Dealing With Some Common Frustrations As A Developer

In this video, I'll talk about some of the downsides and common frustrations that many developers deal with, whether working at a company or freelancing.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Unreasonable Deadlines
3:22 - Non-Developer Bosses
5:15 - Other People's Code & Legacy Code
7:37 - Rapid Pace of Technology
9:09 - Isolation & Lonliness

[@sumitmehra5119]

The burnout thing is real. Everyday I feel a surge of insecurity, imposter syndrome and frustration in how dumb I am when encountered with bugs at job.

[@diegofoliene3288]

It's like a roller coaster for me. "Oh I've found the solution to some problem" - I'm not that bad of a developer "I've caused a bug" - I'm feel stupid, dumb and I'm the worst.

[@whiteact7193]

Same here. I am the only dev in my company and burn the hell out of me.

[@simple8810]

@@whiteact7193 I can feel the pain😂

[@recursive_bit]

Good developers feeel stupid. Any programmer who thinks otherwise has never encountered a bug before :P

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Real developers don't produce bugs. "What does it say about the quality of your engineering if you have to have all this testing" - Steve Jobs

[@abdullahomar8316]

5th point: Isolation & Lonliness Finally someone spoke about it! This matter has not been given enough attention!

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Been isolated 40 years and still going strong. Deal with it.

[@jayantjayant3554]

As an introvert and beginner freelancer, I face the issue of loneliness a lot. When you acknowledged the same, I really felt very relieved that a successful person like you also have felt the same. This gives me strength to be persistent with this phase. I really feel very good after watching these type of videos of yours. Thank you Brad for sharing your experiences and encouraging us.

[@TraversyMedia]

You're very welcome. Not only am I an introvert, but I have horrible social anxiety. I would suggest really trying to get out of your comfort zone. It is something that I still have trouble with, but when I can suck it up and do it, it helps a lot.

[@jayantjayant3554]

@@TraversyMedia Sure will definitely do that. Thanks for taking time out and guiding us personally.

[@danisob3633]

same. thanks

[@Loki_Dokie]

I'm hot trash in a group of people I don't know, but I also know that I am confident in myself. Read the four agreements, good book :)

[@jayantjayant3554]

@@Loki_Dokie Thanks David, will do that.

[@aaronmendez3302]

Man Brad, I've been watching you for years now and I am so happy that you literally never shy away from being 100% real and transparent regarding a lot of what this industry really looks like. Keep whipping out this amazing content out!

[@jamessullenriot]

As a 15 year dev (yea I'm getting old) I really appreciate your videos and you are one of the only channels I still pay attention to because you are real. - "A day in the life of a software developer" ... "How to get a job at a FAANG". I am so tired of those types of videos because 99.99999999% of companies are not FAANG (although they do act like it for the interview process) and you are dealing with all of the things you listed here. As a developer who has worked at many different types of companies, most of my time was not spent writing code but rather explaining things to non-techie, dealing with bugs from some YOLO dev watched a video on function currying and now tries to shoehorn it into everything they do no matter what etc etc etc. Anyway, end of my half-assed rant - good video!

[@christian-schubert]

"Shoehorning function currying into everything they do no matter what" - OMG, that was SO me! Feeling incredibly smart got me in a lot of unnecessary trouble down the line - luckily just a personal project, so no animals were hurt during the process But I'm feeling every single one of your words 😅

[@jamessullenriot]

@@christian-schubert We have all been there. There was a time when I was watching every YT video I could trying to bring some sort of "gotcha" way of doing things to work and and it was just stupid. The more I learned, the more I understand that even complex projects are just a series of simple pieces put together. Hope that makes sense, its about as deep as I want to go with that thought typing on my phone 🤣

[@dinoscheidt]

And also when you have been at FANG you’ll quickly realize that it’s all the same water everyone is cooking with….. Also aging engineer here who loves watching this channel for the tone. Authenticity is hard to come by these days.

[@RedempleMarcelo]

This is my favourite channel. I especially like it when you explain everything so nicely. I wish you a lot of success with the channel and happy life 😊. You Can check my Video too I have Dev Tips Video ❤️

[@codysheridan324]

Those videos crack me up. The reality of my day in the life as a developer is nothing like them... ever.

[@xRichhhx]

I've been subscribed for around 2 to 3 years now and I just wanted to drop in and say: Thanks for being just so real, genuine and down to earth, those all might mean the same thing but I think that's warranted here. These videos and your commentary always help me stay on track no matter how bad it gets for me. Just, thank you for keeping it straight while also giving numerous amounts of tutorials/guides.

[@user-gnwolmgkqpcn15829]

I am so impressed by the way you tell people about working in this industry. There's no flashy or too much pessimistic stories, and you just tell us to be prepared with those. Thanks a lot.

[@vectoralphaAI]

The most REALIST down to earth developer on KZbin. Massive praise and props to you.

[@lukasminster1852]

Thanks a lot for the video! The isolation and loneliness was especially true for me. If you just work alone and pretty much don't connect with anybody, it can mess with your head after a certain amount of time. I tried to live like this for over 3 months and found out that I really need to balance it out. We need some kind of a real connection, it's like food and water for us. We actually need it to survive, it's a basic human need.

[@danisob3633]

Yeah, for some years I told myself I didnt need people and it has messed up with my head so bad. But luckily i still have hope and i think ill get over it someday

[@bez1196]

Yeah you definitely become "weird " if you spend too much time by yourself. Everytime I go extended periods without interaction, I come out and feel like I'm out of step with the rest of society. Like my energy is just off. Luckily that goes away after a short while.

[@kusztelson2947]

Have you tried co-working spaces? (If they are available near you)

[@jayantjayant3554]

@@kusztelson2947 I am thinking of trying co-working spaces. Do you have any experience with that? Does it helps in cutting the loneliness?

[@ocquintus6751]

So much needed. Bless you. I've also struggled a lot and doubted myself so much

[@bertk3923]

brad, your story resonates with me hard. i am in recovery from opiates too. i went to a bootcamp and was doing really well, relapsed, now im back sober again trying to land a job. truly, i havent met anyone in the industry who has struggled with this stuff. anyway, thanks for sharing your story

[@BobbyBundlez]

reach out to me if you ever need some hope. I have a very similar story

[@neozes]

Great video! Thank you, Brad, for keeping us up to date and down to earth. It didn't sound negative at all - very well-balanced with healthy critique.

[@cmlive8543]

I’ve definitely experienced this as a Developer, thank you for pointing this out for aspiring Developers. It’s important for them to be aware of some of the cons with such an in demand role. 👍 Appreciate the video Brad!

[@scottpageusmc2320]

No matter what kind of personality you have, the best advice I've ever learned in any career I've had is to "swallow your pride". Never be afraid to ask for help. None of us will ever know everything, and others always know something we don't. Also, just talking to someone about a problem you're trying to solve will usually cause you to think of something that solves that issue. Even if they don't know what you're talking about. I've been programming since 1986, and I learn something every day from others.

[@Adrian__d-.-b]

There are a lot of things than a developer can suffer in his life but making his time for every one of those can make the way to drive those ease, so make the time and be free for your self...salutes from Colombia 👍

[@rahultripathi8865]

Your all points are very much relatable. Keep it up. It really helps when someone is new to the corporate life and suddenly gets so many surprises

[@limitless1692]

Thank you for adding the last part on "Isolation & Lonliness".. Many people come into Tech, thinking that it is all sunshine and rainbows.

[@kurshadqaya1684]

Thanks, Brad. Those kinds of videos are really very helpful!

[@archiem6323]

Wow,😳 you are really you. I like everything you said. It applies to everybody. Well said, Brad. Always a fan of your channel😊

[@coordinates_]

The Facebook part killed me 😂😂😂. Literally I've had this so many times.

[@sonovoxx]

Been there with all of them. It's good to even point them out, so that viewers don't think they are the first, or maybe alone with these things. Good content. Many thanks.

[@aaeonCodes]

Thanks so much Brad. This was highly needed 👌

[@abmj5856]

"If you can't change your situation that do your best to work within it" That quote motivated me to get up and work,

[@hamzaeshoul1623]

Thanks a lot for your honesty and authenticity !

[@rizistt]

Your channel is a goldmine. I really needed this!

[@PrashantKumar-nk2ck]

Needed this video. Thank you 😁

[@lukor-tech]

Great insight. Thanks for sharing. Means a lot for some of the people who might be struggling right now.

[@mukul98s]

The most important thing that I learn in my internship is dealing with other people's code. When other people change my own code I felt angry inside but I accept that there no point of getting angry.

[@christopheanfry2425]

Thank you so much Brad for your content, and this video is very helpful for me. My goal is to be a freelancer web developer at 40 I’m 39 now and it’s true that to be by yourself in front of a screen with no way to ask for some help or advice it’s very frustrating. But I love coding and I won’t give up, as you after my day I can see my wife and my kids ( waiting for the 3rd one 🤯). I have to tell you that following you and taking all the advices that you give in this video or other tutorials, helps me a lot, you’re one of the only devs that I listen for this kind of thing and I think it’s because you always present this job, this passion, as it is in real life and not just only to build a wonderful project and life is beautiful. Thanks for your real dedication to this and you can’t imagine the impact you have on me to keep going and make my dream comes true. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@JD-hq1kn]

I'm 35. which technologies do you work with most ?

[@christopheanfry2425]

@@JD-hq1kn I’m with html sass JavaScript react and node and express. See if in one year I can add redux and next

[@JD-hq1kn]

@@christopheanfry2425 great.. i wish we could connect..

[@christopheanfry2425]

@@JD-hq1kn yeah why not you’re also learning?

[@JD-hq1kn]

@@christopheanfry2425 yes I'm learning MERN stack.. what about you ?

[@tonybp]

I always get great insight from your videos even though I don't code, but I like to watch your content anyway.

[@twotonetheartist]

I appreciate you making these videos. I also appreciate the tutorials you've created. Your React course helped me land my current developer job. Keep up the great work!

[@Bullit2k]

Great video 👍 Thanks for the level of detail you went into.

[@willugoupordown]

As someone who recently started their first senior developer position this was comforting to hear. From the first week where I found out the previous team of 4-6 devs all left angrily and never asked a single question during the Cascade CMS training aka the only training videos I was given, to the complete set of SCSS files that they deleted before they left that no one had a backup of, this work can be extremely frustrating at times but you have to see the positives. For example, in deleting files and getting crappy training, they left me with a blank slate to get new training and create all new CSS/SCSS for the site. Of course, I might not ever get time to write all of that stuff myself, but I know where I'll point the front-end devs when we hire them.

[@esmijooo8262]

Thank you for this. Been watching your videos for some time now.

[@dhani283]

Thank you so much, Brad 💛

[@decryptus007]

Thanks for this video Brad 👏🏽

[@some5794]

I’m doin a bootcamp, app academy, and I cannot recommend your channel enough. The wisdom and knowledge you provide is amazing

[@NiagaraThistle]

Just wanted to add a comment here to say thank you for all you do and all the content you put out Brad. I have been a web developer for 13+ years and am finally taking the time to go through your Udemy courses I purchased over a year ago. I am in the middle of the HTML/CSS course and am learning / understanding better so many things I either glossed over or ignored in the past 13 years. Specifically animations and CSS grid. I have a constant feeling of imposter syndrome as many devs do, but your content and consistent openness about the challenges developers face every day (not to mention the candid story of your path to becoming a web dev and the challenges you've overcome) continue to be hugely motivating for beginners and veterans alike. I am constantly recommending beginning web devs on Reddit to follow your channel and Udemy courses to shave YEARS of the learning curve. I really wish I had had your content as a resource when I started in this industry. I would be light years ahead of where I am now and probably have much fewer gray hairs. Thanks so much for every minute of content you put out. It is very appreciated by so many.

[@nicholasmackey]

Totally on point, Brad. 👌

[@j.almadhaji]

Thank you man Love your content ❤

[@kurisukun6485]

Been a silent fan of your crash courses, and now was able to get a full remote work. I'm wrapping up with the probation (3 months) and I must say that isolation and loneliness part is starting to creep in. And again your video just came in time for a quick motivation boost. :)

[@Salah-YT]

Welcome back boss I'm so glad to see u all the time, just by seeing u pushing me to go to code so thx and have a great life boss

[@hirokroy4904]

Sir currently learning your course from Udemia, Modern html and css. Thank you for the content, it's very easy to understand. And happy to find you in KZbin.

[@wylde780]

Really great video people often forget about work-life balance or, like myself, don't focus enough on it even though I know I'm having issues.

[@yaldakarimi3772]

Perfect video, exactly what I needed!

[@shauntonesify]

Thanks for all that you do Brad.

[@rafaelfaj]

Thank you for the video, "do the best you can" 👏👏

[@jetmartin9501]

Thanks for sharing...great stuff!

[@osanyinbiyusuf7308]

Thanks Brad ❤️

[@RonDro67]

Brad, first I want to thank you for your down to earth approach with the content you create. Also you're looking healthy and stable as I know maybe a year or so ago you mentioned you were a bit burned out and had some issues pop up and went on a bit of a hiatus. It's all part of life and as you know no matter how hard we try, it'll never be perfect. Being resilient is key. I started taking your Udemy courses over 2 years ago while working a full time job. A very tough thing to do because when I'd come home I just wanted to rest. I'm a full time Graphic Artist / Art Director where I work and going on 15 years here at this job. I'm currently 54 years old and with that said this May I start a 6 month part time full-stack coding bootcamp with a University here and I'm excited. I'll put everything I learned to the test and finally be able integrate front-end to the back-end. I'll complete the course in November and will be ready to start interviewing. I've already created 4 websites from scratch using API's along with NodeJS. I wanted to thank you because this process has been a very lonely and isolated one. This video is on point and we appreciate you being real and who you are. You've done more than you realize for people and you need to know that you're an important part in many lives. Thank you, Ron

[@RedempleMarcelo]

I love the way you explain 😊

[@MikeAllaway]

I think I've dealt with all of these frustrations today alone 😅😭

[@serhatzaferulgur4805]

I learned most of the changes made in React-Router-Dom from you. I learned nested routes from Maximillian. Anyway, thank you very much to both of you. I am happy to follow you.

[@Loki_Dokie]

Worked with a lot of deadlines in the print/graphics industry. NASCAR was the biggest headache because they held a lot of the $$$, but I learned to get it done. When I got so far I was tasked with design, print, and shipping. Good vid thanks for keeping it real. On a side note, I'm hopping along on your html css course right now and just did the hotel project. I am enjoying it thoroughly and you are a great teacher. I've been building my ex wife a website for her business on the side as I learn, trying to code from memory. Thanks brother, I'm scared but also look forward to your JS course next. :) I find myself sitting for hours on this stuff while it feels like 10 minutes has passed. It's great

[@anasalhariri5474]

Love you man thanks for the info

[@ereinionancalime]

Thank you Brad!

[@DC-xt1ry]

Wise words! There are always ups/downs like in any other profession is life!

[@aotechdev]

Brad, I don't know what to say than to say thanks I'm in such a situation right now. thank you so much

[@universecode1101]

I really appreciate these tips ✌🏻

[@mohitsaud2071]

Brad, I wish you a Happy New Year from Nepal. You are such an inspiration to me.

[@harvygascon7420]

i learn a lot from your videos, even bought your udemy courses and now you showing me how to deal with my frustrations thank you so much for doing this brad really appreciate it

[@aurrelko]

Thanks buddy, it was very helpful!

[@vietvohoang459]

Every developer needs to watch this. Thank you!

[@DaveGouda]

The constant learning is something I struggle with. It's really unrealistic to have to do this along with a full time job (unless you're a freelancer and can set your own hours). I've had at least a few jobs ask me to learn a lot of technology in my free time as a requirement for the job, on top of working overtime. I think companies need to figure this out or they're going to either lose devs, or burn them out. I've suffered burnout at every single job I've had since graduating college. Either I've just gotten unlucky or this is a systemic issue in the software industry.

[@huuhhhhhhh]

In that scenario, it seems that learning should be something done during work hours. Sure, there's always somethings you'll learn in your freetime that you may apply at work, but if it's a job requirement (outside or grad/internship roles where it might be slightly different) it should be done on company time. If the company want to inovate and grow, they need to invest.

[@Ohotnikova_]

Omg that sucks..Thanks for sharing this.

[@DaveGouda]

@@huuhhhhhhh Absolutely agree! Unfortunately many companies that I've worked at don't feel the same way. Some of my friends actually agree with the company and learn on their free time if they're told to. They think it's worth it because they're getting paid well, but I don't feel the same way. Companies should train their workers.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

People need to stop producing endless piles of new crap with huge pages of documentation which don't really do anything new but just make a new time sink. Total stupidity. One of the rules at Apple was "knowing when to say no".

[@discoRyne]

Lost a friend because they were upset that I wouldn't meet their deadline despite doing the project as a favor and never promising anything. Not even an explanation on my mental health regarding the work needed in such timely fashion was enough to preserve them as the close friend I once thought they were. There was also a moment of clarity when I recommended them to do X and Y for their design, only to find out the person they brought on to finish the project implemented X and Y despite them turning down my recommendation and overlooking best practices. Big oofs, but you live and learn and live some more hopefully. I try to be more assertive these days but not to the point of being an asshole, unless the client can only understand that sort of nature (we avoid those clients as much as possible.) Aside from that, I've been lucky and learned early on to always double my estimates for all clients or managers. The volatile nature of said clients/managers when it comes to needs or missing info almost always ends up pushing the scope, even for the simplest tasks. That's golden advice for anyone starting out.

[@twentxx]

Great information, thank you 👍

[@elechigeorge6675]

Thanks brad, you've made my day

[@bashar876]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@ismaildalhatu308]

This channel is so *POSSITIVE*

[@tigrafale4610]

Thanks for this type of video, it helps 👍

[@ryanmckenna2047]

I have experience much of what you mentioned myself, glad somebody put it out there.

[@velunarasimman7803]

Yes it is true. The frustration and loneliness damaged me a lot. I am somehow recovering from them. Your points made me to think deeply. Thanks!

[@sssrgo]

Thank you!

[@KumashShah18]

Thank you sir. It was a great help

[@afterglow1390]

I've come across and experienced all of the things mentioned in the video. My background story is very similar to Brad's, Structured planning is crucial in my opinion. Took a lot from Brad's videos especially breaking things down, making roadmaps, and pacing myself. Whether when I was learning how to become a developer, or today when I'm working for a company. I've noticed I perform the best with a written game plan, leaving room for minor changes. I would spend hours writing everything down and explaining the development process to my clients and team members. Front-end and back-end related. Always leaving space for suggestions and critique. Learning new things and practicing is important. My approach to this is like playing an instrument so I do it daily. Reading new things, watching new tutorials, and then recreating them in my way and practicing silly challenges. Recreating some UI, making it reactive, changing it, adding upon it, or doing something completely unusual. Completely agree with Brad that being a developer is one of the best career paths you can take.

[@rockfox5]

Oh my goodness. Your first point hit me right in the head because I may have done that to myself.

[@parkerwilliams3366]

I have only watched the first minute of this video and I almost never comment on socail media but I want to say something. Brad, you are an absolute gold mine of knowledge and thank you for being so real and caring with everything you publish. Please don't stop educating people, I have purchased several of your Udemy courses and all of your content I have watched is astounding. Out of all the developer content creators you are my favorite and I will never stop watching. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@devloperadda1350]

Thank you Sir

[@neontuts5637]

I agree with you, sir. The everyday evening I play volleyball or cricket with my friends. This helps me to maintain my mental and physical health good :) Thanks for sharing those awesome tips.

[@datapro007]

Well spoken Brad

[@sarscov9854]

Oh wow. really good advice. I'm 7 months in in my first job.

[@sohailsaha7427]

I experience everything you talked about in this video, especially the last part, and that hurts the most at times. I've got no friends, family or anybody. Tbh, one of my goals as a developer is to give myself the life I deserve, and for that, I gotta climb out of the hole.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Man up. Life is hard.

[@tremolony4924]

Thanks Brad

[@amjadadamoudeh434]

That’s why I like you man, you tell the truth and you are so honest!

[@alexanderm6187]

Thank you Brad :) I'm working as a freelancer for past few years and: each and every point in this video is a truth.

[@martinmtandi335]

Glad to hear I am not the only one who struggles with other people's code

[@rogerparrett3242]

Began as a software developer in 1979 (microprocessor assembly language on a DEC PDP 11/70)... all the points you made applied back then... I remember complaining about these issues and our group was confident they would be solved during our careers... Oops, apparently...lol... BTW, I have four of your Udemy courses. You're one of the best instructors I've found... keep up the great work...

[@_boza]

Well said Brad.

[@amigo2hundred]

4:19 Lowkey feels like a Roast 😂😂😂

[@jefdevelops.385]

Deadline thing caught me today just because my manager isn't a tech guy. Trying to upload app to app store while debugging the last one uploaded so my boss can't understand this

[@joshuartaylor87]

I cant thank you enough for this video. Im in the middle of a career change into web development and I am working as a freelancer for a developer friend of mine to build a resume worth shopping around. Let me tell you, I have never felt so low as when I was not able to get work done fast enough and let me boss down. He wasn't mad or angry, just disappointed. I think I need to put the serenity prayer on a post-it note. Thank you for reminding me of that

[@johnmirra4530]

Brad, I can’t say how much this resonates with me, and I’ve been a dev for quite some time now. I would add that if you’re working in a toxic environment, don’t be afraid to consider other employment options. Don’t fall for the fear of stepping outside of your comfort zone if it’s not a healthy place for you to be.

[@micamack]

What a genuine video - thanks much! Most importantly though, thanks for the saying: "Accept the things that you cannot change, changes the things you can, and have the wisdom to know the difference." This has been a huge problem in my IT career. It isn't even unnecessarily tight deadlines that cause this internal turmoil - it could just be a blend of imposter syndrome combined with an overwhelming project that causes anxiety.

[@obemeatapatrick8725]

when i run into error or i can't even write a very simple code i feel dumb and sometimes angry as someone who is learning how to code but i still pick myself and keep learning. Thank God for your advices Brad

[@philipbutler]

you’re the man ❤

[@BoolFalse]

Thanks Brad, you're a Man !!

[@mohammadalaaelghamry8010]

Thank you.

[@quelchx]

I have been in school for almost 4 years, and during the whole time I have spent a lot of time outside school perfecting this craft and I still can't land a job let alone an interview no matter what approach I take. I know I'm not a master of programming but i'm pretty decent in comparison to my fellow graduates.

[@TraversyMedia]

The frustration and struggle of actually BECOMING a developer is huge and deserves it's own video.

[@AmodeusR]

I'm in the same situation, it's pretty annoying knowing you're capable of handling well or at least learning what you need to learn quickly, but not being recognized to the point companies don't even give you a chance of an interview...

[@quelchx]

@@TraversyMedia Man somedays its got me so depressed. I left an whole industry to persue this for the last 4 years (college, online courses, udemy, youtube, everything) and im at the point were I can barely pay my rent and put food on my table for my kid. I keep grinding and applying to jobs, and I'm now applying for everything possible to get something. If I see a job position with a stack with one part of their stack I'm not familiar with that well I go back to the drawing board (like C# and .NET or whatever) just so I feel okay with life. Basically what I'm saying is after spending 4 years doing this I wonder why I did it because I've never felt so kicked to the curb so to say with my skill set. I know someone else is getting the job over me and there could be reasons for that (maybe I just suck) but man I cant wait for someone to throw me a bone cuz man I'm sure I wouldn't disappoint.

[@marinzivkovic4662]

@@quelchx 4 years? You probably have some portfolio then. It's more than enough for junior position

[@bez1196]

Maybe your resume needs to be improved? Maybe you're in a highly competitive environment (like a major city) and need to commute or move to a place with less competition? With 4 years under your belt you should have a decent portfolio. Certainly enough to land you a junior dev position. You need to get somebody to look at your portfolio, resume etc and give you honest feedback, because there has to be something that you're missing.

[@umer.on.youtube]

Thanks for this valuable content. The loneliness really hits you hard some times!

[@andrewdillard5961]

Love your shirt and content!