Core values
This text used to live as a permanent section on my site. But the world keeps changing, and I’ve realized that values need regular revision to stay meaningful. There’s no point in having values that become a dusty tradition everyone ignores. They should guide actual decisions.
I originally wrote this, inspired by IKEA’s approach to values in 2023 and by my own experience. I still follow these principles, but moving them into “notes” feels more accurate. Notes are alive. They can reflect the evolution of ideas rather than static statements. Until I write a new note on this topic, these values represent what I care about most.
After fifteen years in software development, I’ve seen the industry transform. AI tools can now do impressive things. But years of experience mean less than they used to. What still matters? The internal compass that guides my choices.
Here’s what I actually care about:
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The team comes first. Technology is just a set of tools. Shiny new frameworks will not save a project. People will. I’ve watched talented individuals fail alone, and average teams succeed together. If your teammates cannot back each other up, the project will eventually fall apart. I invest in the people around me because nothing else works long term
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Quality has limits. Everyone knows poor quality when they see it. But “good enough” looks different to different people. I’ve learned when to stop polishing and move on. Perfectionism kills projects. Knowing when quality is sufficient for the context - that judgment comes from experience, not algorithms
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Learning never stops. Software development is constant reinvention. New approaches emerge. Better patterns appear. I stay curious because standing still means falling behind. But I’m selective. Not every trend deserves attention
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Fair pay matters. I need to eat. My family needs stability. I’ve seen multimillion-dollar projects haggle over pennies for critical roles. That is broken. I respect companies that negotiate wages openly and fairly. Money is not everything, but pretending it does not matter is dishonest
These values aren’t permanent. They’ll evolve as I do. But right now, this is the lens through which I evaluate opportunities and make decisions.