I have some insight into pre-pandemic and post-pandemic job hunting. Before the pandemic, I started looking for a position because my company refused to let me work from home, even part-time. It took me six months, but I found a well-paid remote position. The first day of my remote position was the first day of…
Centralize Your Data Integrity
Systems (i.e., databases) managing their data integrity sounds like common sense, and in simple scenarios, it is common sense. However, when the business rules get complex, it’s harder to validate the data in a central location. When a system (i.e., a database) can no longer enforce the shape of the data, something else must pick…
Give a Safe Space to Express Ideas
When leading a team, it’s important to create an environment where everyone feels safe to express their ideas regardless of their experience level. Early in my career, I was leading a team of six. One of the software engineers approached me with an idea; I knew it wouldn’t work. Instead of telling him, he’s wrong….
Scrum is Overrated
Most companies follow some type of Scrum process. Typically this entails 2 or 3 week sprints. At the end of each sprint changes are demoed, retrospectives are performed and the backlog is groomed. During each sprint task completion time is captured, which allows management to project into the future when projects will reach completion. Many…