What should I work on to grow as a software engineer?

I somehow feel stuck in my current job. It is one of these tech salary second tier tech company's new grad software engineer role. they gave us flexibility so I got lucky to have choices among the team.

I ended up picking a team with 2 female engineers already. However I sometimes made small careless mistakes due to my ADHD. So one senior guy started being mean to me. He micromanage people even tho he is not an official manager only a senior member. I didn't even realized it until became uncomfortable enough to cry and my other female teammates proactively approached me and provided me with comfort.

now the problem is, I picked this team because most people are nice. And they are(except that one senior guy I mentioned) But I am just not sure exactly what I can do to grow my career when I am already suffering endless mental battles in my

head because I felt not confident because of my ADHD. Also because I didn't have a bachelor degree in cs only after master school.

so I know some people spend their own time to polish their skills in software engineering. But I am not sure where to start among so many options out there. I also feel like all we did during the work was some boring stuff that doesn't even need any of those fancy things... am I wrong?

Hi Danna,Thank you for sharing your story—it sounds like you’re in a challenging spot but also have a lot of potential to grow. It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost early on, especially with the added challenges of ADHD and navigating difficult team dynamics. Here are some ways to keep building your skills and confidence:Identify Core Technical Skills to Strengthen: Start by mastering core software engineering concepts that are highly transferable, like algorithms, data structures, and debugging practices. You can also explore foundational systems and concepts like version control (Git), databases, and cloud basics.Set Small, Achievable Learning Goals: Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, set clear, manageable goals each week. For example, focus on improving a single skill like code review practices or testing. With ADHD, breaking things down into smaller steps can make a big difference and keep you motivated.Gain Confidence Through Projects: Work on small side projects or contribute to open-source if you can. Projects give you the chance to practice new skills and build a portfolio outside of your current team’s work. They don’t have to be fancy—focus on projects that interest you and challenge you just a bit.Build a Supportive Network: It’s great to hear your teammates are supportive! Keep connecting with them, and consider finding a mentor—someone outside your team can offer guidance on your career growth without the same workplace dynamics.Work on Self-Confidence and Self-Care: Growing as a software engineer also means managing self-doubt. Keep celebrating small wins, stay mindful of your progress, and take breaks to recharge. Working with a coach or therapist familiar with ADHD might also help you find strategies that work best for you.If you’d like to chat about building a growth plan that suits your strengths, I’d be happy to help. Feel free to schedule a call at bit.ly/Call_Form. Remember, you’re already making progress by seeking growth—hang in there, Danna!