Most seasoned developers know that there’s more to being a successful developer than simply being great at code. Amidst the crush of deadlines and 3am alerts, its easy to forget what it feels like to stand at the bottom of a learning curve, of all the skills besides programming that you need to build a successful career. As a teacher, I see new developers struggle with the same issues over and over, and these 5 things are what I tell them. So, whether you’re new to programming or a veteran of many campaigns, this talk is for you. If you’re just starting out, you’ll be glad to hear that the frustrations you may be experiencing are not unique, and that there are strategies for overcoming them. For experienced developers, this talk is a refresher course on what goes into the day-to-day, helping us have better empathy for individuals new to our community. Come (re)discover these 5 (sometimes surprising, always honest) truths, tips, and tactics for success.