<p>This episode explains what is arguably the best career advice you'll hear this week: the one skill that signifies seniority in software engineers is the ability to synthesise and optimise for multiple factors at once. Instead of focusing on a single factor, such as performance or maintainability, senior engineers identify and weigh the various trade-offs involved in any decision.</p><ul><li><strong>Discover the key skill that distinguishes a senior engineer:</strong> It's the ability to synthesise multiple, competing factors—like performance, maintainability, cost, and time to market—rather than focusing on just one.</li><li><strong>Learn why single-factor thinking can hold you back:</strong> Junior engineers often optimise for what they know best or what is easiest to measure, which can harm the overall solution, the team, and their professional reputation.</li><li><strong>Understand how to demonstrate seniority in interviews and at work:</strong> You can show your maturity and wisdom by identifying the crucial trade-offs for any given problem, asking what factors need to be balanced, and exploring options that might satisfy multiple goals at once.</li><li><strong>Explore how to find better solutions by thinking in trade-offs:</strong> The goal isn't just to make sacrifices; often, the mark of a great senior engineer is finding a third option that effectively balances or optimises for multiple important factors simultaneously.</li><li><strong>Start practising this skill today:</strong> Challenge yourself to identify what you are giving up with any decision and consider factors you don't normally prioritise. Ask "What am I saying no to?" to develop this crucial skill.</li></ul><h2>📮 Ask a Question</h2><p>If you enjoyed this episode and would like me to discuss a question that you have on the show, drop it over at: <a href="https://www.developertea.com/contact">developertea.com.</a></p><h2>📮 Join the <a href="https://developertea.com/discord">Discord</a></h2><p>If you want to be a part of a supportive community of engineers (non-engineers welcome!) working to improve their lives and careers, join us on the Developer Tea Discord community by visiting <a href="https://developertea.com/discord">https://developertea.com/discord</a> today!</p><h2>🧡 Leave a Review</h2><p>If you're enjoying the show and want to support the content head over to iTunes and <a href="https://ratethispodcast.com/devtea">leave a review</a>! It helps other developers discover the show and keep us focused on what matters to you.</p>


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