One Question Every Tech Engineer Should Be Asking Monthly

Ever found yourself stuck in a career rut, unsure if you're still on the right path? I recently stumbled upon an intriguing idea shared by a former Microsoft engineer that might just shift how we view career growth. It's a simple question: "What did I do this month that I couldn't last month?"

The Monthly Growth Test

Kun Chen, who worked at Microsoft before jumping ship to Meta and Atlassian, wrestled with the same dilemma many of us face. He shared a litmus test he used to measure personal growth. Chen asked himself this question every month to gauge whether he was genuinely learning and evolving in his role. When the answer started coming up blank, he knew it was time for change.

During his six-year stint at Microsoft, Chen realized that months were passing without him tackling new challenges. Much of his work involved repeating tasks he had already mastered. Even though he managed to improve in efficiency and quality, the core tasks remained the same. That's when he knew something had to give.

This introspective test is timely, especially as we embrace rapid technological advancements. Software engineering, in particular, is undergoing seismic shifts with AI rapidly redefining roles. Google recently revealed that 75% of its new code comes from AI, up from 50% just months ago. It's a fast-moving industry, and the pace shows no sign of slowing down.

Bigger Picture: Implications for Tech and Beyond

What does this mean for tech professionals and companies? First, it's a reminder that growth isn't just about promotions or pay raises. It's about skill acquisition and staying relevant in a field where the world can change overnight. For engineers, developers, and even crypto miners, this mindset is essential.

Look, mining is an energy business that happens to produce bitcoin, and like Chen's experiences, growth can stall when tasks become routine. Just as AI is shaking up software engineering, technological advancements could redefine how we approach and optimize mining operations. The economics are tighter than people think, and staying stagnant might mean falling behind.

For companies, it's about fostering environments where continuous learning is possible. Are you encouraging your team to tackle new challenges, or are they spinning their wheels on last year's projects? The industry demands innovation, but that starts at the individual level.

What Should Workers Do?

So, here's the thing. If you're feeling like your career is on repeat, it might be time to apply Chen's question to your own life. But that doesn't always mean jumping ship. It could mean seeking new challenges within your current role or company. Maybe it's a conversation with your manager about taking on different responsibilities. Or perhaps it's about upskilling on the side.

For those in tech, especially in fields like blockchain and crypto, following the hashrate is as much about tracking technological progress as it's about personal growth. In a market where difficulty adjustment is the unseen market force, staying nimble and adaptable is key.

Chen's story isn't just about leaving a job. it's about the relentless pursuit of personal and professional development. So, next time you're pondering your career trajectory, ask yourself: "What am I doing differently this month?" If your answer isn't satisfying, maybe it's time to shake things up.