We test engineers ah, outsiders look as if the work is quite simple, not just to find software problems. But in fact, the pain here, like a mess of hemp, can not pull, all helpless and heartbreaking.
Working overtime to the point of "doubt".
This overtime work of ours is really endless. Often working late into the night, I feel like I'm no longer a human being, my body is getting worse and worse, just like a broken machine. But what if I get off work on time? My heart is like a kitten scratching, always feel irresponsible, afraid of the project because of their own problems. This is like sandwiched between two big stones, can not move.
What should I do?
We need to learn to be smart and organize our work in a clear way. You can use a simple note-taking program to list all the things you want to test, and write down how much time you want to spend on each task. If you are really tired, don't carry on, talk to your colleagues, divide the tasks, and make sure the project doesn't stop.
Career choices: to the left, to the right?
Look at the big factory those engaged in testing, earn a lot of money, that really makes people drool ah. But then think about the pressure of large factories, like being chased, like gasping for air. The system is easy, but the salary is like a small puddle, too shallow. It's too hard to choose, like standing at a crossroads, not knowing where to go.
Here comes the solution!
We can write down our expectations for the job, like how much the salary should be, not too much pressure, room for development in the future and so on, and then give these expectations in order. Then we can look at the big factories and institutionalized jobs to see how they are doing in these areas, so that we have a good idea of what to expect. If you don't feel good about any of them, you can also look at medium-sized companies, and you might find something suitable.
Open source frameworks: to use or not to use? That's the question.
Those open source testing frameworks, use it, I feel like a "little follower", not much technical content, not show our skills. Do you want to create a new testing tool? Not quite know how to write, but also afraid of wasting effort, time and energy are wasted. This can make people worried to death.
There's a way!
If you use an open source framework, don't just use it, you have to be like a detective, dig deep into why it is designed this way, and maybe you can change it to make it work better. If you want to create your own new tool, you have to go out and ask around to see if there is anything similar in the market, and whether it is useful for us to do this, it has to match with the actual situation of the company, so don't mess around.
Workplace "Little Monsters": Colleagues Who Can Kiss Butt
In the workplace, there are always some people, testing technology is not good, but will please the leadership. Watching them rely on cleverness to get good performance, we heart that ah, like eating a fly like, not to mention how difficult.
We have to do this:
We need to get better, not just at technology, but also at dealing with people. We need to learn to make our work results clear, like writing a detailed test report or something, and presenting it in a meeting. More and those reliable colleagues together with the study of technology, do not always stare at those who will come to things, so as to save their own heart.
Nervous about talking: communication is a "nightmare".
Leaders let the development team communicate with the test thing, or talk about the program, many people are nervous like a wooden man, words can not speak well. Look at the leadership can easily speak a few sentences to get things done, their own report on the confusion, this feeling is too bad.
Don't panic, there's a solution!
You can take a class that teaches speaking skills to learn how to speak your mind clearly. Normally at work, take the initiative to talk to the development team, start practicing small things, just like learning to walk, and then you won't be afraid.
The "threat" of young people: the double challenge of wages and energies
The wages of young people who are new to the industry are almost the same as ours, or even higher. We want to work overtime to earn more, but our bodies can't take it, so what can we do? It's like being chased and beaten, but we can't run.
We've got a trick up our sleeve:
We have our strengths, such as years of experience and the ability to deal with complex problems, these are our treasures. We need to utilize these strengths. Don't just compete with young people to see who can stay up all night. Make friends with the young people, tell them about our experiences, and they can tell us about new things.
Work attitude "slippery slope": perfunctory work is not good
We always think that colleagues write test cases do not work, but when they receive a new task, they do not do a good job, can fool on fool, do not want to study the new testing techniques, do not want to optimize the process, just think almost. It's not good, it's like going downhill.
It needs to be changed:
We can set small goals for ourselves, such as getting one test process better each month, or learning a new testing technique. These small goals and salary or incentives are linked, so there will be motivation. Participate in some of the industry's discussion activities, and others to talk about their own things, learning from each other, will be embarrassed to be lazy.
Changing careers: a step not to be taken lightly
Changing careers is like a big pit in front of you, I don't dare to jump. I'm afraid that I'll be paid less if I change jobs, but if I don't, I'm afraid that I'll be laid off if I get older, so it's really a dilemma.
There are ways to cope:
If you want to change your career, you can first look at related courses online or find a part-time job to try and see what this industry is all about before deciding whether or not to change. If you still want to do testing, get an advanced certificate, like ISTQB Advanced Certificate, to make yourself more competitive. You should also look at what's popular in the industry, such as automation testing, performance testing, etc., and develop in that direction.
Career Development "Stuck": Changing Jobs and the Confusion of the Future
If the company has the opportunity to change jobs, I can't let go of my testing skills; if I don't have the opportunity, I am worried that I won't have any security when I grow old in the future. I feel that there is no future in a small factory, and I want to go to a big factory but I don't have the ability, and I don't have the chance to have an interview, so it's too worrying.
So resolved:
If you have the opportunity to change jobs, think about the pros and cons. If you don't want to change jobs, talk to your leaders to see if you can develop more in your current position, such as being responsible for testing important projects or participating in company training. If you want to go to a big company, you should make a plan for yourself, and follow the requirements of big companies to learn technology and save experience. You can participate in open source projects, solve some problems in real projects, and then find friends to push them, and you will have a better chance.
No motivation to learn: short videos are "too tempting".
We all know that improving testing skills can increase your salary, but as soon as you have time, you want to watch and brush Jitterbug, and you can't calm down to study, which is like a little devil is messing with you.
Gotta beat this little devil:
You can set a learning plan for yourself, and divide the big goal into small tasks, such as learning an hour a day and doing a small test technology practice every week. And then find a small partner to study together, supervise each other, like two people together to catch the little monster, so that there is energy to learn.
Career Value "Confusion": Working or Starting a Business?
Sometimes I feel that working for the boss is just being squeezed and meaningless, but if I really want to start my own business, I can't afford to give up that stable salary every month, it's like walking in the fog, not knowing the direction.
Do this:
We need to think about what we work for, whether it's to earn money, to feel accomplished, or to take it easy. Adjust your mindset accordingly. If you have the idea of starting your own business, you can start with a side business and try it out in your spare time, and then consider starting a full-time business once you have experience.
We test engineers have so many annoying things to do, but with these solutions, we can slowly come out of these predicaments and make our work and life better.