Every job has its positive and negative points, and software development is no different. Ask a bunch of random developers, and they will make these points about what they love and loathe about their jobs.
Coding is a fabulous job as it provides all the cool gadgets and simplifies the user’s work, but what goes on in the mind of those developers who build applications software is really interesting. Opinions will vary, but sometimes, the pleasures and pains of software development are opposite sides of the same coin. Here is a list of things the programmers enjoy and detest about coding.
Finding New Solutions vs. Finding Different Solutions for Already Existing Issues
Developers love solving problems as the challenge of discovering new solutions through simple code makes them feel like they have a new riddle to crack every day. So, coding is just a way to satiate that hunger.
Conversely, it can be discouraging to put long hours into solving a problem only to figure out that a solution already exists. The developers hate this constant need to reinvent the wheel, where they have to find answers to the same problems that have been there for years.
This often happens because there are different solutions for any challenge they choose to solve. One must choose which methods are suitable for their application, but it is also often frustrating to know that the approach one wanted to take is already in use. The joy comes only when other ways are discovered to solve the same problem.
Being innovative, testing different options to solve a problem, and surpassing other developers are some of the best things about being a software developer.
The Battle of Creativity – Excitement of Discovery vs. Long, Boring Process
Most developers get a sense of satisfaction from building software. They love being capable of creating something that others can use. Developers are called wizards of the modern tech world, as they can create something from pure thought.
On the flip side, some developers feel that some aspects need to be more connected to their craft. The constant rut of the meetings has become a frequent sore point since they are often repetitive, unproductive, and irrelevant.
Most of the time, these discussions add little value, and occasionally, they have to create documentation, which is tedious and non-creative. Generally, more corporate backgrounds involve more process loops causing frustrations. It can be frustrating for an enthusiastic developer to focus on documentation and protocol instead of rushing creative and expert ideas.
The Relief of Teamwork vs. The Time Needed for Collaboration
Teamwork and collaboration are needed and mandatory everywhere; many people find this the best thing for their job. Talking with colleagues and weighing the pros and cons helps find solutions that sometimes people can’t find on their own.
But, sometimes, cross-team collaborations can consume the energy that most programmers would preferably spend on coding. Most of the time, developers prefer to put less time into doing other activities and churn out their ideas to solve coding problems.
Work-life Balance vs. Going Berserk on Hours
Software development differs from other jobs and fits nicely into freelancing and remote work. The freedom of working from anywhere is what developers find most alluring. And from the last 3 years, that flexibility has only grown significantly.
While not having a 9-to-5 schedule can be good, it can also be a burden. Software developers are swamped with work as they juggle many projects and continuously multitask.
They are required to consistently work overtime for non-traditional business hours, which makes them tired and frustrated. Even though software development is not physically demanding, it strains the mind and causes various physical health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle.
The Battle of Finding a Dream Job vs. The Job One Gets
The experience one has as a developer depends on where one lands a job, as the people and the environment significantly impact mental health. Not all companies or departments are equal, but one always expects a decent workplace.
Sometimes, the problem is not with other developer colleagues; it lies with the management personnel who want everything delivered NOW but don’t believe in establishing a process.
For example, it’s accepted as a good idea if someone wants to utilize agile/scrum processes, but they are still compelled to work in waterfall mode. In any case, it becomes stressful to have colleagues or leaders who are not forward-thinking and don’t have a vision.
Still, software development is a high-demand skill, and one significant advantage is that it is elementary to find a well-paying job. With a bit of time and effort, most programmers can find a position where they can do more of the things they like.
