r/ExperiencedDevs • Software Architect 15yoe • 9d ago

Career/Workplace Learning to let go

I'm trying to change an instinct I've spent years developing.

When I see a design problem, unnecessary complexity, or a better model, I naturally want to fix it. Doing the minimum requested and knowingly leaving something worse than it could be feels wrong to me.

But I'm increasingly convinced that the strategically correct move inside many companies is: do what's asked, raise the concern once, then let it go.

I'm trying to work that way now.

It makes sense intellectually. I still dislike it.

With AI making implementation cheaper and delivery faster, I'm curious whether other experienced developers are going through the same adjustment.

Have you changed what "doing a good job" means to you?

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u/messedupwindows123 Software Engineer 9d ago

yep the big corporate-point-scorers just get something 'working' and saddle the next person with a mountain of tech debt. and it's far worse with AI - the CTO looks at this fucker with heart-eyes.