Learning from experts and mentors allows you to avoid common mistakes and develop skills more effectively. This makes the path to success more focused and productive.

Before joining the Klick team, I learned the necessary skills on my own by studying books, blogs, and resources like MSDN. However, having an experienced mentor on the team significantly accelerated my professional growth.

Choosing the right mentor is an important step towards your personal and professional development. Start by defining your goals and expectations for mentoring. This will help you understand the type of mentor you need. Consider the potential mentor's experience and qualifications, as well as their success in your field of interest. It is important that the mentor shares your values ​​and approach to work.

Read reviews of mentors and, if possible, talk to their former mentees. This will give you an idea of ​​the mentor's working methods and their ability to impart knowledge. Don't forget about personal chemistry—a comfortable interaction with a mentor plays a key role in effective learning.

Also consider the mentor's availability and willingness to devote time to you. Make sure you can establish regular contact to receive feedback and support as you achieve your goals. Ultimately, choosing the right mentor can be a catalyst for your success and accelerate your development.

Determining the right mentor is not an easy task. To understand whether a person is a good fit for a mentoring role, you need to interact with them. A mentor should be supportive and guiding, not critical. If you discover that your manager is behaving toxicly, it is recommended to terminate the relationship as soon as possible. Choosing the right mentor is key to personal and professional growth.

My mentoring experience covers various aspects, including training, support, and skill development in mentees. I have actively worked with people, helping them set and achieve goals. In the mentoring process, I use a personalized approach, which allows me to take into account the unique needs of each person. My goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire self-development and self-confidence. For me, mentoring isn't just about sharing experience, but also about building trusting relationships that foster personal development and professional achievement.

I'm always open to interacting with colleagues and eager to share my knowledge. I enjoy working with experienced programmers, and I view competition as a spur to growth. When newcomers ask for help, I explain how to solve problems and thoroughly explain the principles behind each solution. I'm convinced that a deep understanding of programming fundamentals is the key to a successful career in IT.

I have a problem: I often don't delegate complex tasks and instead keep them to myself. I understand the importance of delegation for the development of my colleagues and the team as a whole. Therefore, I try to focus on creating recommendations and instructions, not just writing code. I'm open to suggestions and encourage initiative in my team. This allows us to grow and develop together, improving our overall work efficiency and the quality of our projects.

Public Activity: The Path to Self-Expression

I decided to start writing books because I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas with the world. Writing has become a way for me to express my feelings and explore various topics that interest me. I believe that literature can inspire, educate, and help people find answers to important questions. In creating my books, I strive not only to entertain the reader but also to make them think, offer new perspectives, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

I always strive to share my knowledge and experience. Despite having a stable, high-income job, I continue to write articles for my blog and publish free videos on the "Programmysli Video Lessons" channel. I realize that these resources cannot completely replace full-fledged mentoring. After watching video tutorials, it's crucial to apply the acquired knowledge in practice, and without the support of a mentor, this can be difficult. While I don't plan to move into mentoring, I always enjoy sharing my experience and helping others with their learning.

While discussing books, I noticed that articles and video tutorials often presented information in fragments. At some point, I realized this wasn't enough to fully assimilate the material, and I came up with the idea of ​​creating a more structured and holistic product. Thus, the concept of writing books that provide a deep understanding of a topic and allow readers to immerse themselves in the material was born.

Blogging is a great way to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences with a wide audience. A blog not only allows you to express your views but also develop a personal or professional brand. It is important to choose a suitable topic that will be of interest to both you and your readers. Regularly updating content and optimizing for search engines will help attract more visitors and improve the visibility of your blog online. Pay attention to the quality of materials, use keywords, and create unique content to retain audience interest. A blog can be a powerful tool for communication, knowledge sharing, and expanding your network of contacts.

A blog is an effective tool for free self-expression. Unlike a book, creating a blog doesn't require significant time investment in preparation or consideration of numerous nuances, such as the publishing format. Not every topic is suitable for a book, and in this context, a blog provides an opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and experiences with a wide audience. This format allows for a quick response to current events and discussion of a variety of issues, making blogging an important part of modern communication.

Blogging is a process that I enjoy, despite the financial investment required, especially in the case of a video blog. Creating high-quality content requires good lighting, specialized equipment, stands, and even a green screen. However, it's worth noting that video blogging can often be unprofitable.

I recently sent prizes to my subscribers in Belarus, Kazakhstan, and St. Petersburg, and the postal costs significantly exceeded my YouTube monetization revenue for the past month. This experience clearly demonstrates that blogging isn't always a profitable endeavor. Many bloggers face similar situations when the costs of maintaining a channel or interacting with an audience exceed the financial return. It's important to consider all aspects of blogging to make informed decisions about future development and investment.

Our YouTube channel is actively growing and attracting more and more subscribers. We regularly publish new content that interests our audience. We analyze viewership and engagement statistics to better understand viewer preferences. We conduct trend research to tailor content to current topics. It's important to maintain contact with subscribers and respond to their comments, which helps build a community around the channel. We work to improve video and audio quality, which also influences positive perception of the content. We monitor SEO optimization to increase channel visibility and attract new viewers.

I never expected anyone to be interested in watching my videos. So, for a long time, I avoided YouTube. However, when my blog's popularity began to decline, I noticed that many users preferred the video format. This became the impetus for creating my channel, "Programmysli." Now I share my programming knowledge and experience through engaging videos, which allows me to better engage with my audience and attract new subscribers.

I was surprised to notice an increase in the number of subscribers to my channel despite not actively promoting it. I had a negative experience in the past with a publication in Hacker magazine, which made me concerned about possible negative comments. That's why I tried to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to my channel and kept its existence under wraps. This unexpected interest in my content was a pleasant surprise for me and confirmed that high-quality content can attract an audience even without active promotion.

Fortunately, the number of negative reviews on our channel has been insignificant. Over the course of the channel's existence, I have blocked only a few users who left offensive comments. This demonstrates that the majority of our viewers value quality content and support constructive communication. We strive to create a comfortable atmosphere for discussion and share only useful information.

At the moment, I am not actively promoting my channel, but I am not hiding from my audience and continue to share content.

An experienced programmer should consider creating a blog, channel, or writing books. This can have many benefits, including the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with a wider audience. Maintaining a blog or channel helps improve communication and information organization skills, which are useful in professional work. Furthermore, publishing content helps establish authority in the programming field and can attract the attention of employers or clients.

Content creation also opens up new opportunities for networking with other professionals, which can lead to collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Additionally, such projects can become a source of passive income through monetization, sponsorship, or book sales. Ultimately, an experienced programmer, by sharing their experience, not only contributes to the development of the community but also strengthens their own knowledge and skills.

If a person lacks interest in blogging, it is best to refrain from this idea. It is important to realize that bloggers often face negative reviews. It's unclear why some people leave offensive comments if something doesn't suit their tastes. For example, if I don't like a singer's music, I simply stop listening to it instead of criticizing their work. Blogging requires not only passion but also resilience to criticism, so it's important to consider your motives and your preparedness for potential negative reactions in advance.

I often receive negative feedback, and sometimes I don't understand what motivated their authors. If you're unwilling to accept criticism, it's best to avoid publicity. This will allow you to enjoy life, relax, and earn money without unnecessary worries. Publicity can attract both positive and negative opinions, and it's important to be prepared for both.

Programmer Career Growth: When Should You Think About Quitting?

Moving to a new team can be stressful, but in Canada there are many effective methods for reducing it. A key role in this process is played by a manager who should actively interact with the team and support each of its members. This approach significantly simplifies the adaptation of new employees and helps create a comfortable working atmosphere. Effective communication and attention to the needs of the team help not only reduce stress but also increase overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Returning to your previous job is not an easy decision. A person who decides to change jobs often focuses on the positive aspects of the new position, while keeping silent about the difficulties. This is especially evident among immigrants, who often idealize their new lives and forget about the problems they face. It is important to understand that returning to an old job can be both a challenge and an opportunity for professional growth and personal development. Returning to a previous place in life and career is extremely rare. Admitting one's own mistakes and the need for change often causes difficulties, so many people choose to endure difficult situations, creating the impression of success to others. However, ignoring problems can lead to more serious consequences in the future. It is important to realize that change is a natural part of development, and sometimes it is worth taking a step back to move forward with renewed strength and opportunities. For successful career advancement, it is important to leave a positive impression in each company. For example, I have never returned to my former employers, but I always understand the importance of reputation. A good reputation opens new opportunities and helps build strong professional networks, which is an important aspect in career development.

To successfully request a salary increase, it is important for a programmer to have the relevant knowledge and skills. In Canada, I knew a person who, despite a lack of significant achievements, earned more than his colleagues. This was because he had a unique ability to quickly fix critical problems in a project. Specialists who can solve complex problems and maintain project stability often receive higher salaries. Awareness of your value in the labor market and the ability to demonstrate your skills are key factors in successfully requesting a salary increase.

If you are doing important work, don't be afraid to raise the issue of a raise. The key is to approach this topic constructively and tactfully. Prepare arguments demonstrating your value to the company and choose the right time for the conversation. The confidence and justification of your request can play a key role in a successful outcome.

• If you truly deserve a raise, many managers will be open to the discussion.
• If your boss believes a raise is inappropriate now, they will explain their reasons and perhaps offer time to ask again.
• Working for a company where you can get fired for a reasonable request for a raise is not worth it.

In conclusion, don't be shy about discussing a raise, but approach the process wisely. Prepare arguments based on your achievements and market conditions. Make sure you choose the right time for the conversation and take your employer's interests into account. The right approach to negotiating a raise will help you achieve your desired outcome and strengthen your professional relationships.

If you are satisfied with your current job, but it is hindering your career advancement, you may want to consider a change of career. Many programmers leave their companies because they have to work with legacy code that hinders development. This is understandable, as the desire to learn new technologies is a key aspect of professional growth. Considering new opportunities can not only improve your skills but also open doors to more interesting projects and modern technologies.

Each person has their own individual reasons for quitting, which depend on their life goals. When a job begins to conflict with your ambitions and expectations, this is a signal that a change is needed. It is important to realize that quitting can be a step towards new opportunities and professional development. Don’t be afraid to make decisions that will help you move towards your goals and values.

The Peak of Professionalism: How to Achieve Success in a Career as a Programmer

Many programmers face difficulties when looking for a job. One of the most pressing questions is: “How to successfully pass an interview at a large company?” To achieve career success, technical skills alone are not enough; you also need the right preparation strategy and self-confidence. Preparing for an interview involves researching the company, its culture, and its needs, as well as practicing answers to common questions. It's also important to demonstrate not only your knowledge but also your ability to work in a team and solve problems. Effective preparation and confidence will help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your desired position.

Most interviews are obtained not through active applications, but through recruiters. One programmer who worked in Russia for a long time shared his experience applying for a job at Amazon. Despite receiving no response from the company, he later received an interview invitation while in Canada due to his involvement in major projects with Klick. This underscores the importance of professional connections and active involvement in significant projects for successful employment.

At the time, the programmer struggled with English, which did not prevent him from receiving several offers from Amazon. However, he decided not to accept these offers. His experience at Ceridian, a company with thousands of employees, led him to prefer working in smaller teams where he could collaborate more effectively with colleagues and focus on completing tasks.

Programmers facing career challenges can experience difficulties, especially when working with legacy code. The author shares his experience and suggests considering a transition to a consulting company. Working in consulting allows for constant exposure to new projects and technologies, which facilitates professional growth. Despite the challenges that can arise in this field, consulting opens doors to a variety of opportunities and helps develop the skills necessary for a successful career in IT.

Large companies often face the problem of legacy code, which complicates the process of implementing modern technologies. However, it is important to understand that self-development is possible even with legacy code. For example, some companies offer programmers the opportunity to dedicate time once a month to self-education, which contributes to their professional growth and adaptation to new technologies. This not only helps improve code quality but also increases the overall team's efficiency.

The author shares information about his personal projects. During a period of stagnation, he developed several games in Swift, which can be found on enthunder.com. He also notes that his 16-year-old son created a game on his own using the Unity platform, something he is very proud of.

In one of his recent videos, the author shared his intention to move to a management position. Since July 2021, he has already held the position of manager and leads two teams. At the same time, the author continues to program and is actively involved in research, which allows him to stay involved in technological processes and maintain the relevance of his knowledge in the field.

Transitioning to a management position was an important step in his career. Previously, he worked as a programmer, then held the positions of team lead and architect, and is now mastering team management. His confidence in successfully adapting to the new role is based on his extensive experience and desire for professional growth. This transition not only expands his skills but also opens up new opportunities for development both in technology and in people management.

Reconsidering life values: how to find a balance between work and personal life

In the modern world, programmers often face a dilemma between career ambitions and their personal lives. The question of how to achieve harmony between these two aspects is becoming increasingly relevant. Mikhail Flenov, an experienced developer, shares his perspective on this issue, emphasizing that his current priorities are his health and family. He emphasizes the importance of finding time for loved ones and caring for his own well-being, which, in turn, contributes to increased productivity and satisfaction in both work and life. Thus, finding a balance between professional achievements and personal values ​​​​becomes a key factor in success and happiness in the life of a programmer.

Mikhail previously managed several projects simultaneously, which took a significant amount of time and effort. "When I work on an exciting project and receive a decent reward, I am ready to spend many hours completing tasks," he shares. Currently, Mikhail would not repeat this approach if he were not confident in the uniqueness and value of his offer.

Mikhail is actively developing fitness and devoting more time to his family. He created a family YouTube channel dedicated to traveling. "We drove across Canada by car, and after the pandemic, we were planning a trip to Europe," he says of his impressions and plans. This not only strengthens family ties, but also inspires others to an active lifestyle and adventure.

Mikhail believes that the choice between additional vacation and overtime depends on the circumstances. He is ready to take on an interesting and profitable project, but will not increase his working hours for a small financial gain.

Mikhail advises programmers who are immersed in work to find time for other hobbies. He states: "There are no secrets, it is important to be able to combine different tasks. For example, I write code and watch video tutorials at the same time. This may seem ineffective, but repeating the material contributes to better assimilation of information." This approach allows not only to develop programming skills, but also to maintain a balance between work and personal interests. This is important for increasing productivity and creativity at work.

In conclusion, Mikhail emphasizes that time can always be found if you get rid of excuses and set your priorities correctly. It is important to remember that life is not only about work, but also about enjoying moments with loved ones. Proper time management promotes harmony between professional and personal life, which in turn improves the quality of life.

The Future of Programming: Fears and Expectations

Fear of job loss is one of the most common among experienced programmers. Many specialists in this field prefer stability and remain in one position for a long time, which makes them vulnerable to changes in working conditions. For me personally, the loss of such stability causes significant anxiety. This fear can negatively impact professional development, because constant anxiety about the future prevents you from focusing on skill development and seeking new opportunities. It's important to recognize that the labor market is constantly changing, and adapting to new conditions can be key to overcoming fear and building professional confidence.

I don't feel anxious about taking on new responsibilities in a new place. Knowing that a hard-working professional can quickly master unfamiliar technologies helps me focus on what matters most—a comfortable work environment. For me, the most important thing isn't fear of new challenges, but the support of the team. However, I understand that ineffective processes or poor management in a company can cause stress, which in turn can lead to the need to look for a new job.

What happens if new tools appear in IT that make my skills obsolete? I don't believe this is possible. However, if I imagine such a scenario, I might have to consider alternative life options, such as farming. I am prepared for physical labor and have the skills needed to perform various chores around the house. Therefore, I am confident that I can adapt and find my place, even if it requires a change in career. It is important to remember that adaptability skills and a willingness to change will always be valuable, regardless of the chosen profession.

I have been involved in programming for over 25 years. It is not just a job, but a true passion for technology and everything related to it. I'm sure that an interest in programming can be developed if a person has a natural talent. However, without intrinsic motivation and genuine enthusiasm, you won't last long in this field. It's important not only to have knowledge, but also to constantly develop, stay on top of new trends, and be open to learning.

I can't imagine ever getting tired of writing code. Over the years, I've held various programming positions and plan to continue this work for at least another twenty years. I'm not thinking about retirement—I'm still a long way from 65, and then I'll make a decision about my future.

When communicating with subscribers and during interviews, important questions often come to my mind that remain undiscussed. One such question is the topic of personal motivation and sources of inspiration. I would like to be asked about what drives me in difficult moments, which books or films have had the greatest influence on my path. I am also interested in the question of what mistakes I made and how they helped me become who I am today. It is important to discuss not only successes, but also the difficulties that many people face. These aspects can be useful to others and contribute to a deeper understanding of my approach to life and work.

I haven't thought about this question. If I don't have any specific thoughts on the topic, it means there are no pressing questions yet.