u/Vivid_Sea_6974

I’m a software developer and I work in an open office with a bunch of other developers. The office is extremely loud, almost like being in a cafeteria. Everyone talks loudly, nobody wears headphones, and people constantly interrupt each other.

I haven’t been here very long, and I feel really bad wearing noise-cancelling headphones because my team is very close and has a very “family” culture. I feel like wearing headphones could come across as antisocial or like I don’t want to interact with them.
The problem is that the noise is becoming unbearable.
I’ve started wearing noise-cancelling headphones because otherwise I genuinely struggle to concentrate and get my work done. People also interrupt me while I’m working, which makes it even harder to get into a focused state.

I’m trying to stay employed and adapt to the culture instead of making a big deal out of it, but I’m finding it really difficult.

How would you handle this without coming across as rude or antisocial?

I’m starting to seriously question whether software development is the right career for me, and I could really use some career advice.
I already made a major career change once. I have degrees in Finance and Computer Science, so going back to school for another 3–5 years is really not something I want to do.

The problem is that I’m becoming completely exhausted trying to keep up with the pace and complexity of software development.
There is always another technology to learn, another codebase to understand, another difficult problem to solve, and constant pressure to deliver faster. Even when I eventually figure something out, the mental effort it takes me feels unsustainable. I constantly feel like I’m behind.
I’m realizing that I don’t necessarily dislike problem-solving . I dislike that my problems are almost always highly technical.

I’m much more interested in research, psychology, health, human behaviour, creativity, design and optimization. I like understanding a problem, figuring out why something isn’t working, and finding a better way to do it.

I also need a lot of autonomy and uninterrupted time to do my best work. Ideally, I’d work remotely, independently, and spend most of my time focused on projects rather than meetings or constantly having to demonstrate how quickly I can produce.
I’m also the only woman developer on my team, and I’ve realized that I don’t particularly connect with the culture. I often feel that technical performance is valued much more than the human side of work.

The frustrating part is that I don’t want to throw away my Computer Science degree. I’d like to find a career where my technical background is useful, but isn’t the entire job.

I’m feeling pretty burned out, especially because I’ve already switched careers once. I don’t want to make another massive career change blindly.
If you were in my position, what careers would you seriously consider with a background in Finance + computer science

I’m a software developer, working 4 days remotely and 1 day in the office. I only have a daily meeting each morning, but even that feels overwhelming. I constantly feel like everyone is judging my work and will eventually realize I’m an impostor. I have severe anxiety around being evaluated and making mistakes.
I’ve been doing this job for 5 months and already feel like I’m not capable of working, even though the job itself isn’t objectively that demanding. I’m not currently medicated.
I previously worked in finance for 2 years and burned out, then went back to school and switched to software development.

Hi! My partner and I have one last day on Cape Cod and would love some local suggestions!
We’ve already done lots of beaches, the dunes, Provincetown, Chatham, small towns, and a few trails (including Great Island Trail).
We’d love to do something different and make the most of our last day. If you had one day left on the Cape, what would you absolutely recommend?
We have a car and can drive anywhere.

I’m trying to learn to embrace my Soft Summer coloring, even though I honestly don’t love it. I have light brown/dark blonde hair, grey eyes, and very pale, slightly greyish skin. I also find the overall “faded” look of Soft Summer a bit plain and boring, so I’m struggling to see how to make it feel more flattering and interesting. Most influencers I see look quite bronzed or vibrant, which doesn’t feel relatable to me. I’d love recommendations!