1. Many managers and customers really do not know what a computer is. At all. We know they don't understand code. Many don't even understand data. This problem very slowly dissolves over the decades, as the populace ages and gets replaced.
2. Personalities matter more than technology.
3. Don't let people drive over a cliff, just because it's their responsibility. Remember, you're in the same car. In a matter of life and death (of the project, or the company) grab the steering wheel. Of course, you'd better be sure you know what you're doing.
4. Out of desperation, some people will sabotage you and then blame you for it. Sometimes there is nothing you can do.
5. Always maintain a good working relationship with the person you're working for, whether a manager or a customer. Chat more often, even if it is uncomfortable. Especially with idiots.
6. Some people will be afraid of you, if you have greater expertise. They need to be flattered.
7. Seek out and learn from those who know.
8. Notice I said nothing about technology.
--------------------------
Beware the changes in technology. I spent decades in an environment where saving a few bytes mattered, and C compilers were just okay. The coding style I developed is now obsolete in the era of gigabyte memories, and too hard to read. Change with the times.
2. Personalities matter more than technology.
3. Don't let people drive over a cliff, just because it's their responsibility. Remember, you're in the same car. In a matter of life and death (of the project, or the company) grab the steering wheel. Of course, you'd better be sure you know what you're doing.
4. Out of desperation, some people will sabotage you and then blame you for it. Sometimes there is nothing you can do.
5. Always maintain a good working relationship with the person you're working for, whether a manager or a customer. Chat more often, even if it is uncomfortable. Especially with idiots.
6. Some people will be afraid of you, if you have greater expertise. They need to be flattered.
7. Seek out and learn from those who know.
8. Notice I said nothing about technology.
--------------------------
Beware the changes in technology. I spent decades in an environment where saving a few bytes mattered, and C compilers were just okay. The coding style I developed is now obsolete in the era of gigabyte memories, and too hard to read. Change with the times.