Have you ever wondered what a typical day looks like for a Software Engineer at GoHealth Slovakia? In our ever-evolving tech world, understanding the daily routines, challenges, and rewards of those behind the code can be both inspiring and enlightening. Today, we are excited to give you a glimpse into the daily life of one of our Senior Software Engineers, Janči. Let’s take a closer look at Janči’s routines, challenges, and the rewards he finds in his role, providing insight into what makes our team thrive.
Morning Routine
As a Software Engineer, I start my workday before 9 am to ensure a productive start. I commute to the office by bike whenever possible and I am usually present at the office twice a week. Since the COVID pandemic, our company has adopted a flexible office policy, allowing us to work remotely or visit the office as needed. Being at the office twice a week provides the much-needed opportunity for socializing, which is crucial for team bonding while also offering a refreshing change of work environment that can boost creativity and productivity.
My weekly routine also includes training sessions at the gym every Tuesday and Thursday morning, which help me to stay fit and focused and improve my running a lot. Physical fitness is crucial for mental sharpness and productivity, and I find that my workouts set a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Additionally, I join my colleagues for a refreshing 7 am run almost every Friday, fostering team spirit and well-being.
Starting the Workday
Once I start my workday, my morning routine is structured to ensure I’m up to date and ready to collaborate. I begin by reading new messages on Teams channels to identify any urgent issues that require my attention. This early check-in helps me prioritize tasks and ensures that I am aware of any critical updates or problems that might have arisen overnight. Next, I try to review any pending pull requests from colleagues, providing necessary feedback and approvals.
Reviewing code not only helps maintain the quality of our software but also allows me to stay informed about the work being done in my team. At 9:30 am, we have a daily standup meeting where we discuss our progress and any blockers, often leading to collaborative problem-solving sessions if someone needs help with their tasks. I find these meetings extremely useful as they can detect issues very early in the feature development process and enhance team collaboration.
Additionally, every second week, I have a 1-on-1 meeting with my team lead to discuss my development and any concerns, and I participate in retrospective meetings to reflect on our processes and estimation meetings to plan upcoming work. I believe retrospective meetings are crucial in agile software development because they allow teams to reflect on their processes, identify areas for improvement, learn from past mistakes, and implement changes for better efficiency. This continuous feedback enhances overall team performance and product quality. Having regular check-ins and retrospectives ensures that we are always improving and adapting our workflow to be as effective as possible.
Lunch Break
When I am at the office, I make it a point to have lunch with colleagues, as I find socializing to be very beneficial. When working remotely, I prepare a quick lunch at home to take a short break from work and change my environment, giving my eyes a rest from staring at the monitor. A proper lunch break is essential for recharging and maintaining productivity throughout the afternoon.
Afternoon
Afternoons are typically quiet, providing me time to concentrate exclusively on my tasks. During periods of deep focus, I often listen to music, which enhances my concentration and helps me avoid procrastination. My favorite choice for fostering a productive environment is the soundtracks from the Lord of the Rings movies. This type of music creates an ideal background for coding, keeping me engaged and motivated. The right kind of music can create a flow state, where I’m fully immersed in my work and able to produce my best output.
Afternoons are an excellent time for thinking, brainstorming, and coding new features. They also provide an opportunity to debug issues and, importantly, take a deep and thorough look at colleagues’ pull requests.
Since our company is based in the US, the late afternoon is also an opportune time for me to communicate with my US colleagues, whether through chats or calls, ensuring seamless collaboration across time zones. These interactions are crucial for aligning project goals and resolving any cross-team dependencies.
Evening
My after-work activities often include sports, as they provide me with mental relaxation. I particularly enjoy long runs and road biking. Physical activities help me unwind from the mental demands of the day and keep me physically healthy.
The COVID pandemic taught me to value the company of my closest friends, and we have maintained our habit of playing indoor football every Tuesday. We’ve just completed our twelfth season together.
I strive to have a calm evening without using the computer, focusing instead on spending time with my family, taking walks with our dog, and relaxing with a book or TV shows before bed.
Challenges and Rewards
As a Software Engineer, I’ve encountered several personal challenges recently. Switching teams within our company has partially changed the technologies I use daily, throwing me into unfamiliar territory with a substantial amount of study and adaptation. This transition has been very demanding for me, but on the other hand, it allowed me to continuously learn and grow. Learning new technologies is always a steep curve, but it keeps the job exciting and my skills relevant.
There are many other challenges we as Software Engineers face almost every day. For example, in this fast-paced industry, staying up to date with modern technologies is a continuous challenge. It requires constant learning and keeping up with the latest advancements to remain relevant and effective in our roles. Balancing these demands with ongoing projects can be quite challenging but ultimately rewarding as it ensures our skills and knowledge remain cutting-edge.
The most beautiful aspect of being a Software Engineer is the freedom to create “anything” you envision. You have the liberty to write programs for various purposes, from managing grocery deliveries to homes to developing software for landing probes on other planets. The possibilities are limitless, and the choice is entirely yours.
Does this daily routine resonate with you? Are you inspired by the blend of technical challenges and creative freedom that comes with being a Software Engineer? If so, we would love to hear from you. Our team is growing, and we’re currently hiring passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
Join us and be part of a company where you can make a difference, innovate, and continuously learn. Visit our career page to see our open positions and apply today!
