> Since I am now a senior engineer myself, I’ve started reflecting on what kind of senior engineer I want to be.
Over time you will realise that senior engineers will be at the front of the firing squad for any mistakes your team make, or worse invite the ire from middle managers if you resist attempts from them to push unrealistic deadlines or features, all in the hope of protecting your team, and the market in general. (Like putting AI into everything)
It’s a thankless position.
Some engineers have the energy to adapt to this and learn how to handle this. We call this as “stakeholder management”
Some engineers get tired over this process and lash out, and will be labelled as “bitter”.
I think more than “Staying humble” in this industry, achieving financial and intellectual freedom to pursue anything, is more important. You do what you have to do, to get there.
That gives you the ability to view yourself as a consultant and look at your employer as a client, not as a bread provider.
If they align with your values, you stick around and work. If they don’t, then you don’t feel stuck. You just move on.
kosani · 21h ago
Fortunately, my last two employers were great in that aspect. Instead of pointing fingers we asked how to avoid the incident from occuring agakn.
That is probably not the case in most companies though. So I understand your remark.
Over time you will realise that senior engineers will be at the front of the firing squad for any mistakes your team make, or worse invite the ire from middle managers if you resist attempts from them to push unrealistic deadlines or features, all in the hope of protecting your team, and the market in general. (Like putting AI into everything)
It’s a thankless position.
Some engineers have the energy to adapt to this and learn how to handle this. We call this as “stakeholder management”
Some engineers get tired over this process and lash out, and will be labelled as “bitter”.
I think more than “Staying humble” in this industry, achieving financial and intellectual freedom to pursue anything, is more important. You do what you have to do, to get there.
That gives you the ability to view yourself as a consultant and look at your employer as a client, not as a bread provider.
If they align with your values, you stick around and work. If they don’t, then you don’t feel stuck. You just move on.
That is probably not the case in most companies though. So I understand your remark.