Having trouble with a mid level developer
Posted by newintownla@reddit | ExperiencedDevs | View on Reddit | 150 comments
So, I have a coworker who doesn't seem to be able to do very much on his own without asking for help, and by help, I mean asking me to do 90% of his task for him. For example, he's working on an application that needs to connect to a postgres database right now. I just got off of a 45 minute call with him where I just explained how to install PgAdmin and run a few SQL scripts. Instead of asking me how to run scripts, he literally just asked me, "can you please just do this for me?" He's not learning anything because he never tried anything on his own. I'm spending increasingly more time babysitting him to the point to where it's cutting into my day. I have helped junior developers in the past but I have never had to deal with a dev who acts helpless like this.
What do you do in this situation? I'm really trying to help without being a dick to him, but it's getting really irritating.
alanbdee@reddit
I've worked with a few devs like this. Sadly, not everybody has the problem solving skills to do this job. 45 minutes to connect to postgres? That's insane, even for a beginner. Connecting to a database was like chapter 3 of the first programming book I read.
Then, "can you just do it for me" would have had me stand up without a word and talk to the manager. He can't do the job. Sorry.
CockConfidentCole@reddit
this is something I'd expect anyone in college to be able to do... hell, high schooler that is studying CS...
Xerxero@reddit
Should be in the documentation or just let him figure it out him self.
“Here is pgadmin, these are the credentials. Try to get it running locally first. Call me if you have issue but let me know what you tried first on your own. Google is a thing”
No way I spend 45min in a call to explain these basics.
alanbdee@reddit
Especially now with AI. Back in my day, I had to read the docs and google search, and read a book to figure something out.
Xerxero@reddit
And really this is so basic. Hostname, user and password. Even by just trying 90% of developer have this running in 5 min.
Some basic database and sql knowledge required but these basics are in every curriculum
DistorsionMentale@reddit
It's really the basics, if he doesn't even master that, I refuse to believe he's an intermediate developer
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
He sounds like a nepo developer
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
Just as a counterpoint we had a new (senior) dev start recently and within two days he had the entire toolchain and app running locally from source. Independently. Would’ve been quicker but there was a bug in a script (my bad not his)
That’s what even a mid level dev should be able to do. Of course, we have a great onboarding system and “one script for everything you need” dev experience so that does help
first_timeSFV@reddit
I got friends who are very capable struggling to find jobs right now, and this guy has a job?
Shocked.
AlexMot@reddit
This must be infuriating (imho)
Why don't you address this matter with the management? I think this is not your problem to help the "mid-level developer" stay afloat in the company. You're just pulling the rubber band, and one day it will snap in case, for whatever miraculous reason, he will be promoted.
More interesting question considering his questions to you and the tasks he gets, how did he even become a mid-level developer?
dxsquared@reddit
I'm in this situation. We're currently in a deadline crunch and he's been slacking off.a lot.
tldr; In the short term I took the time to clearly define what needs to get done and added myself to his work items and check in a few times a day. It has seemed to help, or at least has gotten him working more, even though his aptitude is not that great.
After an internal demo, showcasing our progress before a big presentation next week, I decided to talk to our manager about it. I presented my concerns that he's struggled, for most of the last year, to be productive and is a one of few reasons we're behind. Im talking maybe 50% of work hours actually working.
He was receptive and already had concerns, and planned to setup a PIP once we get past the next couple of weeks. I offered to help be his overseer on that. He's a good guy, but man, he needs to be walked through things
newintownla@reddit (OP)
This guy seems to be clueless, not just procrastinating. I don't think he knows how to do basic things he should know to even have this job in the first place.
suncrisptoast@reddit
You need to take it to your manager. Make it politely clear how much time it's eating away from you and why. Be clear but don't be a dick. Just calmly explain what you just said "can you please just do this for me?"
You can mentor, but that co worker isn't wanting a mentor - zero effort. Let me know if they need someone capable.
newintownla@reddit (OP)
They actually do. They're on a hiring spree for contractors right now. Pay is mid range, but the job is very cushy. They're in desperate need for experienced developers at the moment.
jtm_sea@reddit
Any need for FE devs?
sus-is-sus@reddit
What languages and can i work remote
newintownla@reddit (OP)
It's mostly backend work with Java and spring boot and some typescript and react on the front end. I haven't done a lot of front end work here, but I'm getting ready to start a new react app from scratch for one of the back ends I just deployed so that may change soon.
da8BitKid@reddit
DM me, I've done a ton of java backend work with sprint boot. I've been the lead of a front end team, as well, working with both react & typescript. You wouldn't have to worry about me not pulling the load
sus-is-sus@reddit
Ugh java. Welp, should be plenty of those around.
CorrectRate3438@reddit
Yeah, but we're all old enough to get eliminated by the AI filters. I'm kind of waiting for us to have our own Y2k Cobol moment which I am ALSO old enough to remember.
Spimflagon@reddit
Java? Jesus, we're old enough to get eliminated by a sudden cold snap, AI isn't necessary.
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
More ppl code in Java than you’d think.
CorrectRate3438@reddit
Lol I meant eliminated from hiring consideration but you probably knew that. I'm old enough to remember when we had documented project requirements, so reject the resume.
PM_ME_DPRK_CANDIDS@reddit
nevermind i'm not that despearate for a job /s
GomuGomuNooooo@reddit
Can you dm more details? Can also work remote
jaktonik@reddit
I've got plenty of experience and I'd love a solid contract, I have java and react on significant projects in my work history - I'm sure you're sick of hearing this but I'd love to learn more!
Outrageous_Friend451@reddit
I only have two years of experience, but I could easily make senior if that is good enough for mid level.
agumonkey@reddit
full remote allowed ?
jtm_sea@reddit
Any need for FE devs?
NoWing3675@reddit
i have one year left in the military as a software dev with TS. would appreciate some insight on contracting jobs as well
gdvs@reddit
Still, it's a good idea to keep them in the loop early on. Even if they won't do anything before it gets really bad, it's good to already tell them. Because when you do, it will be brand new info for them and they'll delay taking action.
suncrisptoast@reddit
for the love of all that is holy dm me
the-techpreneur@reddit
This guy has probably lied in his resume. Which is not bad, people don't have much choice. What's bad is his unwillingness to go extra mile actually becoming what he has faked. People need to understand that you have to deliver on what you promise, otherwise hiring will only get worse.
9smolsnek@reddit
just don't respond to his messages for like 2 days, and when you do say "sorry, on a time crunch, can't help you!" he'll move on to his next victim
newintownla@reddit (OP)
He's already harassing the 2 new devs they just hired. I was his main target, but I think he knows he's asking me for too much at this point. He still finds his way to me when they won't help him, though.
lawrencek1992@reddit
You said elsewhere he’s not on your team. So the larger problem of his behavior isn’t your responsibility. What IS your responsibility is using time wisely. Keep dodging him. Take a couple of hours to answer his messages. Dodge calls cause you’re “slammed with work” or some shit. Offer only vague help, e.g. link to documentation but not the command to run. Also, just play dumb. “Sorry, man, I’m not sure.”
OppositeGlobal8681@reddit
That's how it works!
I would go also with "oh, don't know much about 'if statements' but ask John, he's our expert"
9smolsnek@reddit
lol i told someone recently "i don't know anything about sql" (i work with it every day)
mirageofstars@reddit
This isn’t a mid level developer.
newintownla@reddit (OP)
Well, his resume looks like what I'd expect from a mid-level dev, but his skillset says otherwise.
someGuyyya@reddit
Did your company give him a leetcode, a take home assignments, and a system design interview?
If so, I think it proves that those kinds of things used to reject engineers are not very effective in hiring good engineers.
PM_ME_DPRK_CANDIDS@reddit
it's amazing how basically nothing in hiring works at all. ATP we may as well just use a lottery system.
OdeeSS@reddit
I feel like the solution is paying and retaining the devs you do find who make an effort and can code.
PM_ME_DPRK_CANDIDS@reddit
yeah that works for established companies. i think a lot of them are doing that.
dezsiszabi@reddit
Squid Game Hiring - The survivor(s) are stay after the probationary period.
pineapplecodepen@reddit
Sounds like y'all need to improve your interviewing tactics.
I spent my entire career coasting by as a developer, being very good at a select few things that always got me jobs, but always struggled learning new things.
A career pivoted to something that came more natural to me and sailed beautifully since then, but I could have just as easily continued to fly under the radar as long as someone needed someone who had the entirety of the bootstrap docs memorized.
BucketsAndBrackets@reddit
Yeah, people tend to overkill on resumes. Things you said he asked are on the same level of the things I asked devs on my second day of internship...and still felt like a moron.
Today atleast you have AI to avoid wasting developers time wirh extremely dumb questions.
eggn00dles@reddit
he gamed the process. hes probably getting paid for three jobs at a time while laughing about it. because noone wants to stir the waters.
computerjunkie7410@reddit
He lied on his resume and everyone that interviewed him should be fired
SpaceBreaker@reddit
Yeah, this screams management material.
nasanu@reddit
Yeah in my company that is a software architect.
altrunox@reddit
I've worked with "senior" developers that were like this... OP company made a bad hire
DistorsionMentale@reddit
How can you claim to be senior, and not even be able to connect to a database and execute an SQL script... it literally takes 15 minutes if you go at your own pace
Epiphone56@reddit
This is an expense junior who is unwilling to self start. OP, how long has this been going on for? Anything more than a month would trigger alarm bells for me that this is the skill and motivation level they are at.
Lauris25@reddit
If he justs started out in a new company and newer used those technologies. Could be.
But the way he is solving the problem sounds like a fake resume.
Sea-Perception-1868@reddit
Yeah I have only 2 years experience but even in my first 6 Months i would atleast try for 30 minutes my self.... if i am at the same place as before I will ask for help. If not i will just continue to the next Problem i am stuck at
dweezil22@reddit
It's 2025, the dev job market is pretty tough, Google still mostly works, a million AI options exist yadda yadda. It's never been easier to unblock yourself. This is not an acceptable set of asks from an alleged mid level developer to a Sr dev. It's too easy to just hire a different mid level that can get the work done.
This is where a manager needs to earn their pay and get the mid to either improve or replace them.
da8BitKid@reddit
You let him fall on his ass. He has to take accountability for not being able to keep up. This might mean he works longer to catch up all the way to being PIP'd for low performance.
vash513@reddit
You literally need to tell them they need to do it on their own. This should reflect on their annual reviews as well. At mid level, this is pretty wild, but just like a junior, you need to give them room to fail. If they don't improve, they may need to be on their way out.
We had a mid level dev similar to this. He was given MANY chances to improve, possibly too many. But eventually we had to let him go. My guy ended up in a Senior position at another company a few months later, like what? Lol. I was on the interview board when he came on, and he interviews very well, so let's see how long his current position lasts when the curtain is peeled back
jocularamity@reddit
No, I can't write it for you, but I'm happy to answer questions. Is the task too difficult? Did you already give feedback to someone on your team if the task is a bad fit?"
And then I'd follow up with their lead on their team. "Hey just wanted to give you a heads up I helped Pat get started with his postgres task, but he still seemed to be having trouble and might need someone to check in"
Questions, discussions, help, no problem. But if they actually come out and ask you do their work for them, that behavior needs to be refused and their ask for help brought out of the shadows.
honorspren000@reddit
In the past I’ve used, “I’m busy right now, go ask”
On a few occasion, depending on the circumstances, I’ve also used, “if you are blocked and no one is helping you, why don’t you go ask.” After a few of rounds of these, the manager starts to get visibly annoyed and takes action. But you need a good manager for this to work.
On a couple of instances, I had to go out of my way to fill all the paperwork to get someone fired, because no one else was doing it. And the guy was slowing every one down. Or in one instance, the dev was yelling at all the testers for things that HE did wrong. He made the testers feel really bad for things they had no control over. Sayonara.
Odd-Line-9086@reddit
15 years ago, I had this colleague who was a previous classmate. I was shocked he was hiring because I knew how unskilled he was. Eventually, I treated him as a friend and did my job and his job to save him.
At the end of the year, I got a small raise knowing that he negociated and was earning more than me.
Eventually, I was his friend only when he needed my services.
I wanted to end this situation but I didn't want to get in a major conflict. So I waited for the perfect moment to refrain from helping him.
I didn't report him. I just said I will help you when I finish and I would never help him or give him a chance to talk to me.
The kicker was that our boss aggressively ordered me to "help" him, euphemism for do his tasks in his name.
I was furious mysefl and shout I will not help him !!!
The kicked him out of the project until he left to another company. I believe he found himself with ruthless management who fired him and couldn't continue on the path of development.
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
Never set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm
interrupt_hdlr@reddit
I'd kill for a mid level engineer that asks me to do 90% for him as opposed to a "senior" one that only ships crap that takes forever to review and ignores any feedback.
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
Y’all don’t have PR review gates with seniors approving code? 🥲
unbrokenwreck@reddit
This is my biggest gripe with big tech where ownership precedes collaboration, or more often at the expense of it. We often see the problems coming from mile away but can't share or discuss ideas because the designated "experts" have their own playing field and not being on the same page is by design.
bonnydoe@reddit
I wonder how much they really took in from your explanations. Sounds like someone who is struck by anxiety, a dear in the headlights.
newintownla@reddit (OP)
Probably nothing. I literally gave him the SQL script he needed and he still wanted me to run it. I doubt if he even knows what it does.
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
Bruh
Sea-Quail-5296@reddit
Can he not google or use a free LLM? You have to know at least as much as ChatGPT to be taken seriously as a dev today
HumanPersonDude1@reddit
Dude Amazon just laid off 35,000 people including many many senior level developers who are all going to be fighting for 5 job openings.
Put this kid on a PIP, fire him after he doesn’t improve and replace with a desperate Amazonian
EarlyMap9548@reddit
At this point, the best move is redirecting every “can you do it for me?” to documentation or resources. You’re not being rude you’re preventing dependence.
spyderrsh@reddit
Lol sounds like he treats you how I treat AI
andlewis@reddit
That’s easy. Explain. When he says “can you do it for me” the answer is always “no”. Time box your help and limit the frequency to once a day for 30 minutes.
ColonelKlanka@reddit
politely inform his/her manager of the situation. its not your job to do the supposed mid level devs job for them.
swoleherb@reddit
Fake it, till you make it
superdurszlak@reddit
It's okay to not know something, to struggle with something, even if it seems ridiculous to you. I haven't done anything serious with databases for years now and I can imagine I would struggle if I had to set up everything without Google, documentation nor Stackoverflow.
What is not okay is to be unwilling to learn and asking someone to do your job. That's absolutely not okay. This doesn't get you anywhere. It's poor team spirit when someone offers help but instead hears "no, I don't want help. Just do it for me".
You should talk to your manager about this guy. He's possibly not even qualified for mid level roles. I'm a mid and I'm expected to be independent, support others, and at most get some "strategic" guidance from seniors. This guy is a junior at the very best.
Particular_Ad_644@reddit
Ask him to document the process. As he goes along— requesting a database account, filling out firewall requests, if needed, setting up a connection and testing it. He should help onboard the next new developer. It’s okay ti be a bit of a dick here. I’d be tempted to have him explain what he’s done thus far and where he’s stuck, sorry, none of this sets you free from him.
LoveOrder@reddit
then asks reddit: "can you please just do this for me?" lmaooo
i mean come on; if he not do job, then why does he have job?
phase222@reddit
I am just a lurker and I don't even work in tech (I am a lawyer), but even I can connect to a fucking postgres database.
Nectarine555@reddit
Some ideas:
When he asks for help, have you tried asking him to list out the things he has tried / steps he has taken so far?
Sometimes being put in the position of needing to put something into words unlocks a blocker that was happening when it was previously thought mush inside a person’s head.
If this doesn’t bring him any aha moments, it at least gives you more insight into what he has tried, and maybe you will see an obvious missing step and be able to share an important tip or a doc that would guide him from the point where he’s getting stuck.
Is there anyone else at his level that he likes to pair with that you could suggest he reach out to? It can feel more comfortable to be figuring something out with someone else that is similarly leveled and figuring things out together.
gelatineous@reddit
Nope. If he can't be bothered with a Google search, he likely doesn't know what to search for. And if he doesn't know what to search for, he is not mid-level.
canyoufixmyspacebar@reddit
why do you have this person? seems pointless to keep him
newintownla@reddit (OP)
Don't ask me. I didn't hire him.
canyoufixmyspacebar@reddit
yeah but then don't do other people's job. you sell your knowledge, your knowledge is your trade secret, don't give it away for free
supercoach@reddit
I'd expect more initiative out of a junior level hire. Echoing the sentiment that it is time for management to get involved.
BehindTheRoots@reddit
"can you please just do this for me?"
It's time to talk to management. No matter how nice the person is, ultimately the team needs to have driven people in order to succeed. You can teach skills but it's impossible sometimes to teach basic ambition.
Outrageous_Friend451@reddit
This shit wouldn't fly for a co-op where I work, let alone a "mid level" developer, especially in this economy where it's easy to get a good replacement. I'm pretty sure they lied their ass off on their resume and in the interview.
Gordon101@reddit
If you more senior than him, what I would do is: Give him the high level directives, and be "busy". Then check back a day later. Rinse and repeat. If he's still dragging, it's not your problem, it's the team lead's.
I'm a tech lead. Every time something like this happens, and an IC is struggling, and things are dragging, I usually set up a "workshop" and invite the entire team. I usually make it a collaborative thing. That way, the IC really would try to get things right during their own independent hands on keyboard time. Otherwise, the entire team gets summoned :)
zukias@reddit
Get rid of him, it's so easy to hire devs right now
Rumicon@reddit
Start every call with him from now on with the question “what have you tried so far?”
Slow-Bodybuilder-972@reddit
I think you've tried being helpful and 'nice', but if he's literally saying 'do it for me', then you need to take steps to sort that out, for his sake as well as your own.
Does he report to you, or someone else? If it's someone else, then maybe have a discreet word with that person.
If it's you, then have a one-on-one, and tell him he needs to take more initiative, try to make it into a positive suggestion rather than criticism.
jonnycoder4005@reddit
Did he pass leetcode, but can't do anything else?
forbiddenknowledg3@reddit
I had a graduate just like this. We were in the office and he'd ask to pair, I then found myself literally controlling his mouse and keyboard doing the work. Didn't notice him wander off and start playing pool with the other graduates. Just wtf.
This guy somehow got promoted twice and left immediately after the 2nd promotion. Wonder if it's the same guy lmfao.
party_egg@reddit
"No. I can't do it for you. I'm showing you how to do this because if you want to work here, you need to be able to do things on your own."
You don't owe this guy a job. There is a massive gulf between struggling with a hard problem, and not even trying. Lay out the facts: you need to pull your weight or you can't be on this team. If that means PIP or termination, so be it.
Sheldor5@reddit
lots of competent devs are looking for a job ...
alternatex0@reddit
Interviewing has always been a dice roll.
babaqewsawwwce@reddit
That’s really frustrating to hear.
What you’re explaining does not sound very “mid-level.” Sounds like you got someone who lied on their resume.
chikamakaleyley@reddit
I think you should be straight up and say, "I need you to try this on your own, I won't always be available to help you."
It might come down to some deeper knowledge about the product/service, that he doesn't understand, so i would try to see if you could figure that out, and help him fix that, rather than whats at the surface (the task at hand)
though, the 'can you just do this for me' is kinda telling, so i'm not really sure at the moment. But at a minimum if you level with him and try to figure out the bigger thing that he doesn't "get", like wherever the dots aren't connected, and help him connect that
horizon_games@reddit
The most junior of all the mids
nikstick22@reddit
I'll take his job 🙋
Sunwukung@reddit
In a world with AI available, that's not excusable from a "mid level" dev. I'd escalate and put them on a warning or a PIP. How the fuck did they get to mid without some sort of persistence/scripting experience?
The lack of skill is less concerning than the (apparent) lack of motivation to develop it.
uber_neutrino@reddit
A beating and a talking to but, PIP and then out the door mostly likely.
fuckoholic@reddit
Why does he have a job?
I have a guy like that who asked too many questions, so I started sending him links to docs and quick start guides. He can literally ask the LLM instead of pinging me constantly. "How do I push my other branch", "How do I resolve this merge conflict", "Why does my IDE behave this way?", dude, you have 3 yoe at this company and can't do the most basic things!
No-Oil6234@reddit
Sounds like a baby, not a mid level developer.
Zulakki@reddit
'mid' suggest they've been in the game for a bit, but 'mid' is also just a stop on the way to senior, which is obvious I know but the point being 'how long have they been mid?' If they have no interest in learning, thats one thing, but I've seen a lot of Mid level devs who don't progress because they've been under, for the lack of a better word, 'Oppressive' leads and managers. they invalidate the offerings of a junior enough without the right amount of counter encouragement, and soon those juniors stop being enthusiastic with suggestions and just start getting specific instructions. anything less then a full step by step guide on a ticket is delt with malicious compliance in the form of exhausting explanations, or hand-holding as some may put
this is all to really say, either they're (the mid-dev) not cut out for the work, or it could be that the environment isnt setup for success
hippydipster@reddit
I've seen this so many times in my career. There are people who just can't really seem to deal with doing things.
I've seen it in kids with no degrees. I've seen it in college professors who want to move to industry work. I've seen it with people who have degrees in CS, and in people with degrees in physics. I've seen it in exactly the sort of people you would expect to see it in.
The ability to just simply "do things" and get things done, appears, to me, to be a trait not taught at any school or licensing program, but comes pretty innate. It's either there or it's not.
agumonkey@reddit
beware of being too nice, this guy might end up failing upward and eat even more of your time and nerves
good luck
bobsbitchtitz@reddit
just let your manager know and stop helping this person, or only help them publicly. I've noticed once you say post in a help channel I can't help via DM's they usually tend to fuck off.
djslakor@reddit
How did he get hired?
hippydipster@reddit
He flew through those impossible technical interviews we've been hearing about.
jmelrose55@reddit
Hey,
I'll start by saying that I don't want this to come across the wrong way. I genuinely want what's best for you, the org, and our working relationship.
The last three calls we have been on, you have said you want me to do work that I would expect someone at your level to be able to do. In the very last call for example, I made suggestions that you could try and, instead of taking on any ownership, you asked me to directly do it.
I feel your long term career is in serious jeopardy if this pattern continues, because you are ultimately the one responsible for your skills and growth.
I would also like to emphasize that this is a conversation and I don't necessarily know everything or have the right answer. What do you think about what I just said?
...and if the pattern continues to persist, leave feedback with management and set boundaries
arctic_radar@reddit
You sound like a good co-worker.
dweezil22@reddit
While this is a really good and direct statement, I would discourage any IC's from sending it. You're basically extending yourself into manager territory and assuming political risk that's of no benefit to you. A lot of people will never forgive or forget getting a message like that.
EyesOfAzula@reddit
That would be frustrating. no initiative at all. I’ve seen plenty of juniors that will at the very least say that they tried A, B, C and ran into a certain issue.
At least those give you something to work with
suncrisptoast@reddit
What really sucks is I've worked with devs from js or senior roles that all have this mentality. Don't understand how they keep their job. Never did.
qqqqqx@reddit
Tell him to reassign the ticket to you if they need you to do it for him. If you're gonna do it you can get the credit for it.
Or you need to say "Sorry I am busy right now and can't do it for you".
KlingonButtMasseuse@reddit
Why does he need you, he has AI
Hotfro@reddit
Cut him from your team tbh. If he can’t figure out how to do things when we have ai so readily available he’s not cut out for the job. I’d expect mid level engs to own their own work.
newintownla@reddit (OP)
He's not even in my team. He's in an adjacent team that we sometimes work with, but apparently he won't ask them for help.
shagieIsMe@reddit
This is part of it. They've run out of people on their team to ask questions and their manager told their teammates to say "no" and to include the manager on commutations where the person is trying to shift the work to someone else.
This is a "no" and "if there's work to be done cross team, let me get my manager and your manager in on this so that resources, priorities, and expectations can be set."
driftingphotog@reddit
All the more reason to talk to your manager and his. If his team won’t help him there’s a reason.
kevindqc@reddit
Probably because they won't do the work for him, so he's shopping for someone who will?
FalcoTeeth@reddit
Yup I knew someone in college that was like this. Would ask me for the answer and work to Question 1, my friend for Question 4, my other friend for Question 5, etc. Like he really thought he was slick lmfao
Hotfro@reddit
Tbh I would just limit how much you help him.
cur10us_ge0rge@reddit
Thanks for all the honesty.
Foreign_Addition2844@reddit
Bruh.. just stop helping him
Deaf_Playa@reddit
That's not a mid level dev, that's a junior dev.
Brief_Praline1195@reddit
Fire them they're wank
makonde@reddit
Show him how to use AI to create a step by step instruction its pretty much the perfect use case. Definitely don't do it for him that will never end.
bentreflection@reddit
assuming you're not just working with a complete incompetent hack, there's likely some miscommunication about expectations. Often times I've found that when someone performs really terribly at something it's because they actually don't want to do it or don't think it's their responsibility so they're just resentfully half-assing it as a way to get it off their plate.
If this guy is literally asking you to do things for him then either he is WAY out of his depth or he feels this isn't his responsibility and thinks someone else (maybe you) should be responsible for this.
You know your coworker better than us so maybe none of this applies but i thought i'd give a different perspective.
zoddy-ngc2244@reddit
This is literally a senior dev behavioral question. Figure out what answer will send the right signal to your interviewer. Hint: You mentored, encouraged, and guided the co-worker, and provided reasonable help when it didn't interfere with your tasks. Forget about being annoyed, lecturing, or running to your manager.
DollarsInCents@reddit
Start giving updates of the work you're doing for him in your stand-ups.
"Spent 3 hrs showing Dave how to connect to postgres and gave him a refresher on shell scripting"
If your boss objects you now have an easy excuse why you can't help Dave without being the bad guy, if they encourage you helping him you now have an official "mentorship" you can add to your annual review
Morel_@reddit
In NeetcodeIO's voice: Maybe some people should just give up
Connect-Courage6458@reddit
Have you considered just telling him that directly? And why are you worried about “being a dick”? Are you trying to be friends with him? If not, then stop caring about what he thinks. At this point, he’s disrespecting your time, and if you keep letting it happen, the responsibility falls on you.
nickbyfleet@reddit
“Can you just do this for me?” “No, because then I would be doing your job.”
CraftyShitPoster@reddit
Can you please just hand me your salary in return?
newintownla@reddit (OP)
Maybe I can get that extra $35k I had at my last role this way...
apoleonastool@reddit
Ask him to use ChatGPT first, such questions are a perfect use case for LLMs.
FreezeShock@reddit
Just raise it with your manager/TL and let them deal with it. It's kind of their job.
DogOfTheBone@reddit
Just don't do it? Tell me that if he is having trouble completing his assigned work, to take it up with his manager?
kaisean@reddit
"can you please just do this for me?"
"no"
YangBuildsAI@reddit
Stop doing the work for him. Next time he asks, say "I can point you to documentation or answer specific questions, but I can't do it for you." If it continues after you've set that boundary, escalate to your manager because this is a performance issue, not a mentoring opportunity.
armahillo@reddit
"no. but i can support you in other ways. would you like me to point you to a good reference document?"
ratttertintattertins@reddit
You should never ever say yes to this.
Are you a people pleaser? I ask because I am, and I had to learn the difficult lesson of expressing my expectations of juniors instead of putting my friendship with them ahead of everyone’s need for them to do their jobs.
You can help, you can mentor and you should, but you should never do it for them.
newintownla@reddit (OP)
I wouldn't say I'm a people pleaser. I think I'm just hopeful that he'll take some initiative. But at this point, I think that's not gonna happen.
Far_Swordfish5729@reddit
If you are his manager, it is 100% your job to be a dick to him. People like this coast for years by getting coworkers to feel sorry for them or just be annoyed enough to do their work for them. Working together is one thing, but if you care at all about having a performance oriented culture where people are responsible for the quality of their work, you have to explain to this person that it’s his responsibility to do his job, insist that he do it, and meticulously document every time a team member has to do his work for him. You have to user this sort of behavior out the door.
I put it this way: This isn’t the army. No one forced you to apply for or accept this job. If you want to be here, we expect you to do it. If you can’t or won’t, we need to find someone who will.
col0rcutclarity@reddit
These people have no business working as Dev's. Trim the fat.
DPrince25@reddit
Yeah sounds like a loafer. I recently joined an org in a new stack I’ve never worked with.
I would usually do research come up with an implementation plan, and only asks seniors if there’s anything better I can do in terms of implementation if any.
Just to ensure I’m following org practices etc.
Seems like the guy just want a paycheck without the work.
wirenutter@reddit
Have the conversations with your manager. Let them know how dependent they are being on your efforts. Let them decide if it’s worth using up all your time to help this person or if your time is better spent elsewhere. I try and help people as much as possible. I leave it up to my manager to interpret why every day in standup I’m saying “Synced with mid level bro to support them on X effort”.