That Lightbulb Moment

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Recently, I was pair programming with a Senior Developer and I learned a lot about myself and my shortcomings.

Lately, I’ve been considering myself a Senior Developer. I have experience with managing junior developers. I’ve handled large tasks intricate to the code I was working on. I’ve spoken to the Product managers and executives about the pros and cons of implementing a feature.

And yet, when I was pair programming with this Senior Developer, I realized that I am no where near the level I thought I was. He was bringing up points that I hadn’t thought about. He was correcting mistakes that I did not think were errors. He was forward thinking in his code, while I was just coding to code. Their corrections weren't just about syntax or immediate functionality; they were about maintainability, scalability, and a deeper understanding of the underlying principles.

This illuminating moment, has made me realized that I need to get better. This moment isn’t a setback, it’s something that I need to heed and continue forward

So, what's the next step? It's not about self-deprecation, but about embracing this new understanding. It's about actively seeking out opportunities to learn from those ahead of us. It's about asking more questions, even if they feel basic. It's about being open to feedback, even when it stings a little.

This experience has reminded me that seniority isn't a destination, but a continuous journey of refinement. It's not about the title, but about the mindset, a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and the humility to recognize that there's always more to learn.

The path to becoming a truly exceptional developer is paved with these moments of realization. Let's embrace the discomfort, learn from those who challenge us, and commit to the ongoing journey of growth.

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