BROADCASTS.com

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions:

\n
1. \n

   Cool-headed engineer asks,

   \n\n

   How do you deal with hot-headed project managers? I have a project manager in my team who really likes to criticize me, a project lead. Most recently, I was criticized for asking a dumb question to the users which they already answered a few months ago. They told me that I should check with them for all the questions going forward. (think: \u201cWhy did you ask that question?! Don\u2019t you know that they already answered that?! Look at this message here: . Their intent is clear. Please check with me for all questions going forward.")

   \n\n

   It\u2019s not the first time they scolded me either. They tried to pressure me to push the timeline even though I explained why it wouldn\u2019t be possible. They made a false equivalence by comparing it to a similar sounding project that\u2019s completed very fast but, unbeknownst to them, is very different to mine. (think: \u201cWhy was that project completed in three month but you need six?! Those engineers are working on the same code too. Please accept that you are not a strong engineer.\u201d)

   \n\n

   I am demoralized after each time they scolded me. It\u2019s my fault to an extent, but I think the criticism is too extreme compared to the mistake. I feel like they just want to let off some heat after their strong discussions and furious meetings with other people. I\u2019m also a frail person and break easily; I want to learn how to handle hot-headed people and extreme criticism better so I can better speak for my team and not acquiesce to all their demands.

   \n
\n
2. \n

   Hello! I\u2019m really fortunate in my current company. I have a great team, great workload that\u2019s challenging but doesn\u2019t destroy my work-life balance, and plenty of pay, benefits, and recognition. I feel this comes from having a really small group of proactive devs, and software is the primary source of revenue at this company so engineers are highly valued and appreciated. It really is the perfect place to be in.

   \n\n

   But I\u2019m also really early in my career and I don\u2019t expect or want to stay here forever. I\u2019m coming up on my fifth year, and I\u2019d prefer not to stay for more than 6-7 years because I want to continue diversifying my career. I know I\u2019m leaving for the sake of leaving, but the reasons are sound in my head. All the past companies I\u2019ve worked for have been decent but have been soured by being around 9-5 \u201cThat\u2019s not my job\u201d cruising devs, or upper management who say \u201cCustomer wants it tomorrow so just write the codes\u201d. I don\u2019t want to risk going back to that. What are some ways I can scope out a company during the interview process to figure out what their real culture is like?

   \n
\n