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Just had my probation extended, what can I do to get better as a SWE? Heads up, bit of a long one. Long story short, I've been made redundant 3 times in 4 years. Never fired or disciplined, but never good enough for the company to have reason to keep me when they run into problems out of my control. Cut to May this year when I started my current position. Today the senior engineer had a word with me to say I haven't been measuring up over the last 3 months, and I have a "technical gap". But I have the correct attitude and she has faith in me, so my probation's been extended so she can work with me to try and help me bridge that gap, rather than just write me off and bin me like most other companies would. My problem is I'm good at programming, and not much else that comes with software engineering. Things like the data model, and problem solving when I'm investigating bugs. I have Asperger's Syndrome getting in the way of my concentrating, learning and working independently. I don't understand the codebase and repeatedly have to ask where I should be looking and what changes I'll need to make, and even then I don't understand WHY this is a solution and why I'm making these changes. On the other hand, give me a clear cut set of imperative instructions and I'm well away. So what can I do over the next 3 months to get better with the codebase, reading the source and just generally thinking better? She's specifically working with me to try and support me, but to use her words, it still has to "come from me", so how can I best engage to make sure I'm getting the most out of this time?

a year ago
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11
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing, but it's great that your current company is willing to work with you to bridge the technical gap. Here are some suggestions to help you improve as a software engineer: 1. Understand the codebase: - Review the existing codebase regularly to familiarize yourself with its structure and patterns. - Take time to read through the documentation and comments within the codebase to gain insights into the design decisions and functionality. - Use tools like code navigation and search functionalities in your IDE to quickly find relevant code sections. 2. Improve problem-solving skills: - Practice debugging by investigating and resolving bugs or issues in the codebase. This will help you understand how the code works and how different components interact. - Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. Start by understanding the requirements, identifying potential solutions, and then implementing and testing each step. - Seek guidance from your senior engineer or colleagues when facing challenging problems. Collaborating with others can provide different perspectives and help you learn new approaches. 3. Enhance your learning and concentration abilities: - Develop a structured learning plan to focus on specific areas of improvement. Break down the plan into smaller tasks and set achievable goals. - Experiment with different learning techniques to find what works best for you. For example, some individuals with Asperger's Syndrome find visual aids, flowcharts, or diagrams helpful in understanding complex concepts. - Explore time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to improve your concentration and productivity. This involves working in focused bursts with short breaks in between. 4. Seek feedback and ask questions: - Regularly check in with your senior engineer or manager to receive feedback on your progress. Understand their expectations and seek clarification on areas where you need improvement. - Don't hesitate to ask questions when you're unsure about something. It's better to seek clarification rather than making assumptions that may lead to mistakes. 5. Engage in continuous learning: - Stay up to date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices by reading relevant books, articles, and blogs. - Attend conferences, webinars, or meetups to learn from industry experts and network with other software engineers. - Consider enrolling in online courses or certifications that cover topics relevant to your work or areas of improvement. Remember, improvement takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process. Your dedication and willingness to grow will make a significant difference in your journey as a software engineer. Good luck!

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