My Journey Through Stress, Setbacks, and Success in Software Engineering
I want to share a personal journey that many of us in the tech industry might relate to. Being a software engineer is tough, and sometimes the stress and setbacks can lead to depression. My journey to becoming a senior software engineer was full of challenges, and it tested my mental health countless times.
The Grind Begins
Back in 2020, during my last semester of university, I was balancing a lot. I had an internship where I worked alone on the backend of a Digital eKYC VerifID project. This project is now live in over 12 banks in Bangladesh, streamlining their customer onboarding process so you can open a bank account from home. At the same time, I was:
- Preparing for my thesis defense at night
- Studying for final exams during lunch breaks
- Getting ready for job interviews on weekends
I worked day and night. I was so busy that my mom worried about me because I didn’t seem like myself anymore. That hard time shaped my life and my career.
The Dream That Almost Slipped Away
By the time I graduated, I had 17 job offers. Interviews had become routine for me, like eating rice. But 2022 hit me hard.
It seemed to be another great time when I received a double promotion and became a Senior Software Engineer at an overseas company with only one and a half years of professional experience. At the same time, I received interview calls from Google and Amazon even without applying.
However, during my last Google interview, there was an unexpected electricity issue, and all four sessions got interrupted. My Amazon interview got paused the same week. At the same time, many companies that had started hiring suddenly began firing, as you all know.
The dream I worked so hard for seemed to be slipping away, and I started feeling overwhelmed.
What Helped Me Get Through
So, what can you do when you’re an engineer dealing with depression and stress? Here’s what helped me:
Talk to a Professional: Getting advice from someone experienced can provide valuable guidance. Nahid bhai helped me a lot, and I am really grateful to him. A professional therapist can also help you manage stress and deal with depression.
Don’t Overshare Your Problems: While sharing your feelings can help you feel less alone, oversharing with everyone can make you feel even more uncomfortable. Confide in a few trusted people and maintain your confidence.
Take Care of Yourself: Make time for things you enjoy—reading, exercising, or a hobby. I never missed the gym during that time.
Set Small Goals: Break your tasks into small, manageable steps. Celebrate each small win. It’s very important.
Stay Active: Exercise can boost your mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk can help. I know how much it helped me.
Don’t miss your prayers: These practices can help you stay calm and manage anxiety. Trust me.
Keep Learning: Focus on your passion and keep growing in your field. It gives you a sense of purpose. You might not have the opportunity today, but as soon as the train is ready at the platform, make sure you’re at the front line.
It’s okay to not be okay. Acknowledge your feelings and take steps to get better. For me, getting through these challenges was hard, but those tough times shaped me.
So, if you’re struggling, remember: you’re not alone, and things can get better. Stay strong and keep moving. 🚀