How can software engineers grow during a tech downturn?

[dmane11]

Seems like tech industry is going through a downturn(transformation?). In every down turn, there are people who continue to progress/grow in their careers. If you’re one of these people, what are some tips, which have helped you, that you can share with fellow software engineers.

[yuppie_scum]

Work doesn’t stop during a downturn, things still need to get done. Just keep doing your job, getting that 10,000 hours. If your job isn’t enough to satisfy your curiosities, look to contribute to FOSS.

[lamroger]

> If your job isn’t enough to satisfy your curiosities, look to contribute to FOSS.

Find ways to challenge yourself that also compounds.

[austin-cheney]

Writing original software. You need to learn to write documentation, gain users, respond to feature requests, build organizational skills.

When I say original software I mean solving for a real problem people have with real code written by you, not some boilerplate framework nonsense.

[orangesite]

I feel like the only time I get to grow is during a downturn. Everyone stops focusing on fundamentals when the cash is flowing and just want to ship whatever gets them to the next round.

[lulznews]

Downturn has no effect on growth only on income.