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this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2024
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Asklemmy
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The problem with small shops, and I have a lot of experience here, having spent my first ten years in a development shop where I was the only developer, you need exposure to other environments, other ideas, other technologies and frameworks in order to grow.
I would be looking for other jobs right now. It might take a while in this environment (I've got 25 years experience and been out of work for 3 months, so it's rough finding a job now) and you aren't going to really grow while you're stuck where you are, unless you are learning from an expert in a lucrative niche (and that's still dangerous long term if that niche dies - I spent half my career on Lotus Notes and worked hard to redefine myself as a Java dev).
If it takes you a year to find the right opportunity, it's best to start now, right? That said, you're a junior developer and it takes probably 5-8 years of experience to become a senior dev and command a reasonable salary.
Thank you.
I think you’re right about not gaining experience outside of our tech stack right now, as we consult for various clients but the boss / lead is a certified genius (not even being hyperbolic) who has refined our stack so much that a lot is obfuscated away and each new project starts from a clone of the last.
I will say it’s been nice to learn C# .Net, but I honestly don’t understand how the whole applications tie together and I’m just building in our conventions.
I do feel like I can grow more here and really hone the skills in terms of decision making, best practices and such. It’s just overwhelming at times when he says just do X, Y, and Z but in a way that makes sense in his head but I need things breaking down a little more.
I think you’re also right in starting looking now for the next role and even if it takes a while it’s good to hone my interview skills as this is somewhere I really do suck. I’m not really after a massive salary, just something more than I could get if I stayed working the bar at Apple, as I am solving problems.
I should add as well that it is incredibly relaxed and the company has been amazing in making concessions for me in terms of working from home more due to ongoing car issues and the way they support my neurotic nature and will even phrase things in a way as to remove any ambiguity.
A good work environment is extremely nice. But there needs to be a pathway to getting the big bucks. That might be a worthwhile conversation to have with your boss - what he needs to see from you to get promoted. Arm yourself with average salary information and ask what it will take for you to get there. And in a small company that might not be totally in your control. Could require a certain amount of growth or whatever. But if you have a great work environment and a great boss I suspect he'll be open to that conversation.
Thanks again.
I just don’t think it’s a possibility here, as even the owners who are very smart tend to not be after large salaries. They do enough to have a decent life and will turn down clients if we have too much on and don’t lead lavish lifestyles. Obviously I don’t know what they pay themselves, but they’re not flashy and more just want to do what they love.
The same for promotion and such, it’s two bosses and five developers. We don’t change the clients crazy fees and we will always do right by them, even if it means months more work for no more fees. Rare I guess to work for a company that will do what they believe is the right thing to do and not what brings in the most money.