I'm a software engineer - what next?

S01E15 The One Where You Get Let GoLaid off? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you're broken. In this week’s episode of I’m a Software Engineer ~ What Next?, we talk to Steve Jaffe, ad industry veteran and author of The Layoff Journey, about how to bounce back after losing your job — and how to find real clarity in the chaos.Steve's been through four layoffs — from the dot-com crash to 2023’s tech contraction. The difference? Now he knows how to handle it.Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and software engineer Matt Sinclair, this episode is all about:-Why most people handle layoffs wrong-The 7 emotional stages of being let go (and why you shouldn't skip them)-How layoffs can spark growth, renewal, and even joy-What hiring managers really think about CV gaps-How to turn a layoff into your career pivot moment-Advice for engineers, hiring managers, and anyone who’s felt lost after being let go.Show NotesSteve’s book The Layoff Journey - https://thestevejaffe.com/The Kubler-Ross Model – Stages of Grief - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_stages_of_griefThe "Bullsh*t Jobs" theory by David Graeber - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullshit_JobsGuest: SteveHostsMattJamesMore from ushttps://whatnext.dev/https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

Welcome back to I'm a Software Engineer ~ What Next? — the podcast for devs figuring out their next move. Hosted by recruiter James Wilson and engineer Matt Sinclair, we unpack what it really means to build a career in tech today.This week, we sit down with Dan Moore — author of Letters to a New Developer, startup founder, DevRel leader, and all-round tech veteran — to talk about how careers really unfold when things don’t go to plan.In this week’s episode, we cover:Why writing a book can change your career (even if no one reads it)Crashing a national TV website — and what failure really teachesThe IC ceiling: when to pivot, when to manage, and why leverage mattersWhy opinionated engineers stand out (and fence-sitters fade away)How AI shifts the game: product sense > raw codingShow NotesDan’s book: Letters to a New DeveloperDan’s website: danmoore.orgFusionAuth: fusionauth.ioDan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dmooreds🎙 HostsMatt: /matthewsinclairJames: /james-wilson-92170656🌐 More from ushttps://whatnext.dev/https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

So you're off to work at Anthropic? S01E14 The One Where We Wonder: What happens now that I have a job at one of the world's premier AI companies?Welcome back to I'm a Software Engineer ~ What Next? — the podcast for devs figuring out their next move. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and software engineer Matt Sinclair, we unpack what it really means to build a career in tech today — from navigating interviews to scaling as an engineering leader.In this week's episode, we cover:- The remarkably compressed career of one of the new wave of AI-powered software engineers- What it's like to build multiple successful startups before the age of 21- What someone at the cutting edge of AI thinks the future of AI holds for programmers, and humanity🗒️ Show NotesAnthropic: https://anthropic.com Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=64700Gary's Economics: https://www.youtube.com/@garyseconomics🎧 45 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.Whether you’re applying for your next engineering role or hiring your next dev, this one’s got real talk, practical advice, and a few rants.🎙 HostsMatt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclairJames: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656🌐 More from us:https://whatnext.dev/https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

Welcome back to I'm a Software Engineer ~ What Next? — the podcast for devs figuring out their next move. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and software engineer Matt Sinclair, we unpack what it really means to build a career in tech today — from navigating interviews to scaling as an engineering leader.In this week's episode, we dig into the most debated topic on dev Twitter and LinkedIn:Should software engineers have to do coding interviews?James recently shared a post on LinkedIn about the reality of coding rounds in interviews — and, well, let’s just say it triggered some responses. In this episode, we get into what’s changed, why this topic hits so hard, and what better might look like.Link to post: https://short-link.me/1aiiBWe cover:Why live coding isn't the job — and what hiring managers should be testing insteadWhat Matt means when he says: “Some engineers are still living in 2019”Why engineers can’t afford to be picky anymore (and why that sucks)How to evaluate engineers without a whiteboard testThe tradeoffs between tasks, take-homes, pairing, and probationsThe importance of initiative, communication, and knowing what you’re “known for”Whether you’re applying for your next engineering role or hiring your next dev, this one’s got real talk, practical advice, and a few rants.🎙 HostsMatt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclairJames: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656🌐 More from us:https://whatnext.dev/https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

Welcome back to I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next? — the podcast for devs figuring out their next move. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and software engineer Matt Sinclair, we unpack what it really means to build a career in tech today — from navigating new tools to redefining what it means to be a "good" engineer.In this week's episode, we tackle the question that’s been making the rounds:Is AI going to take your job as a software engineer?Short answer: not exactly.Long answer: it’s complicated — and that’s exactly what James and Matt dig into.We cover:Why comparing AI to a "table saw" might actually be the best metaphorThe difference between automating toil vs replacing talentWhy taste, judgment, and deep thinking still matter more than everWhat the shift from imperative to declarative programming means for your workflowWhy “deep generalists” might just rule the next era of softwareHow to future-proof your engineering career with communication, initiative, and curiosityWhether you’re a junior developer wondering what to focus on, or a senior engineer feeling overwhelmed by the AI hype, this episode’s for you.📌Show Notes & LinksOzzy Man Reviews — speedboat meme (yes, we really went there)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9mtM0uIQ9QCynefin Framework https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-framework/Claude Code by Anthropic — used by Matt to rubber duck specs and designhttps://www.anthropic.com/claude-code👥 HostsMatt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/🔗 More from us:https://whatnext.dev/https://quantumfaxmachine.com/

In this episode of What Next? I'm a Software Engineer, James Wilson is joined by Matthew Sinclair to unpack how AI is changing the way engineers work, code, and think. They discuss:Why AI is both a superpower and a trapThe shift from imperative to declarative computingHow tools like Claude can help you rubber-duck a specWhy engineers who refuse to adapt may fall behindWhat hiring managers are really looking for in the age of AIIf you're a developer wondering whether AI is your best friend or worst enemy, this one’s for you.👉 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you’ve got thoughts on AI and the future of engineering.📩 Have an idea for a future topic? Reach out to us directly!Related:https://whatnext.devhttps://matthewsinclair.comhttps://quantumfaxmachine.com

"I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.Have you ever wondered when it's time to walk away from your role—and when it really isn't? In this episode, James and Matt dive into the messy reality of engineers switching jobs. They explore:- Burnout and bad management- The lure of salary bumps and startup glory- Strong views on functional programming- The myth of startup equity, and- Why time-compressed learning might be the biggest win of allIf you've ever wondered if now was the right time to stay or go, this episode might be for you.🎧 20 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.Show Notes:- Let's talk about 4/3 time: https://medium.com/@matthewsinclair/0133-lets-talk-about-4-3-time-37c89de5a17b- TPS Reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy3rjQGc6lA- Office Space (1999): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0151804Hosts:- Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/- James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:- https://whatnext.dev- https://matthewsinclair.com- https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next? is a podcast for software engineers at a crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran engineer Matt Sinclair, it explores what it means to grow in your career—whether you're staying on the IC track, moving into leadership, or redefining success entirely.🎙 In this episode, we tackle the title trap.Matt and James dig into:- How culture affects how we view titles (Australia vs UK vs US)- What titles really say (and don't say) about your skills or impact- Why some companies strip titles altogether—and what happens when they do- Whether the only way to get promoted is to become a manager- How to think about IC progression when the ladder isn't clear- How to stand out without relying on your CV or job title.If you've ever wondered whether you're a "Senior Engineer" or just stuck in a system that defines progress by job titles, this episode might be for you. 🎧 16 minutes Show Notes & LinksHosts:Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Website: https://whatnext.devMore from Matt: -https://matthewsinclair.com-https://quantumfaxmachine.com

Are you a React developer, or just someone who uses React?In this episode of What Next?, Matt and James dig into:Why engineers get stuck identifying with tools, not skillsWhat hiring managers often look forHow to stand out by showing how you think, not just what you knowWhy AI will amplify your strengths, or your mistakesWe go deep on how engineers can future-proof their careers by thinking beyond the resume buzzwords.Original Linkedin Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/james-...🎧 15 minutes. Zero fluff. Tune in now.

In our first short episode Matt and James dive into something every hiring manager and recruiter has faced: Candidates who seem like a great fit — strong CV, good early interviews — but don’t make it through. Or, just as often, the ones that slip through the cracks but might have been the right hire.Drawing on Matt’s years of experience leading engineering teams, we talk through:Why hiring starts with understanding the real problem you’re solvingHow the cost of a “wrong hire” compares to the risk of missing the right personWhat makes hiring for deep tech roles fundamentally different from product-focused startupsWhy values alignment can matter more than technical brillianceWhat engineers should look for when evaluating whether a startup is worth joiningIf you're scaling a team or navigating your next move as an engineer, this episode offers a grounded look at where things go right — and wrong — in the hiring process.🔎 Full episodes & show notes at whatnext.dev

I'm a Software Engineer ~ what next? S01E05 A short mid-season review of where we are going next"I'm a Software Engineer ~ What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.In this episode, we reflect on what we've learned from making the first four episodes of the podcast—what worked, what didn't, and where we want to take things next. We talk about refining the format, improving audio quality, and getting better at planning and post-production. We also share our goals for the rest of Season 1 and how we hope to keep improving the experience for listeners.Whether you're an engineer, a manager, or someone looking for inspiration to navigate your career path, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Shoutouts:A special shoutout to Kenneth Ekow from Scale Story, who gave us a ton of great feedback on the first four episodes, some of which we will (hopefully) put into practice in the next episodes!Keneth Ekow:   / helloekow   Hosts:Scale Story: https://www.scale-story.com/Matt:   / matthewsinclair  James:   / james-wilson-92170656  Related:https://whatnext.devhttps://matthewsinclair.com/https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I'm a Software Engineer — what next? S01E04 Swapnali Bhansali - Navigating Career Growth, Leadership, and ChallengesI'm a Software Engineer, What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.In this episode, we sit down with Swapnali Bhansali, a seasoned engineering leader and software quality expert, to discuss her journey navigating career transitions, international moves, and the challenges of stepping into leadership roles as a woman in tech. From starting her career as a campus recruit at Yahoo to becoming a senior leader in the UK, Swapnali shares candid insights on overcoming professional setbacks, breaking through biases, and redefining leadership on her own terms. She opens up about the barriers women face in corporate spaces—whether it’s returning to work after maternity leave, being overlooked for senior roles, or simply making their voices heard in male-dominated rooms.We explore:- The hidden cost of poor software quality and how to build a culture of excellence- The reality of international career moves and adapting to new work environments- How to transition from an individual contributor to a leadership role—twice- The challenges women face when re-entering the workforce after career breaks- Practical advice for allies, hiring managers, and leaders on supporting diverse teamsWhether you’re an engineer, a manager, or someone looking for inspiration to navigate your career path, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.Guest:- Swapnali Bhansali: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapnalibhansali/Hosts:- Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/- James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:- https://whatnext.dev- https://matthewsinclair.com/- https://quantumfaxmachine.com00:00 Swapnali’s Episode Intro05:28 How Experience Has Shaped Swapnali’s View on Hiring13:36 Challenges Returning to Work After Maternity Leave21:46 Advice for Female Engineers Moving into Leadership30:03 How Allies Can Support Women in the Workplace

I'm a Software Engineer — what next? S01E03 Danielle Ullner - VC and PEI'm a Software Engineer, What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.In this episode, we speak with Danielle Ullner, a veteran venture builder with extensive experience in the US VC space as an operator and executor and, more recently, with BCG Digital Ventures and BCG X in London and North America. She helps us, as engineers, understand how to work with one of the most critical segments of the digital venture building workforce: VCs.Guest: Danielle Ullner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-blumberg-ullner/Links:Desirability, Viability, and Feasibility: https://www.uxdesigninstitute.com/blog/desirability-viability-and-feasibility/Manager README: https://managerreadme.com/Hosts:- Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/- James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:- https://whatnext.dev- https://matthewsinclair.com/- https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I'm a Software Engineer — what next? S01E02 Michael Smith (CEO Sagittal) - Frameworks"I'm a Software Engineer, What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.In this episode, we speak with Michael Smith, CEO of Sagittal.AI, a seasoned expert in software and related digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and, more recently, AI-enhanced software engineering team productivity. In this wide-ranging conversation, we tackle everything from the early days of software engineering to the role of AI in development to the best frameworks for managing the complexity of people, processes, and technologies.Guest:Michael Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myksmith/Links:Sagittal.AI: https://www.sagittal.aiCynefin Framework: https://thecynefin.co/about-us/about-cynefin-frameworkHosts:Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:https://whatnext.devhttps://matthewsinclair.com/https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I’m a Software Engineer — what next? S01E01 Carlton Lane - Boundary Conditions"I'm a Software Engineer, What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads.Hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matt Sinclair, it offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond.Featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, this podcast guides engineers seeking career direction and development. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.In this episode, we speak with Carlton Lane, a storied software engineer and leader who has traversed the boundary conditions of engineering, management, and leadership multiple times.He has a great story about working in different cultures in Australia, North America, China, and the UK. He has been lucky enough to go forward into management and leadership, working with great teams around the world and intentionally making the transition to go back to hands-on software development.This is a fantastic chat with a great engineer with a lot of wisdom to impart.Guest:Carlton Lane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carltonlane/Links:Axon: https://www.axon.com/Hosts:Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewsinclair/-James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-92170656/Related:https://whatnext.dev- https://matthewsinclair.com/-https://quantumfaxmachine.com

I'm a Software Engineer - What Next? S01E00 Pilot - James and Matt"I'm a Software Engineer - What Next?" is a podcast for software engineers at a career crossroads. It is hosted by tech recruiter James Wilson and veteran software engineer Matthew Sinclair and offers insights into navigating career transitions from individual contributor roles to management and beyond. This podcast, featuring discussions on personal growth and leadership, is a guide for engineers seeking direction and growth in their careers. Join us to explore the paths and possibilities that lie ahead in the tech industry.Show Notes:James Wilson on LinkedInMatthew Sinclair on LinkedInMatthew Sinclair's Blog(s)"Everyone lies to leaders" -- Jade Rubick"Attitude, Altitude, Agency" -- Matthew Sinclair"The 5Cs" -- Matthew SinclairQuantum Fax Machine (reading lists on selected topics)