We're Not Robots: A Developer's Journey to Success, Creativity and Avoiding Burnout

Explore a developer's journey to success, creativity, and burnout prevention in this JSConf talk. Delve into the intersection of hiring managers' expectations and social media pressures, challenging the notion that constant coding is the only path to success. Examine research on cognitive needs, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity and passion in development. Discover strategies for developers and managers to create an environment that nurtures creativity and ensures a balanced, fulfilling professional life. Learn from Amanda Martin's personal experiences as she reshapes the narrative around developer productivity, creativity, and burnout. Gain insights on topics such as the definition of creativity, critical thinking, personal growth, and leadership in software development. Uncover techniques to enhance creative thinking, understand what makes a good software engineer, and identify sources of inspiration. Address challenges like external constraints, design systems, and low-trust environments while exploring ways to cultivate a more creative and satisfying career in development.