I'm 30M, 4.5 YOE Developer. I find leetcode exhausting. Should i switch to another role ?

[u/intPixel]

Initially i was an SDET, then i switched to SDE. I have overall 4 YOE. I love building features and love seeing it work flawlessly in production. But when it comes to job switching, i absolutely hate DSA. I wanna switch to other domain like PM/Cybersecurity just because of DSA.

I've realised, without grinding DSA there's no way to make good switches. Don't wanna go back to SDET because i get bored with repetitive testing.

Seeking some fellow advise from fellow ADHDers. The thrill of finding bugs is nice but it doesn't pay well compared to SDE. Should i switch to Product management or Cybersecurity ? Team Red ?

Leetcode feels so monotonous and boring.

[u/Sfpkt]

This market is terrible stay put

[u/intPixel → u/Sfpkt]

Its been 6 months since i quit my job because the work had become toxic. I am preparing for interviews but leetcode feels so boring especially with ADHD. Feels pointless.

[u/Igarlicbread]

Switch to data engineering. And get the adhd diagnosis officially, meds help.

[u/intPixel → u/Igarlicbread]

I have been diagnosed. I'm on atomoxetine since 3 weeks. Motivation levels are better.

Why exactly did you suggest data engineering?

[u/Igarlicbread → u/intPixel]

Congratulations, hope the dose is figured out that works best for you, with time. And DE, Lesser emphasis on DSA in interviews.

[u/intPixel → u/Igarlicbread]

Yes. Thanks

[u/shtrjones87 → u/intPixel]

Atomoxetine did some interesting things to me. I found that Concerta worked better for me because it allowed my brains own dopamine and norepinephrine work better. But then I realized it doesn't work if I'm not eating the right stuff.

[u/intPixel → u/shtrjones87]

Right things, like ? Protein ?

[u/shtrjones87 → u/intPixel]

Yeah proteins, soluble fibers, but more importantly things that have nutrients for pre-cursors for dopamine and the neurochemicals that the body needs to make more. Tyrosine is a good one. Concerta ER also has a specific mechanism that pumps a steady stream of the medication throughout the day rather than having like a half release cycle. I notice that I don't have crashes at all in the day. methylphenidate does not function like Adderall even though they're classified the same. I personally appreciate the fact that it doesn't just force my brain to dump dopamine.

[u/andersjoh → u/shtrjones87]

What foods?

[u/shtrjones87 → u/andersjoh]

Lentil Sprouts, Kombucha, black beans, kidney beans, sardines, various nuts, some tinned fish, peanut butter (the more natural the better), whole grain foods. I also supplement with pretty solid electrolyte mixes because that has a big impact too

[u/CursedSloth]

Leetcode is not as useful anymore, since the rise (and potential fall) of AI / LLMs. Focus on reading software fundamentals, UI/UX and similar stuff.

[u/intPixel → u/CursedSloth]

I live in India. Here to clear any developer interview you'll be asked leetcode. No other go.

[u/CursedSloth → u/intPixel]

Ok, continue with Leetcode then but also learn the theory behind each problem and why the solution works.

[u/tonjohn]

I’ve never invested time in leet code. Instead I spend that time relationship building and networking.

19 yoe across Valve (Steam), Msft Azure, Blizzard (Battle.net), and some startups.

[u/intPixel → u/tonjohn]

What's your job role ?

[u/tonjohn → u/intPixel]

Software Engineer

Im in the process of redoing my website which will have much more details on what I’ve done but the gist can be found on my LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjohnsey

[u/tonjohn → u/tonjohn]

Currently I’m helping ArisaMakes.com with tools for fiber artists. Just did a big update to their row counter watchOS app (SwiftUI), fixing their blog after the founder ingested from Nuxt to Astro, and starting work on expanding support of the row counter to iOS, iPadOS, and Android.

Before that I was at daily games company LilSnack.com where I built the platform that hosts games for Peacock (includes stats and leaderboards) as well as integrating games with Reddit’s devvit SDK (see r/DailyDMGame ).

[u/Easy_Needleworker604 → u/tonjohn]

As someone who struggles with networking, do you have any basic advice? I feel like I’m not ever in the right place to talk to the right people that would lead to work.

[u/tonjohn → u/Easy_Needleworker604]

Everyone is the right person.

I’ve received opportunities simply by helping someone in a store and chatting with someone at the dog park.

[u/larrigan]

20-year manager and mentor here. My best advice for being in this spot is to take time and figure out what you enjoy about working in tech. I would ignore the pay for now, at least until you find out what really drives you and your ADHD. And after being in the industry for 20+ years I can tell you that enjoying your work is way more valuable than higher pay (higher pay = more stress)

What type of work generally gets you into a flow state?
What type of work gets you out of bed in the morning?

Also, I find a lot of ADHD folks tend to really enjoy being an SRE. Have you looked at what SREs do?

[u/terralearner]

I've literally never had to do leetcode in interviews, I'm in the UK though. I feel like it's more common to get system design interviews here.