Wednesday Wisdom

Wednesday Wisdom is a reflective Substack focusing on work-related themes, emphasizing personal development, the critique of office culture, and the intersection of technology and work life. It addresses job satisfaction, management interactions, the value of experience, career advice, and the impact of automation and AI, advocating for balance, continuous learning, and kindness.

Workplace Culture Personal Development Career Advice Technology and Work Management and Leadership Software Engineering Mental Health in the Workplace Work-life Balance Automation and AI

The hottest Substack posts of Wednesday Wisdom

And their main takeaways

The job market is a market

123 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Employment Market Trends Compensation Labor relations Corporate culture
  1. The job market is just like any other market. Companies offer certain salaries and benefits to attract workers, but this can change based on demand and supply.
  2. When times are good, companies provide great perks to keep talent, but when the market shifts, they can cut back on salaries and benefits.
  3. It's important for job seekers to understand their worth in the market but also to be flexible when conditions change. Being aware that the job landscape can vary will help in making better career choices.

Career choices: What to focus on?

151 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Job Market Professional Growth Skills Training Employment Trends
  1. Focus on core skills, like coding, that are still necessary for landing a job. Make sure to practice your coding skills regularly, even if your job isn't primarily about coding.
  2. Identify what you enjoy and have some skill in, but also recognize if it has career potential. It's important to like what you do, but the market needs to support it too.
  3. Don't stress too much about making the perfect career choice. Instead, commit to understanding your field deeply and adapt as new opportunities arise.

No more shell scripts!

94 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages Open Source Automation
  1. Shell scripts used to be great for automating tasks, but they have many limitations now. New programming languages do a better job and are more reliable.
  2. The Unix system made software development easier with tools and commands that could be combined. This modular approach set a solid foundation for coding.
  3. While shell scripts were revolutionary, modern programming languages and libraries have improved our ability to write better and more efficient programs.

Sometimes it is okay to just coast

217 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth Career Advice Self-care Work-life balance
  1. It's okay to just take a break and coast when you're feeling stuck. Sometimes, trying too hard can make things worse.
  2. The passing of time can bring clarity. Things will get better as you give yourself a chance to relax and think.
  3. Not every job needs to be exciting. Taking a simple job to pay the bills can help you recover and find your direction again.

The value of grunge work

113 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Tech Debt Work Culture Engineering Practices
  1. Tech debt happens when we make bad decisions in software development. It can pile up, making fixing problems a big task for teams.
  2. Doing hands-on work, or 'grunge work,' helps deepen understanding of the tech systems. It’s crucial for maintaining and improving technology.
  3. To tackle tech debt effectively, it should be part of official job expectations. This way, everyone contributes and helps keep things running smoothly.
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The cult of data has gone too far

113 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Data Analysis Decision-making Corporate culture Consulting Tech industry
  1. Relying too much on data can lead to wrong decisions because numbers don't always tell the full story. Sometimes, human judgment or understanding is needed.
  2. Data can create a false sense of certainty, making people ignore the uncertainties and assumptions behind those numbers. It's important to be honest about what the data truly represents.
  3. Setting goals based on numbers can make teams lose sight of the real-world processes they are supposed to improve. Chasing metrics blindly can lead to poor outcomes.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

Career advice: Learn how to write

151 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🚌 Education Writing Skills Career Advice Communication Personal Development Critical Thinking
  1. Writing is a valuable skill, even with AI around. Good writing helps you communicate better in teams and makes your work more effective.
  2. Practice makes perfect when it comes to writing. The more you write, the better you'll become at organizing your thoughts and expressing them clearly.
  3. Strong writing skills help you think clearly. Writing forces you to clarify your ideas, making it an essential tool for problem-solving.

Faster computers afford dumber solutions

104 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Systems Architecture Data Management Machine Learning
  1. Faster computers let us use simpler solutions instead of complicated ones. This means we can solve problems more easily, without all the stress of complex systems.
  2. In the past, computers were so slow that we had to be very clever to get things done. Now, with stronger machines, we can just get the job done without excessive tweaking.
  3. Sometimes, when faced with a problem, it's worth it to think about simpler approaches. These 'dumb' solutions can often work just as well for many situations.

Embrace the plateau

151 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Self-discovery Life lessons Personal Growth Mastery Emotional Health
  1. The plateau in life is a normal phase where you might feel stuck, but it's also the time you really start mastering skills. Instead of rushing through it, take it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding.
  2. As you age, your energy and focus shift, making it essential to choose where you invest your effort wisely. It's okay to slow down and be strategic about your goals.
  3. Recognizing the limits of your abilities can help you embrace the plateau and focus on refining what you already know, rather than constantly seeking new challenges.

How to be(come) a manager

123 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Career Leadership Training Mentorship
  1. Becoming a manager means doing a different job, not just coding. You won't have much time for hands-on tasks, so you need to let that go and focus on managing your team instead.
  2. It’s important to find a mentor and connect with peers who can help you learn how to manage better. Talking with others in similar situations can give you fresh ideas and support.
  3. You need to learn the tools and skills required for management. Understanding processes, having tough conversations, and giving feedback are all key parts of being a successful manager.

The loneliness of the long distance runbook

56 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Documentation Management Processes
  1. Runbooks are often not followed closely because experienced engineers adapt them to their own knowledge and context. This can be good, but it also means runbooks might not be used as intended.
  2. When runbooks have errors or are not up to date, they can cause big problems. It's crucial to review and update runbooks regularly to keep them relevant and accurate.
  3. Don't expect runbooks to be perfect or solve all issues. They should be seen as guidelines rather than strict instructions, and everyone should have an understanding of the system behind them.

Career advice: Learn how to debug

85 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Career Advice Problem Solving Technical Skills
  1. Learning to debug helps you solve your own problems, giving you control over your work and allowing you to be more effective.
  2. Debugging teaches you valuable lessons and knowledge that you can apply in future situations, making you more confident as you grow in your career.
  3. When you debug before asking for help, you can ask clearer questions and provide better information, which makes it easier for others to assist you.

The misguided yearning for a better plan

104 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Execution Education Engineering Incentives
  1. Having a better plan isn't the solution; it's all about how well you execute the plan you have. Good results come from good execution, not just a fancy plan.
  2. Many people look for secret techniques to improve, but the truth is that everyone knows what to do. The problem is usually that they just aren't doing it well.
  3. Instead of searching high and low for a better plan, focus on improving how you do what you're already doing. Making small changes in execution can lead to big improvements.

Flex your color

66 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Personal Development Team Dynamics Psychology
  1. Understanding different personality types can help improve teamwork. People have different working styles, and recognizing these can enhance collaboration.
  2. The True Colors personality model categorizes people into four colors based on their traits. Each color represents different strengths and weaknesses, which can help individuals understand themselves and others better.
  3. Being aware of your default behavior allows you to adapt to different situations. Flexing your personality traits based on the needs of the moment can lead to better leadership and decision-making.

Stop the cringe!

217 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
  1. Don't feel pressured to be a 'thought leader' or bring your whole self to work.
  2. It's okay to not give 100% all the time and to share 'lessons' instead of 'learnings'.
  3. Avoid trendy jargon and terms like 'self-care' or 'boss babe'.

The devil is old

113 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Programming Mathematics Physics Concurrency Software Development
  1. Experience and age often bring wisdom, knowledge, and a unique perspective.
  2. In technology, while tools and capabilities have evolved, fundamental principles like people dynamics, math, and physics remain constant.
  3. Despite advancements, people still struggle with basic math, concurrent programming, and effective communication in group settings.

What we lose through job hopping

104 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Life has different phases with clear goals, but work often lacks that structure.
  2. Short-term job hopping can hinder deep expertise development.
  3. Staying power and experience in a single domain are valuable for expertise.

Try harder to suck less

132 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
  1. Improvement comes from continuous effort and practice.
  2. Becoming good at something takes years of dedication.
  3. There are no shortcuts to expertise; it requires consistent hard work.

Throwing blood against metal

94 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
  1. Manual work leads to mistakes and delays
  2. Automation is key for scalability and efficiency in engineering work
  3. Avoid relying on manual operations to solve problems; aim to automate tasks

Be happy about your journey

160 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
  1. Be happy with your journey, not sad about what you haven't achieved compared to others.
  2. Insecurities about achievements don't always hold up to rational analysis.
  3. Focus on your personal progress and accomplishments, not constant comparisons with others.

The need for beautiful code

56 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Code Quality Code Reviews Maintenance Team Collaboration
  1. Investing time in writing beautiful code is crucial for code longevity and maintainability.
  2. Code that 'mostly works' is not the standard to aim for; focus on creating code that is always functional and meets significant requirements.
  3. Developing a culture of producing beautiful code in a team requires more than guidelines and prizes; it involves a collective shift in mindset and commitment.

The agile waterfall

66 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
  1. Traditional waterfall software development involves sequential stages without starting a new stage until the previous one is complete.
  2. Fixed requirements, time, and money in software development means one dimension must be variable, leading to challenges in delivering projects on time and within budget.
  3. Agile methodologies emphasize iterative cycles and collaboration with clients, but require senior engineers to make informed decisions on design choices that may be difficult to change.

Nobody is indispensable

113 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
  1. Nobody is indispensable, even in the workplace.
  2. Being considered indispensable can lead to imbalance and stress.
  3. Family is where you may be truly indispensable.

How to beat the critical path

47 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Project management Planning
  1. To beat the critical path, the first step is to acknowledge its existence.
  2. Effective project planning, like utilizing the Critical Path Method (CPM), can prevent delays and ensure timely project completion.
  3. Maintaining a Directed Acyclic Graph of project activities with expected durations is crucial in project management to identify critical paths and manage dependencies effectively.

Of course, again

56 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. The phrase 'Of course, again' signifies the expectation of repeated mistakes.
  2. Launching before a weekend is a common mistake despite knowing it's a bad idea.
  3. Neglecting to set up proper alarms and testing in production are recurring errors, highlighting the importance of attention to detail.

Ode to Tuckman

47 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Team Management Leadership Team Dynamics Team development
  1. High performing teams are not just a group of senior rockstars; diversity in levels, skills, and personalities leads to better outcomes.
  2. High performing teams need to go through Tuckman's stages of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing to establish trust, norms, and identity before delivering quality work.
  3. Leadership is about adapting to team needs - understanding team diversity and dynamics is key for team success.

Anxiety in the workplace

85 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
  1. Opting out of workplace anxiety-inducing processes can be a valid choice.
  2. The pressure to perform at high levels can lead to a negative impact on work-life balance and mental health.
  3. Creating boundaries and not succumbing to the fear of being indispensable can help reduce workplace anxiety.

Everything that is worth it, is difficult

94 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
  1. Having a dream and working towards it can be difficult but rewarding.
  2. Failure is a part of the process when trying to achieve something ambitious.
  3. Despite challenges, attempting interesting things can lead to significant personal growth and exciting opportunities.

On writing promotion documents

56 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Focus on showcasing key accomplishments concisely in promotion documents.
  2. Provide clear explanations and context in promotion documents for better understanding.
  3. Support statements in promotion documents with quantifiable data, links, and evidence.

Software engineers and the law

47 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
  1. Law and computer science have similarities and differences.
  2. Software engineers can struggle with the open and vague nature of laws.
  3. When seeking legal advice, avoid asking lawyers yes/no questions but rather present your action and ask them to make it legal.

It is important whom you report to!

123 implied HN points • 10 May 23
  1. Your immediate experience at a company is heavily influenced by your manager.
  2. Reporting to the right person can impact your career progression and access to opportunities.
  3. Being assertive in seeking the right reporting structure is important for your career development.

Be in a business

85 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
  1. To be successful in business, understand the core problems customers face.
  2. Tech should support the business, not overshadow it.
  3. Identify real problems people have and provide solutions they will pay for.

Stop glorifying startups

56 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
  1. Smaller startups are not always better to work for.
  2. Many startups are not amazing places to work and most fail.
  3. There is no need to glorify startups over big companies - they are just different.

Winner Takes Most

104 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
  1. The rat race requires a serious investment in time and effort, often leading to exhaustion.
  2. The pressure to constantly improve and succeed is driven by the 'Winner Takes Most' mentality.
  3. The economic landscape promotes intense competition and exhaustion, especially at the top of the pyramid.

Don’t build engines

56 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
  1. Focus on solving problems instead of creating engines.
  2. Be cautious of overcomplicating solutions with generic software components.
  3. Prioritize practical, applicable solutions over theoretical, intricate systems.

That's just what we do around here...

75 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
  1. In organizations, people often do things without knowing why, just because 'that's what we do around here'.
  2. Checklists are useful but need regular maintenance to remove unnecessary items accumulated over time.
  3. Questioning why things are done a certain way can lead to improvements and reveal unnecessary practices.

It is not cool to be unkind!

94 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
  1. Being unkind is not cool, so it's important to treat others with kindness and respect.
  2. Proud and knowledgeable individuals may come across as dismissive when asked simple or basic questions, which can be off-putting to others.
  3. Unkind behavior, stemming from stress, frustration, or status thinking, is counterproductive and it's better to communicate with empathy and kindness.

In Defense of Return to the Office

56 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
  1. Hybrid work is seen as the best approach by many.
  2. Remote work during the pandemic revealed the possibility and effectiveness of working from home.
  3. Being in the office provides access to valuable informal information and networking opportunities.