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Discussion on: I'm a veteran UI developer, AMA!

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davidchang profile image
David Chang

Hi Rob, thanks for offering this. Do you ever get bored with programming? Specifically with UI programming and writing React? If so, is there anything you do to mitigate that boredom?

If you don't mind me asking, have you been an "individual contributor" the whole time or did you also hold other roles (sounds like you have from running your own marketing agency). Did you feel pressure to do more than just be an "individual contributor" (eg some sort of management)?

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kendalmintcode profile image
Rob Kendal {{☕}}

Hey David, my pleasure.

I don’t really get bored with programming but I do find I have peaks and troughs of enthusiasm for other things that are part of it. For example, I had a break from social media and blogging last year as I just wasn’t feeling it, didn’t have the mojo. But it’s important to have breaks and come back stronger later. It does work and I’m back on it now.

I do get frustrated with some of it mind. Having to redo parts of code because of miscommunication or indecision, unnecessary meetings and so on. But I try to think of it as short term pain for long term gain and focus on the end goal.

I’ve had a few roles, predominantly as an individual within a team. I’ve rarely felt pressure to do more and I’ve alway spoken out when I’ve felt ‘put upon’. That said, I’ve always been happy to further my knowledge and expand my responsibilities especially when it came to mentoring juniors or taking charge of a specific area responsibility.

When I ran my agency, I did have to wear a lot of hats, but that’s part of running a business and it’s a steep learning curve. And it’s hard work.