My Vision of Hope For the Tech Industry’s Problems
My Software Developer Career Journey
There are many things wrong with the software industry, but very few we can control. One thing we can - is to try and understand each other.
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Embracing Change and Fostering Understanding in the Tech Industry
Hey, can I ask you an honest question? Does it bother you to see how much negative information there is about the tech industry? The constant fearmongering about AI eliminating jobs, the endless complaints about corporate culture, and the disconnect between managers and developers—it can be overwhelming. I get frustrated too; you’ve seen me talk about these issues in many episodes. But I think we need to recognize something important: our industry has a lot of growing up to do.
The Disconnect in Tech
Whether you’re a developer, a manager, a product manager, or in any other tech role, there’s often a lack of understanding between us. We all have different incentives. Developers are measured by getting things done, product managers by driving revenue, QA by minimizing defects, and support by resolving issues quickly. With everyone focused on their specific goals, it can feel like we’re not even speaking the same language.
But here’s the thing—I don’t want to add to the negativity. Sure, it would be easy to drum up drama and get more views, but that’s not why I’m here. My goal isn’t to create division or stir up controversy. I’m a career coach, and my job is to help you grow and succeed in your career.
Rejecting the Negativity
If you want to stay stuck in your career and just complain about how bad things are, there are plenty of people out there who will join you. Misery loves company, right? But if you want to grow, if you want to thrive, you have to reject that mindset. You need to stop doom-scrolling, stop getting sucked into clickbait, and start making real, sober-minded plans for your career.
One of the most encouraging things I’ve experienced while creating content is hearing from people across different roles in tech—not just developers, but product managers, QA professionals, architects, and more. Despite their different roles, the consistent theme is that they feel misunderstood. And that’s where I want to help you even more.
A Commitment to Growth
If you’re going to come on this journey with me, you need to make a commitment: reject the stereotypes. Whether you’re a manager who thinks developers are lazy or a developer who thinks managers are clueless, holding onto those views will keep you stuck. Instead, let’s work on understanding each other better and communicating more effectively.
A Big Announcement: Rebranding the Channel
Now, for the big news: I’m rebranding the channel. The new name will be Thriving Technologist. This name change reflects my broader mission to help people in all tech roles—not just developers—thrive in their careers.
Why the Change?
When I started this channel in 2017, I was in a very different place. I was suffering from chronic burnout, dealing with addiction, and facing serious mental and physical health issues. The name Healthy Software Developer made sense at the time because my focus was on health. But as I’ve grown, so has the channel.
Over the past seven years, I’ve coached over 300 people around the world, helping them with not just their mental health, but also their career direction and growth. The people I work with don’t just want to be healthy—they want to thrive. They want to succeed, make an impact, and achieve their career goals. That’s why the word thriving is now central to the channel’s mission.
Why Technologist?
The term technologist isn’t as common, but it’s inclusive. It represents anyone who works with technology—developers, managers, product managers, architects, and more. My background in software development and consulting has given me a broad perspective on the industry, and I want to use that to help a wider audience.
What’s Next?
I know that change can be unsettling. Changing the name of the channel after seven years is a big step, and I’ve thought about it a lot. But I believe that this change will help me be even more effective in helping you. The content won’t change dramatically—I’ll still be here to help you with the psychology behind work, mental health, and navigating the tech industry. But I’ll be broadening the focus a bit to include insights that can help people in all tech roles understand each other better.
Moving Forward Together
I’m excited about this new direction, but I’m also a little nervous. I know that some people might not like the change, and that’s okay. But I hope you’ll stick with me as we make this transition. My goal is to help you have more empathy for others in the industry, to stop the endless cycle of complaining, and to start building a career where you can truly thrive.
Let’s move forward together and make a real difference in the tech industry!
About the THRIVING TECHNOLOGIST show
On YouTube and all major podcast networks, Jayme shares teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.
Jayme Edwards
A family man and veteran of nearly 40 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses over his career as an architect and consultant.
Now he's coaching software developers, managers, and business owners to overcome challenges in the IT industry - so they keep growing.