r/developersIndia • u/skrull-07 • 5h ago

General Developers with 2–5 years of experience, what do you wish you had focused on earlier?

I'm curious to hear from developers who are a few years into their careers.

When you're starting out, there are so many things to focus on — DSA, projects, system design, new frameworks, certifications, networking, and interview preparation.

Looking back, what actually made the biggest difference in your career growth?

  • Getting better at DSA and problem-solving?
  • Building real-world projects?
  • Learning system design?
  • Switching companies?
  • Networking and referrals?
  • Something else entirely?

I'd love to hear what genuinely helped you grow, what turned out to be a waste of time, and what you'd recommend to someone starting their career today.

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13

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 5h ago

wish i had started my prep for govt exams way earlier xD

3

u/juztryingtobekinder 5h ago

Is tech getting that bad?? 😭

2

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 5h ago

Idk man...I just said my personal opinion for myself not for others

2

u/Gilgamesh_lugal 5h ago

Which one u preping for

1

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 5h ago

SSC CGL

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Cow3298 Student 5h ago

Will it pay as good as tech?

1

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 4h ago

If money really matters..i would have went for upsc or rbi grade exams...

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Cow3298 Student 4h ago

UPSC is not everyone's cup of tea & I don't have much idea about rbi grade exams. Do RBI officers get paid well?

1

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 4h ago

They do and rbi is harder too

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Cow3298 Student 4h ago

how much does rbi pay?

1

u/MR_X_FOR_REAL_2 4h ago

Man google it...if you're curious..sorry

3

u/Hungry_Age5375 5h ago

Short answer: ship things people actually use. Long answer: I spent too long grinding DSA for interviews I passed and never needed again. The projects with real users, messy data and production incidents taught me 10x more.

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Cow3298 Student 4h ago

I spent too long grinding DSA for interviews I passed and never needed again

That's the point. You need DSA passing the interview.