Earn enough to pay my bills, don't take up too much of my time and energy (so I can spend it on my own life and projects). Remote only, async bonus - few meetings as possible. Doesn't need to be an engineering-led company, but also don't interfere with them.
For me, purpose, passion, etc come from working with a good team to build the best thing we can. Industry is a bit less relevant, unless it's really low brow stuff.
Sprints, agile, whatever don't matter to me, if it doesn't turn into a grind of the same dumb meeting every day/week where nothing of value is answered.
Product companies over agencies and non-tech companies - with agencies you have to justify your existence constantly (and you're a line item), and non-tech companies just don't understand the work and will undermine you. Product companies are where ideally peace can be found and there's enough stability to grow your career.
Earn enough to pay my bills, don't take up too much of my time and energy (so I can spend it on my own life and projects). Remote only, async bonus - few meetings as possible. Doesn't need to be an engineering-led company, but also don't interfere with them.
For me, purpose, passion, etc come from working with a good team to build the best thing we can. Industry is a bit less relevant, unless it's really low brow stuff.
Sprints, agile, whatever don't matter to me, if it doesn't turn into a grind of the same dumb meeting every day/week where nothing of value is answered.
Product companies over agencies and non-tech companies - with agencies you have to justify your existence constantly (and you're a line item), and non-tech companies just don't understand the work and will undermine you. Product companies are where ideally peace can be found and there's enough stability to grow your career.
Really interesting insights Nik. Especially about agency vs non-tech vs product companies. Never heard that before. Thanks!
Two items I will add to my list: