Category Archives: Software

Posts about programming, computers, and my work at tech companies.

5 Ways ICs Can Be Allies

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

You might have heard about DEI or allyship, and then not know what to do next. You want to help your teammates from underrepresented groups, but you’re not how. Or if you should. Let me challenge that. ICs can be … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

You won’t believe why I received this peer bonus

Posted on November 2, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

At Google, employees can give each other “peer bonuses” to recognize each other for doing outstanding work. All you have to do is open an internal website, type why the other person deserves recognition, and their manager will approve it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ask yourself this one question to bring clarity to ANY problem

Posted on September 20, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

When struggling with a problem for a long time, it’s easy to get caught in a vortex of thoughts. Imagine a software engineer named Alice. Alice has worked at Big Tech Co for 2 years, and she’s been thinking about … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology, Software | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

5 Self-Sabotaging Phrases Software Engineers Need to Stop Saying (And What to Say Instead)

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

I’m tired of hearing software engineers complain. Yes, there are unfair managers, incompetent colleagues, systematic barriers, frustrating bureaucracy, and much, much more. Identifying problems is useful. Getting stuck in a cycle of negative emotions is not. The sad thing is … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Not All Complaints Are Created Equal

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Sheldon "Don" Sandbekkhaug

People always find a reason to complain, no matter how polished the product is. Especially the manager on one of my previous teams at Google. Every few days, my manager and I would sit down together and open our iPhone … Continue reading →

Posted in Software | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments