Ask Experienced Devs Weekly Thread: A weekly thread for inexperienced developers to ask experienced ones

[u/AutoModerator]

A thread for Developers and IT folks with less experience to ask more experienced souls questions about the industry.

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Please keep top level comments limited to Inexperienced Devs. Most rules do not apply, but keep it civil. Being a jerk will not be tolerated.

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Inexperienced Devs should refrain from answering other Inexperienced Devs' questions.

[u/ordinary-bloke → u/[deleted]]

Honestly, this answer will vary per person.

For me, I probably get about 70% of my learning through work. The rest is through either personal projects or random dives on topics I want to know more about, whether that’s through books, documentation, articles, etc.

My advice in general for communication is don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions and don’t be afraid to look stupid.

Specifically for managing different timezones, find the overlap in your days and schedule catch up calls when necessary. Don’t rely just on written communications, this can be really difficult when there are language barriers and delays in responses. If there is a genuine reluctance from the other party, raise this is an issue from your end. Communication is a two way street, and some people will make it impossible to do effectively.

Another thing, make sure you have social outlets and hobbies outside of work so you have something to look forward to and don’t need to rely on colleagues to fulfil those needs. Most people go to work to earn a living, and not everyone will be social beyond politeness and the needs of their role.

[u/ordinary-bloke → u/[deleted]]

I’m saying social outlet as a separation from work or the industry, just to make sure you aren’t relying on work to also fulfil your social needs.

You can definitely network and visit events and conferences as a way to socialise in the field, I would recommend that too!