Soft Skills

The Software Developer's Life Manual

John Sonmez | 4.05 | 2,762 ratings and reviews

Ranked #45 in Software Engineering, Ranked #62 in IT — see more rankings.

Summary

"Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual" is a unique guide, offering techniques and practices for a more satisfying life as a professional software developer. In it, developer and life coach John Sonmez addresses a wide range of important "soft" topics, from career and productivity to personal finance and investing, and even fitness and relationships, all from a developer-centric viewpoint.

Forewords by Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob) and Scott Hanselman.

Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.

About the Book

For most software developers, coding is the fun part. The hard bits are dealing with clients, peers, and managers, staying productive, achieving financial security, keeping yourself in shape, and finding true love. This book is here to help.

"Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual" is a guide to a well-rounded, satisfying life as a technology professional. In it, developer and life coach John Sonmez offers advice to developers on important "soft" subjects like career and productivity, personal finance and investing, and even fitness and relationships. Arranged as a collection of 71 short chapters, this fun-to-read book invites you to dip in wherever you like. A Taking Action section at the end of each chapter shows you how to get quick results. Soft Skills will help make you a better programmer, a more valuable employee, and a happier, healthier person.

What's InsideBoost your career by building a personal brandJohn's secret ten-step process for learning quicklyFitness advice to turn your geekiness to your advantageUnique strategies for investment and early retirement

About the Author

John Sonmez is a developer, teacher, and life coach who helps technical professionals boost their careers and live a more fulfilled life.

Table of ContentsWhy this book is unlike any book you've ever readSECTION 1: CAREERGetting started with a "BANG!": Don't do what everyone else doesThinking about the future: What are your goals?People skills: You need them more than you thinkHacking the interviewEmployment options: Enumerate your choicesWhat kind of software developer are you?Not all companies are equalClimbing the corporate ladderBeing a professionalFreedom: How to quit your jobFreelancing: Going out on your ownCreating your first productDo you want to start a startup?Working remotely survival strategiesFake it till you make itResumes are BORING Let's fix thatDon't get religious about technologySECTION 2: MARKETING YOURSELFMarketing basics for code monkeysBuilding a brand that gets you noticedCreating a wildly successful blogYour primary goal: Add value to others#UsingSocialNetworksSpeaking, presenting, and training: Speak geekWriting books and articles that attract a followingDon't be afraid to look like an idiotSECTION 3: LEARNINGLearning how to learn: How to teach yourselfMy 10-step processSteps 1-6: Do these onceSteps 7-10: Repeat theseLooking for mentors: Finding your YodaTaking on an apprentice: Being YodaTeaching: Learn you want? Teach you must.Do you need a degree or can you "wing it?"Finding gaps in your knowledgeSECTION 4: PRODUCTIVITYIt all starts with focusMy personal productivity planPomodoro TechniqueMy quota system: How I get way more done than I shouldHolding yourself accountableMultitasking dos and don'tsBurnout: I've got the cure!How you're wasting your timeThe importance of having a routineDeveloping habits: Brushing your codeBreaking things down: How to eat an elephantThe value of hard work and why you keep avoiding itAny action is better than no actionSECTION 5: FINANCIALWhat are you going to do with your paycheck?How to negotiate your salaryOptions: Where all the fun isBits and bytes of real estate investingDo you really understand your retirement plan?The danger of debt: SSDs are expensiveBonus: How I retired at 33SECTION 6: FITNESSWhy you need to hack your healthSetting your fitness criteriaThermodynamics, calories, and youMotivation: Getting your butt out of the chairHow to gain muscle: Nerds can have bulging bicepsHow to get hash-table absStarting RunningProgram.exeStanding desks and other hacksTech gear for fitness: Geeking outSECTION 7: SPIRITHow the mind influences the bodyHaving the right mental attitude: RebootingBuilding a positive self-image: Programming your brainLove and relationships: Computers can't hold your handMy personal success book listFacing failure head-onParting words" less

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Rankings by Category

Soft Skills is ranked in the following categories:

#77 in Programming

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