Career
Are We Coding for Money or for Passion?
Is it possible to find a balance between money and passion in a software career? I explore this question with anecdotes and personal approaches from my 20.
Career
216 posts
Career development, work life, leadership and professional growth experiences.
Career
The Frenzy to Chase Every Technology: Pragmatic Engineering
A deep analysis on the frenzy to keep up with every technology in the industry and ways to build a pragmatic engineering career.
Career
3 Critical Steps When Choosing AI-Powered Developer Tools
I address the challenges of choosing AI-powered developer tools, offering 3 critical steps and practical tips for making the right decisions.
Career
The Forgotten Cost of Security in Indie Hacker Projects
In indie hacker projects, security is often an overlooked cost. This post discusses how early-stage security investments, when neglected, can lead to.
Career
The Untold Side of Working Remotely for International Companies
I share my own experiences about working remotely for international companies, revealing that it's not just about high salaries and flexibility, but also.
Career
Why Senior Developer Experience Can Sometimes Be a Hindrance
A senior developer's experience can slow down a project; a deep analysis of decision weight, code review delays, and communication barriers.
Career
Being a Software Developer in Turkey: The Untold Truths
I'm sharing the differences between expectations and realities of being a software developer in Turkey, based on my 20 years of field experience.
Career
Which Software Jobs Will Remain 10 Years Later?
The future of the software world with the AI revolution. Mustafa Erbay discusses which jobs will remain and what will change with his 20 years of experience.
Career
The New Pattern of 2026 Tech Layoffs: 'Cut and Pivot'
I examine the new 'Cut and Pivot' strategy behind tech layoffs in 2026 and what it means for our careers.
Career
CS Degree, Bootcamp, or Self-Taught: The Equation in 2026
Analyzing the equation between a CS degree, bootcamp, or self-learning when charting a career path in the software industry in 2026, based on my 20 years of.
Career
Too Late to Learn Code in 2026? The Wrong Question
Mustafa Erbay's career advice: Is it too late to start learning code in 2026? I explain why continuous learning and adaptation are what truly matter.
Career
The AI Premium is Real: Engineers with AI Skills Earn 12-56% More
Why engineers with AI competencies earn higher salaries in the industry, which skills stand out, and the impact of this premium on careers…
Career
How a Homelab Helps You Stand Out in Your Career
The impact of homelab setup on my career, practical steps and how to stand out in job interviews?
Career
The 5+5 Safest and Most Dangerous Software Roles in the Age of AI
How AI technologies are transforming the software world, which roles will remain safe, and which are at risk, based on my own experiences…
Career
Is a University Degree Still Necessary for Software?
With 20 years of system architecture experience, I examine the place of a university degree in the software world and its pragmatic realities.
Career
To My 20-Year-Ago Self: 7 Things That Would Change My Career
With 20 years of system architecture experience, I share the turning points of my career and 7 things I wish I had known looking back. This is not advice, but…
Career
Should I Become a Manager? No One Tells You It's a Reversible Decision
Transitioning to a management position isn't a one-way street as commonly believed. My own experiences show that returning to technical roles is possible and.
Career
Choosing an AI Code Assistant: Copilot, Cursor, and Claude Code
Examining the effectiveness of AI code assistants in software development, comparing GitHub Copilot, Cursor, and Claude Code based on my own experiences to.
Career
Seniors Have Never Been This Valuable — But 'Senior' Is No Longer
With 20 years of experience, I explain how the concept of 'senior' is no longer tied to years, but redefined by system understanding, workflow mastery, and.
Career
I Became a Manager and Returned: Do I Regret It?
The reasons behind my transition from a management position back to a technical career, the challenges I faced, and the lessons I learned.
Career
My Most Expensive Engineering Decision
Sharing the story of an engineer's most costly 'yes' decision in their career, with lessons learned from 20 years of experience.
Career
The Candidate Who Impressed Me Most in a Job Interview
I've conducted hundreds of job interviews. Most candidates had memorized technical information, but only one truly impressed me. Why? Because of their.
Career
Companies Quietly Hiring Juniors While Everyone Fears AI
While the rise of AI sparks fears of job losses, many companies continue to invest in junior talent. This post explores the reasons behind this trend and its.
Career
The Heaviest AI Users Atrophy the Fastest: The Skill Atrophy Trap
I examine how over-reliance on AI tools dulls our professional skills, with examples from my 20 years of field experience. In the long run, this…