Chapter 1: Understanding Your Role as a Junior Developer

Are you stepping into the world of development as a Junior Developer? Take a deep breath; it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed. I can relate to your current emotions.

Having recently completed a month and a half as a Backend Software Engineer in Training, I’m still adjusting. This role is my first since starting my Computer Science degree (which remains unfinished, but that's a tale for another time). My current position can be described as "In Training"—similar to a Junior Developer, just with a different title.

At the outset, I felt a wave of anxiety. I was coding for a company with over 10,000 clients, yet my knowledge of Computer Science was limited.

For a deeper dive into my initial experiences, check out my article on:

My First Month as a Backend Software Engineer — Lessons Learned

Upon finishing my onboarding, I was thrust into coding, and it was a challenge like no other. The code architecture was unfamiliar, and clarity on my responsibilities was lacking. The pressure was immense, and I often found myself suffering from the expectations I had placed upon myself.

Why did I feel this way?

Reflecting on it now, I understand that my discomfort stemmed from my own high standards. I believed I should be developing features immediately after grasping the system architecture, matching my colleagues' pace—especially since I was the only Junior Developer at that time.

Chapter 2: Embracing the Learning Curve

In my eagerness to contribute during daily meetings, I felt the need to share progress and showcase achievements like my peers. However, I was bombarded with uncertainties—not just about the architecture but also regarding the technologies I had yet to master.

Each day, I logged onto my computer, striving to absorb every detail to maximize my productivity right from the start. And then it hit me—

I AM A JUNIOR DEVELOPER!

Yes, I am indeed in the early stages of my career. I’m not a Chief Technology Officer, nor am I a Senior Developer. I am simply a Junior Developer navigating my first job in software engineering.

This realization was pivotal. It dawned on me last week when I finally began developing some features through pair programming.

Don’t know what pair programming is? Check out:

How to Become a Better Developer? The Benefits of Pair Programming

Once I accepted my status, the pressure began to lift. The truth is, the reality of a Junior Developer is distinct from that of more experienced developers.

Chapter 3: Understanding the Junior Developer Experience

Our industry can seem peculiar; we categorize ourselves as juniors or seniors. It may appear counterintuitive that a company compensates you despite your limited output.

Why is this the case?

As you progress and ascend the developer ranks, the value you contribute to the company typically exceeds what they pay you. This is acceptable, as the path to mastery involves extensive learning across various technologies, processes, and methodologies.

When you begin a new role, especially as a Junior Developer, it’s natural to undergo a learning curve. Companies are aware that new hires require significant time to adjust and are prepared for this. They don’t expect you to deliver at the same level as more experienced colleagues.

As a Junior Developer, mastering numerous concepts is essential before producing high-quality code. Misunderstanding these principles can lead to code that is rife with issues.

This learning journey is crucial; if you could produce like a Senior Developer right away, you would already be one.

Recognizing this allowed me to release the weight of unnecessary stress. I was mistakenly evaluating my daily productivity against that of a Senior Developer when, in reality, I was still learning.

Chapter 4: A Final Word of Advice

This isn’t to suggest that you should take it easy and neglect your responsibilities. If you aspire to excel as a developer and retain your position, diligence is essential.

Strive to give your utmost effort and continuously learn. You should not only focus on coding but also cultivate other skills necessary for growth.

Always remember that you are a Junior Developer. Your output will naturally differ from that of a Senior Developer, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Focus on honing your skills and work hard to improve.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the tech industry can be daunting at times. The variety of roles, competencies, and knowledge required can lead to stress.

However, it’s essential to remember that every stage in your journey has significance, and you cannot rush through them. As you begin your career, it’s unrealistic to expect to perform at the level of someone with years of experience—and that’s completely fine.

In this article, I shared my personal journey and how shifting my mindset helped alleviate pressure and stress.

Now, I approach my work with a smile, enjoying the process while striving to become a better developer.

What are your thoughts on the various levels within the industry? Have you had similar experiences?

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you want to explore more about technology and development, don’t forget to follow me. I’d love to hear your opinions, so feel free to leave a comment—I’ll be sure to read it!

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About the Author

Hello! I’m Jesús Lagares. Currently, I’m working as a Backend Software Engineer while finishing my Computer Science degree at the University of Cadiz.

I’m passionate about technology and communication, and I seize every opportunity to discuss or write about these topics. My goal is to simplify complex concepts so that they are accessible to everyone.