Is there IT at the plant? How to leave the chaos of web development for a normal company

Today, the IT world is a diverse ecosystem with many companies specializing in various aspects of software development. However, there are some among them where the working conditions and requirements for employees may be questionable. One such place may be a factory, where the IT department operates in less than ideal conditions. In this article, we will look at why working in an IT factory can be a real challenge for a developer, how it affects their career, and what can be done to find a more suitable place to work.

Salary and expectations: 50 thousand rubles for a full stack

Let's start with the salary. For many full-stack web developers, 50 thousand rubles may seem like a tempting offer. However, this amount is often paltry compared to the amount of work and expectations placed on employees. Programmers hired for such positions often face a situation where, instead of comfortably completing tasks, they have to solve absolutely unrealistic tasks, hoping that tomorrow they will not have to rewrite the entire system from scratch.

Chaos and unrealistic deadlines

There is real chaos inside such companies. Project deadlines are slipping into space, and developers increasingly find themselves in a situation where project planning resembles more of a guessing game than meaningful management. It seems that each new project becomes an epic, where the phrase “we want our own Yandex here” sounds like a prediction of future problems, and not a real task.

“We want our own Yandex here”: inflated expectations and chaos in design

Many factories that decide to create their own IT departments start with ambitious plans. One such idea could be to create an internal analogue of a large IT company, such as Yandex. It seems like a good idea, but often the expectations do not correspond to reality. For example, management may expect to implement complex functionality without taking into account current resources and real deadlines.

This gap between expectations and reality leads to significant problems in project planning and implementation. Developers are given unrealistic tasks, deadlines are constantly pushed back, and the project management system is often overloaded and ineffective. This, in turn, leads to an environment where chaos and stress become the norm.

Naive Programmers and the “IT Factory” Trap

Why does this situation drag developers deeper and deeper? The answer is that new programmers often underestimate the scale of the problems and optimistically believe that they can cope with any challenges. Often they are drawn into obviously difficult projects under the pretext of innovation and great goals. The support of the company that promises a “great future” turns out to be unreliable, and naive developers are faced with a harsh reality.

The problem is compounded by the fact that such companies, falling into a spiral of constant crisis, find themselves in a state where their current projects prevent them from moving forward. In such conditions, it becomes difficult to organize the development process, and each new task turns into an endless chase for lost time.

How to get out of this hole and find a normal company?

If you find yourself in a situation where working at a factory does not meet your expectations and professional ambitions, it is important to remember that there is a way out. Here are a few steps that will help you change the situation:

1. Assess your skills and experience: Understanding your strengths and experience will help you articulate your value as a specialist and increase your competitiveness in the labor market.

2. Explore the job market: Research other companies and what they offer. Employee reviews, research on the work environment, and company reputation will help you make a more informed decision.

3. Update your resume and portfolio: Prepare an up-to-date resume and portfolio to showcase your skills and projects to potential employers.

4. Pass interviews: Even if you're not ready to change jobs right away, participating in interviews can give you a better understanding of current opportunities and market demands.

5. Networking contacts: Contact colleagues, former classmates, and professional associations. Established contacts can be a source of useful information and recommendations.

In conclusion, working in IT in a factory can be a real challenge if expectations and reality differ. However, with the right approach, understanding your goals and actively seeking opportunities, you can find a more suitable job that matches your ambitions and professional standards. If this article has given you food for thought, please leave a comment.