Healthy Software Developer

Have you ever seen another programmer who wasn't as skilled as you get promoted? Did you tell yourself management was making a mistake? Earlier in my career I didn't realize I was doing some things that caused managers to lose confidence in me. I would spend all my time writing code and never think about how I came across to other people. In this episode, I share some harsh truths I've learned about how being a software engineer can cause us to do things we think the company wants - that actually hurt our reputation in the long run. Companies are actually paying you for confidence as a programmer. And this episode is full of practical strategies for making sure you don't fall into traps that stop you from getting recognized for the great code you write as a programmer - before your career is really getting started! Join my Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/HealthySoftwareDeveloper  TechRolepedia, a wiki about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ The Healthy Software Development career guide:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Learn about one-on-one coaching with Jayme:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:19) 1. What Companies Really Want From Programmers (2:12) 2. How To Build Employer Confidence as a Programmer (2:22) 2.1 Minimize Communicating Problems and Doubt (5:42) 2.2 Repeat Management's Desires (7:46) 2.3 Anonymize Blame on Dependencies (10:57) 2.4 Reduce Your Throughput (14:52) 2.5 Elevate Your Coworkers (17:05) 2.6 Over-communicate Status (20:11) 2.7 Highlight Discovered Shortcuts (22:20) 2.8 Document Verbal Decisions (26:58) Episode Groove Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

Making videos, podcasts, or blogs could be just what your career as a programmer needs. But it could also be a complete waste of time. Many programmers become influencers, but there are two very different reasons for doing so. In this episode, I share the difference between being a pure influencer, or posting online for content marketing. Content marketing is helping people solve some problem they have with your content to encourage them to consider doing business with you. If you're considering working for yourself by starting a software product company, becoming a consultant or freelancer, or selling courses on software development or engineering - becoming an influencer through content marketing is the key to making sales and actually having a business. Join my Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/HealthySoftwareDeveloper  Download my free career guide:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get access to TechRolepedia, a data hub about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:27) 1. The 2 Purposes of Online Content (1:31) 1.1 For Social Status and Influence (3:49) 1.2 Demonstrating Competence (6:09) 2. How Content Marketing Helps Your Career (6:14) 2.1 Getting a Better Job (7:38) 2.2 Sell Products and Services (10:03) 3. 5 Myths of Content Marketing (10:12) 3.1 Your Ideas Must Be Original (12:31) 3.2 You Have To Post Everywhere (13:40) 3.3 You Have To Post All The Time (17:04) 3.4 You Should Post a Variety of Topics (20:40) 3.5 You Must Post in All Mediums (23:51) 4. Building a Business Through Content (24:13) 4.1 Give Away Something Valuable (26:37) 4.2 Have a Contact Form (29:40) 4.3 Get Referrals Through Shares (32:53) Episode Groove Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

Six years ago I was suddenly struck with chronic insomnia where I couldn't sleep more than 3 hours a night. This lasted for nearly 3 years, and I struggled through sleep studies, behavioral changes, and all the typical tips you read online about overcoming insomnia. Working as a programmer in the tech industry can create a lot of anxiety because we work with our mind. And if your mind is stressed out, add on to that the pressure of personal relationships and finances - and you've got a recipe for horrible sleep problems. What ultimately treated my insomnia and helped me heal was a combination of psychological, behavioral, environmental, and physical changes I made. In this episode I share 25 practical steps you can try if you're personally struggling with getting a good night's sleep. I hope if you've lost hope that healing your insomnia is possible, my story and what I did gives you the courage to give it another try. Join my Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/HealthySoftwareDeveloper  Learn about the CBT-i app:  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/cbticoach_app_public.asp  Download my free career guide:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get access to TechRolepedia, a data hub about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:15) Negative Effects of Insomnia (2:19) Categories of Insomnia Solutions (2:29) 1. Psychological Sleep Solutions for Insomnia (2:35) 1.1 Wrap Up Your Workday (3:57) 1.2 Keep a Notepad By Your Bed (5:03) 1.3 Schedule Worry Time (7:04) 1.4 Do 1 Thing You're Putting Off (8:41) 1.5 Reduce Social Media Use (9:21) 2. Behavior Sleep Solutions for Insomnia (9:27) 2.1 Set a Realistic Sleep and Wake Time (11:54) 2.2 Don't Look at The Clock (12:58) 2.3 Only Use Your Bed for Sleep or Sex (14:10) 2.4 Stay off Devices for an Hour Before Bed (15:19) 2.5 Quit Drinking or Doing Drugs (16:35) 3. Environmental Sleep Solutions for Insomnia (16:40) 3.1 Keep Your Room Dark and Cold (18:28) 3.2 Use a Fan or White Noise Generator (19:37) 3.3 Use Tungsten Light Bulbs (21:32) 3.4 Use a CPAP Machine or Tape (23:05) 3.5 Side Sleeping with a Tall Pillow (24:20) 4. Physical Sleep Solutions for Insomnia (24:24) 4.1 Don't Eat or Drink After Dinner (25:33) 4.2 Cardio Exercise Every Morning (28:45) 4.3 Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine (31:07) 4.4 Drink Water Throughout the Day (32:29) 4.5 Get Enough Magnesium Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

We programmers love to "do it ourselves", and this can help us stay productive and keep ourselves busy. But the dark side of this tendency, is that it can make it harder to get help - when we actually need it. In this episode, I share some ways I've learned that software engineers are trained by society, the workforce, and the software industry to resist getting help from others. Then I offer some practical questions you can ask yourself to know if you're in a situation where you should really adopt the DIY mindset - or avoid getting trapped into learning something you don't need to. Join my Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/HealthySoftwareDeveloper  Download my free career guide:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get access to TechRolepedia, a data hub about the top 25 roles in tech:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:22) 1 3 Reasons Why Programmers Don't Get Help (1:28) 1.1 Individualized Education (2:02) 1.2 Corporate Reinforcement (2:41) 1.3 Gossip over Substance (4:49) 2 5 Reasons DIY Can Be a Bad Idea (4:57) 2.1 Low Repeatability Activity (6:41) 2.2 Outside Your Core Skill Set (7:41) 2.3 You've Failed 3 Times (9:23) 2.4 You Keep Putting It Off (10:41) 2.5 Easy Access to An Expert (12:33) Episode Groove Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

Ever try to sell someone on why you're the right person for them to hire in tech? Or maybe you have a software product or offer freelance IT consulting services you need to sell? I'll bet you've run into the situation where the other person you're talking to doesn't seem to "get" why you're the best solution to their tech problems. In this episode, I share what I've learned through digital marketing about how to really connect with the person you're convincing in tech, so they can understand the value you offer - and buy your idea. This can help you escape the corporate grind and work for yourself as an entrepreneur, consultant, coach - or sell courses. But it can also help you with the everyday challenge of convincing software architects, managers, and anyone you work with to support any idea you have. Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (3:02) Episode Outline (4:25) 1 How Aware Is Your Prospect of The Problem? (5:10) 1.1 Problem Unaware (7:27) 1.2 Problem Aware (9:46) 1.3 Solution Aware (10:43) 1.4 Ready to Buy (13:46) 2 How Well Do You Know Your Prospect? (14:44) 2.1 Basic Demographics (16:12) 2.2 Industry-Specific Demographics (18:21) 2.3 Psychographic Profile (21:29) 3 Are You Selling To The Right Prospect? (21:37) 3.1 Who's The Ultimate Buyer? (23:52) 3.2 What's The Prospect's Budget? (25:47) 3.3 How Urgent Is Solving The Problem? Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

On the first software project of my career, I thought doing a good job was all that mattered to move ahead. And while I was successful, I was manipulated by many other programmers through political games. After that experience, I was tempted many times in my career to fight dirty. And sometimes, I made the wrong decision. In this episode, I share the reasons why we're tempted as coders on software projects to throw ethics to the wind when the temptation for money, power, or prestige are strong. And how falling prey to that temptation may get you ahead in the short term, but it hurts you in the end. I hope you find some encouragement to take the high road when faced with political games on software development teams, and refuse to bend to other people's will who are unethical! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (2:04) 1. Why Programmers Are Tempted To Fight Dirty (2:09) 1.1 High Stakes Competition (3:00) 1.2 Visibility and Recognition (3:50) 1.3 Fear of Obsolescence (5:32) 1.4 Cultural and Structural Encouragement (8:22) 1.5 Misguided Notions of Success (9:37) 2. Resisting Corruption in Tech (10:31) 2.1 Long Term Results & Reputation (12:39) 2.2 The Power of Networking (14:54) 2.3 Personal Peace and Satisfaction (17:17) 2.4 The Ripple Effect of Positivity (18:42) 2.5 Faith In Doing The Right Thing (20:10) Episode Groove Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

After my first decade of coding, I learned so much I thought: "I must be at least somewhat intelligent, right?". But there was something more valuable I lacked - wisdom. Without wisdom, you'll make decisions in your career that look right in the short term - but turn out disastrous over time. Wisdom is the ability to make decisions when the rules don't apply. There's no book you can read, no guide to follow, and no clear cut answer. It's derived from experience, sound judgment, a broad perspective, and considering the ethical implications of a decision. And if you learn to cultivate wisdom, you can achieve the things that really matter in your career - and life. In this episode I share why people in tech careers often mistake intelligence for wisdom. Then I'll help you understand why our industry is so prone to making unwise decisions. I'll go on to help you see the dangerous outcomes of short-term thinking. And finally, I'll share some practical things you can do to become a wiser programmer - and technologist in general. Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:23) Defining Intelligence and Wisdom (2:14) Stories of Intelligence and Wisdom (5:10) 1. How Tech Jobs Confuse Intelligence and Wisdom (5:20) 1.1 Equating Problem Solving with Broad Insight (6:27) 1.2 Prioritizing Speed over Sustainability (7:51) 1.3 Specializing vs Holistic Understanding (9:44) 2. How Ignoring Wisdom Hurts Us in Tech (9:51) 2.1 Ethical Implications (12:42) 2.2 Short-Term Over Long-Term Thinking (13:45) 3. How To Be a Wiser Technologist (13:52) 3.1 Expand Your Breadth of Knowledge (16:35) 3.2 Get a Mentor (18:30) 3.3 Reflect and Be Mindful (22:02) 3.4 Seek the Counsel of Generalists (25:02) 3.5 Engage with Non-Technical Communities Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards

If you want a lasting career in software development, you've got to be wiser than your average coder. There's a lot of advice that promotes short-term thinking around programming, and if you aren't careful you can burn your bridges before you reach the finish line. In this episode, I share what I've learned about why most programmers don't last in their career. There are 8 laws to a lasting career as a programmer. If you follow these laws, you'll not only move ahead much faster than most programmers - you'll be able to develop software in a healthy way! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:33) 8 Laws to a Lasting Programming Career (1:52) 1. Embrace the Imposter (3:08) 2. Make Technology Stupid Simple (4:27) 3. Buffer and Delay Commitments (7:21) 4. Skip the Leveling Grind (9:29) 5. Pick Your Battles (11:18) 6. Always Be Networking (12:40) 7. Know When You're The Code Monkey (14:27) 8. Get Out While You Can (17:50) Episode Groove Visit me at healthysoftwaredeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards  

The familiar question "should I stay or should I go?" is common to programmers, or really anyone in a tech job. But it's tempting to just bail the moment you don't like some aspect of the job, hoping for greener pastures. The flipside of this is when you probably should have left a long time ago but you stick around! Hey, I've been there. It's easy to have fear and blind spots make it hard to know what to do. In this episode I share 7 signs it may be time to quit your toxic tech job and move on to something better. If you only see several of these signs, that's actually pretty normal. But if you're stacking up a bunch of these (or a few are particularly bad) you need to take action! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:57) 7 Signs it's Time to Quit Your Tech Job (2:42) 1. Personal and Professional Stagnation (3:32) 1.1 Self-Serving Pitching of Opportunities (4:42) 1.2 Career Advancement Opportunities (6:15) 2. Misaligned Goals or Ethics (6:22) 2.1 Unethical Asks by Company (7:19) 2.2 No Passion for Company (8:20) 3. Toxic Work Environment (8:30) 3.1 Poor Decisions by Management (9:47) 3.2 Micromanagement (10:56) 3.3 Lack of Support  (11:50) 3.4 Overwork Culture (13:15) 3.5 Undervalued Employees (14:25) 3.6 Rife with Politics (15:56) 4. Work/Life Imbalance (16:04) 4.1 Unsustainable Work Hours (16:59) 4.2 No Flexibility (18:28) 5. Compensation Below Industry Standard (19:08) 5.1 Mismatch betweeen Qualifications and Pay (20:27) 5.2 Lack of Benefits (21:31) 6. Diminished Quality of Work (21:42) 6.1 Lack of Motivation (22:28) 6.2 Overlooked Contributions (23:24) 7. Better Opportunities Elsewhere (23:41) 7.1 Talk to People When Employed! (25:14) 7.2 Failure to Follow Industry Changes (26:32) Episode Groove Visit me at HealthySoftwareDeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on LinkedIn as jaymeedwards  

You already know working in tech while staying in a romantic relationship is hard if you spend a lot of time on the computer. But there are other even more dangerous aspects of a tech job that can risk losing your romantic partner if you aren't careful. In this episode, I share lessons I've learned while married for 25 years to the same woman - and working in tech at the same time. It wasn't easy and I almost lost her a few times. But eventually I learned how to both be a successful programmer - and stay married. I hope this episode helps you avoid divorce or breakup if you're trying to balance a healthy relationship with a romantic partner with progression in your tech career. Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (2:15) 1. 5 Ways Tech Sabotages Relationships (2:45) 1.1 Long and Unpredictable Work Hours (6:14) 1.2 Communication Breakdown (7:58) 1.3 Financial Stress and Lifestyle Inflation (11:01) 1.4 Lack of Shared Interests & Experiences  (14:55) 2. 3 Ways to Keep a Relationship Healthy Working in Tech (14:13) 2.1 Schedule & Prioritize Quality Time (17:56) 2.2 Open Communication of Stress & Expectations (22:35) 2.3 Establish Boundaries With Work and Home Life Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

If you've never been an addict, you may be surprised to know many programmers (and other people in tech job roles) struggle with drug use. Nobody working in tech is a stranger to stress and pressure! But sometimes the ways we cope are unhealthy. If you're currently using, I've been honest and transparent with you - I've been there. I was a marijuana addict for 25 years, and often used it with the rationale that it helped me manage the stress of my job. However, I learned the hard way that using drugs to cope with work creates more problems than it solves. In this episode, I'd like to help you understand WHY drug use is so prevalent in the tech industry. I'll also share the consequences to your career that arise from ongoing use of drugs. And finally, I'll offer some healthier ways to cope with the inherent problems that programming and tech related jobs introduce - rather than turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. I hope this helps you have some compassion for your coworkers who may be trapped in addiction, do what you can to improve the conditions we all work in, and if you're currently struggling - get help so you can flourish in your career! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:12) Three Stories of Drug Use in Tech (5:32) 1. Why Do Programmers Use Drugs? (5:36) 1.1 Attempt To Inspire Creativity (7:27) 1.2 High Stress and Pressure (11:09) 1.3 Isolation and Lack of Social Support (13:36) 1.4 Normalizing Culture (14:57) 1.5 Burnout and Mental Disorders (17:01) 2. How Drugs Make Work Harder (17:08) 2.1 Impaired Cognitive Function (19:23) 2.2 Damage Mental and Physical Health (21:50) 2.3 Legal and Ethical Consequences (24:21) 3.1 Supportive Community (26:53) 3.2 Adopt Prayer or Mindfulness (30:23) 3.3 Better Nutrition and Exercise (34:11) Episode Groove Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

The popular thing to do when faced with a toxic software project - is to complain until you get out. But a healthier alternative, is to use it as an opportunity to get stronger in your tech career. In this episode I share some things I learned by reflecting back on my career through the lens of the book of Proverbs from the Christian Bible. It showed me that I actually have more opportunities to grow than I thought when I deal with difficult software projects. I hope that even if you don't believe in the Bible, it maybe causes you to step back and look at your suffering through a different lens. And if you do believe, it encourages you to put your faith to action whether you're a programmer, product manager, QA tester, in DevOps - or really any role on a software project! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:07) 5 Ways To Grow From a Toxic Project  (3:11) 1. Gain Resilience Through Adversity  (7:40) 2. Enhance Problem Solving Skills  (12:20) 3. Improve Collaboration Skills  (18:39) 4. Grow Empathy and Leadership Skills (22:56) 5. Increase Appreciation for Positive Jobs (26:20) A Story of a Toxic Hire (30:00) Episode Groove Visit me at HealthySoftwareDeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

If you're a programmer tired of the corporate grind, and thinking about starting a software company - watch out. I tried this twice and failed, but the third time went much better. Here are some practical tips to avoid pitfalls as a software engineer if you want to start a software company - and be successful! Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:05) 8 Mistakes Programmers Make Starting Companies (1:19) 1. Picking a Product That's Fun To Build (3:54) 2. Choosing a Viral Business Model (6:26) 3. Overengineering (9:00) 4. Having a Fixed Mindset (12:59) 5. Spend Too Much Time Building The Product (15:14) 6. Poor Financial Management (18:27) 7. Failing To Build Networks of Help (21:18) 8. Low Self-Confidence Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

The software industry may be messed up, but I need to be straight with you. You're resisting help! If you really want your job and life to get better, and to achieve better things in your software career - the complaining needs to stop. You need to stop resisting the things you already know you should do - and DO them. You can't solve all these problems alone! In this episode, I'm going to share some harsh truths with you about your responsibility for why your career may suck. I don't share these to criticize you, but to help you confront the seriousness of your situation - and show you how you are truly more empowered to change it than you may realize. Download my free Career Guide here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/guide/ Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/techroles/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://healthysoftwaredeveloper.com/coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (4:55) 5 Ways We Stay Miserable  (6:34) 1 Tribalism (10:22) 2 Avoiding Responsibility (13:17) 3 Giving In To Fear (18:08) 4 Escapism (21:21) 5 Pride Visit me at HealthySoftwareDeveloper.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

If you're about to get a new tech job, sometimes the red flags are obvious. But what happens when you want the gig anyway? The temptation to take a job when the pay is high, there's prestige, or it's a promotion are strong. In this episode I share some things I've learned about spotting these red flags, and resisting the temptations that come with the allure of tech company offers. I hope they help you take a more healthy job, and not get sucked into working for a company that drains your soul. Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (1:16) A Story of Deceit (6:32) 1. Red Flags of a Toxic Tech Company (6:52) 1.1 Vague Answers About Work/Life Balance (8:18) 1.2 Long Hours Are a Bade of Honor (10:02) 1.3 Suspiciously High Salary of Title  (11:34) 2. Why Do We Ignore Red Flags? (11:40) 2.1 Justifying Stress With Money (13:27) 2.2 "It's a Stepping Stone" (15:54) 2.3 Need to "Prove Our Worth" (18:03) 3. How Can You Overcome The Temptation? (18:12) 3.1 Make a Relational Impact List (20:13) 3.2 Ask Brave Questions (22:51) 3.3 Avoid Companies That Resist Transparency (24:22) 3.4 Listen to Your Gut! (26:20) 3.5 Write a Catastrophic Story (28:31) Episode Groove Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

If you're tired to the deadlines, pressure, and unrealistic expectations - it may be time to take programming for money into your own hands. In this episode, I share 3 ways you can escape the corporate grind and make money in tech yourself. Being a solopreneur isn't easy, but it's very rewarding if you're willing to learn things like digital marketing. I weigh 5 aspects of considering being a solo IT consultant, starting a solo software product company, or selling what you know about technology through online courses in this episode. Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (0:34) 1. 3 Ways To Escape The Corporate Grind (0:48) 1.1 Solo Consulting / Freelancing (3:23) 1.2 Build a Software Product (5:49) 1.3 Sell Education Online (10:01) 2. 5 Aspects of Each Method of Escape  (10:12) 2.1 Effort vs. Income (15:20) 2.2 Marketing Effort (21:42) 2.3 Dependence on Others (27:19) 2.4 Transition Cost (34:53) 2.5 Learning Required Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

Programming starts out like any other career - then one day you wake up addicted. In this episode, I share big problems with programming's impact on your work/life balance, and offer solutions. As a software developer, it's easy to get caught up in the endless cycle of coding and problem-solving, often at the expense of personal time and well-being. I discuss how this imbalance can affect your life and provide insights on how to manage it effectively. I also share some personal experiences and tips on maintaining a healthy balance between your programming career and your personal life. The video is not just about coding; it's about living a fulfilling life while pursuing your passion for programming. Remember, programming is an exciting and rewarding career, but it's important to balance it with other aspects of your life. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content on navigating the challenges of a software development career. Your support means a lot!  Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (01:45) 1 Signs Programming Is Taking Over Your Life (02:07) 1.1 Only Digital Free Time (03:42) 1.2 Stimulate and Chill Cycle (06:12) 1.3 No Quality Time with Friends or Family (07:58) 1.4 No Non-Technical Hobbies (10:50) 1.5 Living Paycheck to Paycheck (12:52) 2 Life Changes To Get Time Back from Programming (12:59) 2.1 Divorce Yourself from Software Industry Values (15:52) 2.2 Schedule Social Activity After Work (18:43) 2.3 Get Control Over Your Finances (21:56) 2.4 Explore Other Tech Job Roles (24:50) 2.5 Have a Career Exit Plan (29:10) Episode Groove Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

Feeling swamped in your tech job? You're not alone! In this episode, I dive into the heart of what makes our programming world so overwhelming and, more importantly, how you can navigate it with ease. In this episode, I'm not just talking at you; I'm talking with you. We'll explore the common pitfalls that lead to feeling overwhelmed in tech jobs and share practical, actionable strategies to help you manage your workload and stress levels. Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just starting out, this video is packed with insights tailored just for you. Programming can be a rollercoaster of challenges and triumphs, and it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed at times. But don't worry, I've got your back! We'll look at how to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and create a work environment that supports your well-being and productivity. Remember, being overwhelmed doesn't mean you're failing – it's a sign that you're pushing your boundaries and growing. So, let's turn that overwhelm into empowerment together! Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (01:41) How To Stop Being Overwhelmed By Your Tech Job  (02:31) 1.1 Relentless Pace of Projects (03:17) 1.2 Pressure To Continuously Learn (04:32) 1.3 Glorification of Hustle Culture (05:47) 2 Signs of Being Overwhelmed (06:01) 2.1 Constant Fatigue / Lack of Motivation (08:36) 2.2 Brain Fog (09:41) 2.3 Feeling Inadequate Despite Achievements (10:36) 2.4 Anger at Requests for Help (12:13) 2.5 "Too Busy" for Social Activities (13:08) 3 How To Reduce Overwhelm (13:21) 3.1 Prioritize Your Tasks (15:38) 3.2 Learn To Say No (17:20) 3.3 Practice Mindfulness or Prayer (19:34) 3.4 Exercise and Get More Sleep (21:51) 3.5 Social Media Fast Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

Let's get real about AI and how it impacts programming. There's a lot of propaganda and fear being thrown around related to artificial intelligence (especially in software development and engineering) - so let's cut through the noise together. I made this video for all you software developers, engineers, and programmers out there who want to get a real perspective on AI's role in our field. Whether you're deep into your software career or just starting out, I've got some insights that you'll find valuable. Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (0:00) Introduction  (4:01) 1. Who Stands To Gain From AI Hype? (4:10) 1.1 The Media (5:08) 1.2 Employers (6:04) 1.3 Startups (7:27) 1.4 Tech Training Companies (8:24) 2 A Rational AI Approach for Programmers (8:30) 2.1 Become an AI Generalist (10:00) 2.2 Spot The Sensationalism (11:52) 2.3 You Are The Compiler (14:38) 2.4 Use AI To Diversify Your Skills (18:11) 2.5 Build a Non-Technical Industry Product (20:22) 2.6 Teach Non-Technical Companies AI Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards

If you've been programming for a while and it doesn't seem as fun as it used to be, maybe it's time to take a step back and look at why. In this episode I'd like to help you figure out what the the root cause of your frustration with coding might be. It's only natural that if you started off writing code and eventually got good at it, you'd come to the conclusion that programming is the best tech job for you. But there could be a better fit, or you may need to double down on persuasion and some other skills than just writing code. When you're on too complicated of a tech stack, you haven't learned important soft skills like persuasion, and you make work your life - it's pretty likely that coding is going to start to suck. The good news is, you don't have to stay that way! By identifying which of these reasons for why you're not having as much fun programming apply to you, it's possible to start taking action today to get your tech career back on track. Get free access to TechRolepedia here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/access-techrolepedia/ Download my free Career Guide here:  https://jaymeedwards.com/developer-career-guide/ Need help with your career? Learn about career coaching:   https://jaymeedwards.com/services/software-development-coaching/ You can also watch this episode on YouTube.  Chapter markers / timelinks: (0:00) Introduction (0:40) Why Isn't Programming Fun Anymore? (0:56) 1. You're Not Challenged (2:16) 2. Programming Not Biggest Talent (4:23) 3. Your Industry Is Boring  (5:26) 4. Tech Stack Too Complicated (6:28) 5. You're Not Learning To Influence (8:09) 6. Your Job Is Toxic (9:30) 7. Work Is Your Life (11:18) Episode Groove Visit me at JaymeEdwards.com Find me on X as @jaymeedwards Find me on Instagram as jayme.c.edwards