#0175: I’m a software engineer ~ what next? Mid-Series Update and Next Steps
Wondering what’s next once you’re a software engineer? Check out my new podcast: #WHATNEXT
Braingasm
At the end of 2024, I found myself with some time off and started wondering what I might do next. I’d been contemplating those “boundary conditions” software engineers sometimes come up against — moments when you’re not sure whether to stick to a familiar path or pivot into something new. Then, as if the universe was listening to my rumination, James Wilson (a tech recruiter) got in touch with a podcast idea. We didn’t really know what that would involve or how to do it, but we thought: why not take our own entrepreneurial advice and just build an MVP? So here we are, halfway through the first series of our new podcast, “I’m a software engineer ~ what next?”
I’m excited to share a quick update on how it’s going. We’ve just hit the midpoint of Series 1, with four episodes live and a special mid-series episode on the way. Our focus remains the same: to explore those pivotal career boundary conditions that software engineers face. When James and I first discussed starting a podcast, we noticed a gap: lots of content exists for entry-level developers and tech trends, but far less about what happens once you’re already a software engineer. We wanted to tackle the question, “Where do you go next?” with candid conversations about real transitions and the people who’ve navigated them.
We deliberately kept the first four episodes of Series 1 at “MVP quality”. Our main goal was to test whether these topics resonate with you. It turns out they do, so we’re now planning to ramp up production standards for the second half of this series. Expect better audio, more polished editing, and a tighter format in the upcoming episodes.
If this is your first time hearing about #WHATNEXT here’s a quick recap of the episodes so far:
S01E01: Boundary Conditions with Carlton Lane
- We introduced ourselves, the idea behind the podcast, and how career boundary conditions can shape an engineer’s journey. The boundaries aren’t always technical — mindset and timing matter just as much.
S01E02: Frameworks with Michael Smith
- We chatted about the frameworks that guide both software development and personal growth. It’s a look at building robust approaches to tech and career progression, not just picking libraries.
S01E03: VCs and PEs with Danielle Ullner
- We explored the realities of funding, from venture capital to private equity, and what that means for tech professionals. It’s all about understanding the bigger business picture around your work.
S01E04: Quality with Swapnali Bhansali
- We looked at how some engineers shift focus to quality, whether it’s testing or a broader product view. Knowing your strengths and interests helps you figure out when (and how) to make that pivot.
We’re about to record a special mid-series episode where James and I will reflect on what we’ve learned so far, and we’d love your feedback on how well we’ve been hitting the mark. Are there particular boundary conditions you’d like us to unpack? Do you have topic suggestions or guest ideas for the second half of Series 1? How can we improve the production or format? Let us know — it’s your input that helps us shape these conversations into something genuinely valuable.
If you want to catch up on the first four episodes (or if you’re just discovering us now), you can find them on our main site at whatnext.dev, or directly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. As we plan the second half of Series 1, we’ll be refining everything from audio quality to guest selection, and we want you to be part of that process.
Thanks so much for tuning in so far! Stay tuned for the mid-series special — and please let us know where you’d like us to go next!
Regards,
M@
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Originally published on matthewsinclair.com and cross-posted on Medium.
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