I just wrapped up my first week as a middle software engineer working on a mortgage application for a bank, and I'm feeling pretty stressed. This is my first office job and definitely my most serious position so far. The team seems to be quite busy, and I haven't had any thorough technical onboarding—just a general intro to the project. This week, I managed to fix some broken code that nobody else tackled and wrote a couple of functions, but it felt like I spent a lot of time waiting for feedback from my team lead, who like most, works remotely.
It's my first experience with microservices, and everything feels overwhelming. I was surprised when I discovered that my colleagues don't even set up the project locally! I can't help but worry about whether I'm the right fit for this role, especially since my interview process was quite unusual—just casual conversations with the lead, no technical tests. Should I be worried about my performance or is this just a normal part of starting a new job?
5 Answers
First off, it's awesome that you jumped in and fixed some code right away! It shows you're already contributing, which is impressive for someone just starting out. It sounds like they hired you for a reason, so trust that you’re the right person for the job.
Here’s a little reality check: every job has its challenges, and it often takes time to find your footing. Just keep contributing where you can, whether that’s documenting processes or tackling small bugs. It's all valuable experience!
Thank you so much! Hearing other people’s experiences is really helping me!
It sounds like you're in a common situation for many engineers, especially in startups. As for your colleagues not setting things up locally, that's a red flag but also a chance for you to suggest improvements. Don't stress too much; your learning curve will level out over time. Just focus on what you can control and keep an open mind!
It’s completely normal to feel this way. A good team should help you get up to speed quickly, so if that's not happening, you shouldn't take it personally. Over time, pay attention to how the team interacts and whether they’re open to helping each other. That'll give you a clearer picture of the environment.
If this isn’t what it’s like for you then not your fault - hang in there
When you say automated install to local dev machine, what does that mean to you?
Honestly, not a surprising situation at all! A lot of companies don’t have the most organized onboarding processes, especially in tech. If they didn't even do a formal technical interview, it might mean they value your experience and potential over the nitty-gritty. Hang in there, it gets better!
thank you, it really helps
you too kind. Thanks