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Senior Devs in huge corps: Do you even code? (programming.dev)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I have been working at a large bank for a few years. Although some coding is needed, the bulk majority of time is spent on server config changes, releasing code to production, asking other people for approvals, auth roles, and of course tons of meetings with the end user to find out what they need.

I guess when I was a junior engineer, I would spend more time looking at code, though I used to work for small companies. So it is hard for me to judge if the extra time spent coding, was because of me being a junior or because it was a small company.

The kicker, is when we interview devs, most of the interview is just about coding. Very little of it is about the stuff I listed..

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I totally feel you. I've been in a position where the only way I could get any coding done was by working overtime.

I think like others I've found that it's more a function of how long I've been on the same team, not how senior I am.

When I switch companies or switch teams within the same company, it's a great opportunity to get a "reset". I'm no longer in charge of anything, I'm no longer the go-to person for important knowledge. I get to spend a lot more time coding and problem-solving. After a few years it gets harder and harder.

I think the trick is to find the right balance. After you've been on a team for a few years is often the best time to have the biggest impact and get a promotion or bonus. But it also means your day becomes the most consumed with meetings and you spend less time building, so eventually you might want to shift to a new team to get a fresh start.