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RailsConf 2017: Panel: Developer Happiness through Getting Involved with Polly Schandorf, Sarah Me, Sean Marcia, &Terian Koscik We have amazing skills and abilities, but for a lot of us the missing piece is finding a way to give back. We have an amazing panel of people who have used their skills and talents from both previous careers and current to make the world a better place. Learn how they got involved, and in turn what you can do to get involved in areas you’re passionate about to fill this missing piece that will keep you happy throughout your career.
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The panel discussion titled "Developer Happiness through Getting Involved" at RailsConf 2017 focused on enhancing developer happiness by actively engaging in community service and contribution. The panelists, including Polly Schandorf, Terian Koscik, Sean Marcia, and Sara Me, shared their experiences of how involvement in community and nonprofit work not only benefits others but also provides personal fulfillment and helps prevent burnout in one’s career. **Key Points:** - **Community Engagement:** The importance of giving back to the community is emphasized as a way to enhance personal happiness. Polly Schandorf highlighted her positive experiences at Ruby For Good, a retreat for creating projects that support nonprofits. - **Diverse Involvement:** Each panelist shared unique paths they have taken in volunteerism, such as organizing events, leading workshops, and founding initiatives like RailsBridge, which aims to empower underrepresented groups in tech. - **Starting Points:** Sara Me suggested beginners can start with simple projects or workshops without needing to be experts. Finding what interests them through meetups and networking can provide direction. - **Navigating Challenges:** Terian discussed dealing with the burnout and recognizing when to pivot focus from one type of community work to another as personal interests and energies shift over time. - **Remote Opportunities:** Sean mentioned that even if local events are not available, many organizations offer remote opportunities to contribute, particularly through platforms like GitHub. - **Benefits of Involvement:** The panel emphasized the professional benefits of volunteering, including enhancing your resume and building valuable connections. The experience teaches various skills that are beneficial in tech roles. - **Communication and Balance:** Maintaining open lines of communication with project teams regarding availability and concerns about commitment was stressed as key to a successful volunteering experience. - **Gratitude in Community:** Panelists suggested finding ways to appreciate volunteers, whether through simple thank-you gestures or tokens of appreciation, helps foster a positive environment. **Conclusions:** The discussion concluded with the idea that engaging with community initiatives can significantly improve personal satisfaction and career fulfillment. It encourages developers to recognize their potentials and contributions to the greater good, fostering a sense of joy and purpose in their professional lives. The main takeaway is the mutual benefits of volunteering—while helping others, individuals also enrich their own lives and careers.
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