25 Tips for New Developers: Advice from a (Mostly) Self-Taught Software Engineer

Find ways to challenge yourself

I think programmers in general like to be challenged -- we enjoy learning new things and using our problem solving skills. I personally struggle when I'm not learning new things or stretching my brain. So, I make sure I'm still challenging myself to grow code-wise. At one job where I had a lot of ownership of my projects, I made rules for myself for each project, like implementing Sandi Metz's rules or doing strict test driven development. I've also made myself blog about learning new technologies or solved code challenges everyday to keep myself consistently learning. Keep growing and expanding your skill set, both for your career and for yourself.

Don't tolerate bullshit

The tech industry can be really toxic, especially for people who are members of underrepresented groups. Know that people treating you poorly isn't your fault. The job search process can suck, but it is worth it to try and move in order to get out of a work situation where you're being treated poorly. Changing things internally is really hard, and most companies you want to work for aren't going to judge you for a short stint somewhere. Your mental health and safety is more important than loyalty to a company that isn't showing that back to you. Do what you need to do to get out, if at all possible, and don't let people minimize your experiences.
I know that this is easier said than done, and finding a new job is hard. If you're in this position please reach out to me and I'll do what I can to help. Or just be a person to vent to.

Burnout is real... and can happen to you

I thought that burnout was impossible for me, I'd been working wild hours since my teens and hadn't felt it at all. Until relatively recently. It can be spurred by different things for different people. For me, it was feeling like my work didn't matter and wasn't being acknowledged. Have a life outside of work: hobbies, friends, and families are all important. You'll probably be able to get more done with more balance too. And that balance will look different at different points in your life. You're not weak because of it, and you can still be successful without working all the time. I just read "Becoming Super Woman" by Nicole Lapin, and I really enjoyed it -- it has a bunch of exercises to work through and everything.