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Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual 1st Edition

by John Sonmez (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 491 ratings
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Summary

Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual is a unique guide, offering techniques and practices for a more satisfying life as a professional software developer. In it, developer and life coach John Sonmez addresses a wide range of important "soft" topics, from career and productivity to personal finance and investing, and even fitness and relationships, all from a developer-centric viewpoint.

Forewords by Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob) and Scott Hanselman.

Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF, Kindle, and ePub formats from Manning Publications.

About the Book

For most software developers, coding is the fun part. The hard bits are dealing with clients, peers, and managers, staying productive, achieving financial security, keeping yourself in shape, and finding true love. This book is here to help.

Soft Skills: The software developer's life manual is a guide to a well-rounded, satisfying life as a technology professional. In it, developer and life coach John Sonmez offers advice to developers on important "soft" subjects like career and productivity, personal finance and investing, and even fitness and relationships. Arranged as a collection of 71 short chapters, this fun-to-read book invites you to dip in wherever you like. A Taking Action section at the end of each chapter shows you how to get quick results. Soft Skills will help make you a better programmer, a more valuable employee, and a happier, healthier person.

What's Inside

  • Boost your career by building a personal brand
  • John's secret ten-step process for learning quickly
  • Fitness advice to turn your geekiness to your advantage
  • Unique strategies for investment and early retirement

About the Author

John Sonmez is a developer, teacher, and life coach who helps technical professionals boost their careers and live a more fulfilled life.

Table of Contents

  1. Why this book is unlike any book you've ever read
  2. SECTION 1: CAREER
  3. Getting started with a "BANG!": Don't do what everyone else does
  4. Thinking about the future: What are your goals?
  5. People skills: You need them more than you think
  6. Hacking the interview
  7. Employment options: Enumerate your choices
  8. What kind of software developer are you?
  9. Not all companies are equal
  10. Climbing the corporate ladder
  11. Being a professional
  12. Freedom: How to quit your job
  13. Freelancing: Going out on your own
  14. Creating your first product
  15. Do you want to start a startup?
  16. Working remotely survival strategies
  17. Fake it till you make it
  18. Resumes are BORING—Let's fix that
  19. Don't get religious about technology
  20. SECTION 2: MARKETING YOURSELF
  21. Marketing basics for code monkeys
  22. Building a brand that gets you noticed
  23. Creating a wildly successful blog
  24. Your primary goal: Add value to others
  25. #UsingSocialNetworks
  26. Speaking, presenting, and training: Speak geek
  27. Writing books and articles that attract a following
  28. Don't be afraid to look like an idiot
  29. SECTION 3: LEARNING
  30. Learning how to learn: How to teach yourself
  31. My 10-step process
  32. Steps 1-6: Do these once
  33. Steps 7-10: Repeat these
  34. Looking for mentors: Finding your Yoda
  35. Taking on an apprentice: Being Yoda
  36. Teaching: Learn you want? Teach you must.
  37. Do you need a degree or can you "wing it?"
  38. Finding gaps in your knowledge
  39. SECTION 4: PRODUCTIVITY
  40. It all starts with focus
  41. My personal productivity plan
  42. Pomodoro Technique
  43. My quota system: How I get way more done than I should
  44. Holding yourself accountable
  45. Multitasking dos and don'ts
  46. Burnout: I've got the cure!
  47. How you're wasting your time
  48. The importance of having a routine
  49. Developing habits: Brushing your code
  50. Breaking things down: How to eat an elephant
  51. The value of hard work and why you keep avoiding it
  52. Any action is better than no action
  53. SECTION 5: FINANCIAL
  54. What are you going to do with your paycheck?
  55. How to negotiate your salary
  56. Options: Where all the fun is
  57. Bits and bytes of real estate investing
  58. Do you really understand your retirement plan?
  59. The danger of debt: SSDs are expensive
  60. Bonus: How I retired at 33
  61. SECTION 6: FITNESS
  62. Why you need to hack your health
  63. Setting your fitness criteria
  64. Thermodynamics, calories, and you
  65. Motivation: Getting your butt out of the chair
  66. How to gain muscle: Nerds can have bulging biceps
  67. How to get hash-table abs
  68. Starting RunningProgram.exe
  69. Standing desks and other hacks
  70. Tech gear for fitness: Geeking out
  71. SECTION 7: SPIRIT
  72. How the mind influences the body
  73. Having the right mental attitude: Rebooting
  74. Building a positive self-image: Programming your brain
  75. Love and relationships: Computers can't hold your hand
  76. My personal success book list
  77. Facing failure head-on
  78. Parting words

Previous slide of product details
  1. ISBN-10
    1617292397
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1617292392
  3. Edition
    1st
  4. Publisher
    Manning Publications
  5. Publication date
    January 6, 2015
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    7 x 1 x 9 inches
  8. Print length
    504 pages
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Sonmez is the founder of Simple Programmer, where he tirelessly pursues his vision of transforming complex issues into simple solutions. John has published over 50 courses on topics such as iOS, Android, .NET, Java, and game development for the online developer training resource, Pluralsight. He also hosts the Get Up and CODE podcast, where he talks about fitness for programmers. John is a life coach for software developers, and helps software engineers, programmers and other technical professionals boost their careers and live a more fulfilled life.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Manning Publications; 1st edition (January 6, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 504 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1617292397
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1617292392
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 1 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 491 ratings

About the author

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John Sonmez

John Sonmez

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John Sonmez is a software developer and the author of two best-selling books, The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide and Soft Skills: The Software Developer's Life Manual.

He's also the founder of the Simple Programmer blog and YouTube channel, where he reaches 1.4 million software developers yearly with a central message:

Technical skills alone aren't enough for a successful career—or life.

By focusing on "soft skills" like the ability to communicate clearly and lead by example, the mental resilience to bounce back from failure and even an improved level of personal fitness, software developers can break through the "glass ceiling" and enjoy extraordinary success.

John learned these lessons himself the hard way—through trial and error over his 17+ year career as a developer—and he's candid about the fits and starts he struggled through during those early years.

John started his software development career at age 10, hacking C and C++ to create virtual worlds for his favorite MUDs.

When John landed a coveted six-figure Silicon Beach job at age 19, he thought his career was set.

In reality he was only set up for years of frustration and disappointment—from getting "laid off" from that cushy job after underwhelming his boss with his C++ skills, to a spectacular implosion during an intense onsite interview with Microsoft, to finally taking a job outside of programming just to pay the bills.

Eventually though John realized that there's a huge difference between knowing how to program and having all the skills to be a successful, professional software developer—and he set out to develop the technical, leadership and communication skills he lacked.

John went on to become a highly paid consultant in test automation and Agile methodology, and the 55 courses he published with the technical education powerhouse PluralSight makes him one of the most prolific online trainers in the field of software development.

John effectively retired at 32 and moved to San Diego.

Today he focuses his energy on helping other developers achieve the success they desire through the videos, books and courses in his Simple Programmer platform.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
491 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and useful for software developers. They appreciate the practical advice and insights on career planning, networking, marketing, productivity, and overall self-improvement. The content covers a wide variety of topics, including finance, fitness, and spirituality. Many readers find the book inspiring and helpful for creating an enjoyable work life. However, opinions differ on whether it's worth the price or not.

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Advice qualityReadabilitySoftware developerContent varietyMarketingInspirationValue for moneyEase of use
31 customers mention "Advice quality"27 positive4 negative

Customers find the book provides practical advice for developers. They mention it helps with career planning, networking, marketing, and productivity. The book is helpful for developing a positive mindset and direction. It addresses most issues faced by new IT professionals and has a pragmatic approach rather than a utopian one.

"...The ones I found most useful were about career planning, networking, marketing, productivity, and mindset...." Read more

"...Also, I can attest to the sections on learning and productivity - especially the Pomodoro technique...." Read more

"...It has some good common-sense advice and some strategies the reader may not have thought about...." Read more

"...I thought these parts offered the best advice from the book and gave a lot of useful insights into the software industry...." Read more

31 customers mention "Readability"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful and interesting. They say it's a must-read for developers of all skill levels. Readers enjoy the sections on productivity and learning how to learn. However, some feel the book is self-published with poor quality.

"...The book is good. He gives a lot of good advice in a wide variety of topics...." Read more

"...I especially enjoyed reading the sections on productivity and learning how to learn...." Read more

"I'm about a hundred pages into this book and I have to say it's good reading...." Read more

"This book's first half was pretty good where it actually dealt with developer issues and career progression...." Read more

25 customers mention "Software developer"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful for software developers. It provides practical advice and career skills that will help them become better. The book covers all aspects of life as a software developer, including becoming a coder-entrepreneur. Readers appreciate the insights into the software industry and consider it a must-read for any developer who wants to live a balanced life.

"...career (early 20's) and I believe this book has given me the knowledge necessary to be a successful software developer and just a better person..." Read more

"...Also, I can attest to the sections on learning and productivity - especially the Pomodoro technique...." Read more

"...the best advice from the book and gave a lot of useful insights into the software industry...." Read more

"...I also have "The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide: How to Learn Your Next Programming Language, Ace Your Programming Interview, and Land..." Read more

7 customers mention "Content variety"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good advice on a wide variety of topics. They appreciate the good coverage and good overview material. The book offers lots of ideas and inspirational messages to passionate coders.

"...I read this books table of contents, and while all the topics are important to understand, they didn’t seem to justify the price of the book to..." Read more

"...John particular tells you to pick a specialty and tells you the pros and cons of different career paths and how NOT to waste time!..." Read more

"...I do like the life-skills topics: investing in stock, real-estate, etc...." Read more

"...He give lots of ideas, inspirational, and hopes to all passionate coders and developers...." Read more

7 customers mention "Marketing"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for marketing and career skills. They appreciate the solid sections on networking and marketing themselves. The finance and fitness sections are also appreciated, though they only go into the basics.

"...The ones I found most useful were about career planning, networking, marketing, productivity, and mindset...." Read more

"...While I appreciate the sections talking about finance and fitness, they only go into the basics which I think most people don't know...." Read more

"...There are other excellent books out there for marketing, investing, weight lifting, and spirituality." Read more

"...Lastly, the section on networking and marketing yourself is solid, but if you've got a good handle on Twitter, and LinkedIn this may seem a little..." Read more

5 customers mention "Inspiration"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's inspiration. They find it a valuable source of advice and software for creating an enjoyable work life. The book also covers topics like weight lifting, spirituality, and life in general.

"...books out there for marketing, investing, weight lifting, and spirituality." Read more

"...technical knowledge into a highly valuable, effective, and enjoyable work life...." Read more

"...In fact, they were a great source of inspiration...." Read more

"A really great book about finding your worth and creating a life where you can work for yourself based on practical, action-based advice...." Read more

11 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive5 negative

Customers have different views on the book's value. Some find it worth the price and a good investment if you are in the software industry. Others think it's not worth more than $15 and the advice is nonsensical for expensive areas.

"A really great book about finding your worth and creating a life where you can work for yourself based on practical, action-based advice...." Read more

"...The advice is nonsensical for expensive areas, where failing to secure a tenant using the leverage he's suggesting will lead to bankruptcy...." Read more

"...that but also how to lead, how to sell your services, relationships, money, time management, habits, health, and more." Read more

"...Which is the last issue I have with the book...it has nothing of value for someone with a few years of experience...." Read more

10 customers mention "Ease of use"4 positive6 negative

Customers find the book straightforward and easy to understand. They say it provides great information for coders outside of coding. However, some readers feel the tips are shallow and lack soft skills for programmers on the job. The book is described as easy to understand but not spellbinding, oversimplified, and reckless for new investors.

"...context, this decision is astoundingly reckless and a terrible habit to teach newbie investors." Read more

"...surprised me by offering advice I hadn’t heard before and can instantly put into practice...." Read more

"...Rather, it's overly simplified...." Read more

"...It gives you not only thoughts, but instructions and routines to follow. Moreover it involves you in thinking and inventing own way to be successful...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Edward
    5.0 out of 5 stars I visited the authors website to get a better picture of him and was bombarded with a pop ...
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I almost didn’t buy this book. I visited the authors website to get a better picture of him and was bombarded with a pop up and pictures of his biceps. As an engineer, I thought: “this guy can’t really be one of us” (but who knows? He seems to get readers). I read this books table of contents, and while all the topics are important to understand, they didn’t seem to justify the price of the book to me.

    So why did I buy it? I realized I had read a lot of professional software development books: on languages, coding style, design patterns, high level concepts, mindset, etc. But I had a blind spot: no books on software development social/soft skills. I searched for software development books on social skills and this one stuck out. There also doesn’t seem to be much competition (if you know of any other good ones, please let me know).

    So against all my instincts telling me “this guy is not really an engineer. He’s a marketing bro. How could he know what he’s talking about? How could this book apply to my life?” I decided to purchase the book. My next thought was shock: “WHAT? The delivery time is TWO WEEKS? It’s not prime!?”

    When the book finally arrived and I started reading it, it didn’t take me long to start making highlights, bookmarking sections, and writing notes. The book is good. He gives a lot of good advice in a wide variety of topics. The ones I found most useful were about career planning, networking, marketing, productivity, and mindset. He surprised me by offering advice I hadn’t heard before and can instantly put into practice. I would share them here, but he deserves the book sales.

    When you have a book with such a wide variety of topics, it’s inevitable that many readers will already have a good understanding of a few of those topics. For me it was personal finance, fitness, and diet. I didn’t think his chapter on dating added value either.

    His writing was simple and easy to understand, but not exactly spellbinding. He opens a lot of chapters with a single paragraph explaining why the subject is important and follows it by saying “now that I’ve convinced you this subject is important…” Most of the time, he didn’t. It felt cheesy. But his points are clear and he offers a lot of important questions to ask yourself.

    This book covers a lot of subjects at a high level with examples you can put to use right away. I think most readers will be able to take away a few things that they can apply to their own lives that over time will make a significant difference. What more can you ask for from a book?
    40 people found this helpful
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  • Joel Medina
    5.0 out of 5 stars I'm glad I bought this book early in my career
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I'm glad I bought this book early in my career! I'm only 1 year into my professional career (early 20's) and I believe this book has given me the knowledge necessary to be a successful software developer and just a better person overall. I especially enjoyed reading the sections on productivity and learning how to learn. John has learned a lot of what he knows the hard way, through trial and error. I'm glad to have the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable professional. Since buying this book I have been reading John's blog and watching his YouTube videos which give additional tips on self improvement for software developers.

    I also liked that buying the book gives you access to the PDF because you can then listen to the book using one of the many available PDF to Speech mobile apps. This means I can commute and exercise while learning! (one of his multitasking tips)

    Well, now that I have finished the book, time to apply what I have learned! This book will be one that I refer back to over the years.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Richard J Mahler
    5.0 out of 5 stars The missing manual
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A practical guide, covering all aspects of life from a software developer. If you are frustrated at your progress, this book will point you in the right direction. John particular tells you to pick a specialty and tells you the pros and cons of different career paths and how NOT to waste time! He also goes into depth into creating your personal brand and standing out over the competition. Also, I can attest to the sections on learning and productivity - especially the Pomodoro technique. You will have to look it up yourself, but it has done wonders for my daily routine. While I appreciate the sections talking about finance and fitness, they only go into the basics which I think most people don't know. The final section on having the right attitude and dealing with failure is spot on. Overall, a must read if you are starting your career in the world of software development.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jack
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great overview material
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I'm about a hundred pages into this book and I have to say it's good reading. Some other commenters are complaining about it being too shallow, but I think the point of the book is to cover a lot of topics in a well-rounded coverage. As such, the chapters have to be presented in a "100 words or less" kind of treatment (figuratively speaking), and they're meant to act as a springboard for delving deeper into the topics that apply to the particular reader. A lot of what's discussed can apply to any field, not just coding. It has some good common-sense advice and some strategies the reader may not have thought about. I'll no doubt be going back to the book for occasional motivation and ideas whenever I need them.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • DQP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Buy. Covers Right Set of Topics for Overall Growth.
    Reviewed in India on January 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the simplicity of the book and the content. The book is large size, making it even more easier to read and understand the concepts. The reader definitely feels motivated with the non-fancy advise on going about mastering once work and personal life. Highly recommended.
    Report
  • gustavo sanchez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendado.
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Un libro de conducta profesional recomendado. No todo en la vida del programador es código, existen temas mas allá de lo técnico que no son tocados. Recomiendo este libro al programador que este buscando mejorar en lo personal y en lo profesional.
    Report
  • makrelito
    5.0 out of 5 stars Essentiel
    Reviewed in France on January 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Un livre que chaque développeur devrait posséder, une vraie mine d'or pour donner un coup de boost à sa carrière
    Report
  • ximeg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful and actionable book about almost every aspect of professional life
    Reviewed in Germany on July 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Despite the "software developer" part of the title this book is applicable to almost every knowledge worker. It provides a well-structured and actionable review of almost every aspect of professional life. It addresses such topics as how to market yourself and get a better job, how to negotiate your salary, how to be professional and what differentiates one from an amateur, how to deal with burnout, how to learn new things quickly and effectively, how to set your goals and reach them, and much more. I also enjoyed the topics about personal finance planning, in particular about avoiding silly spendings and doing smart investments, as well as section about being fit and healthy.

    The book is easy to read, it is alive, vibrant, and each section ends with a list of specific actions to follow. I recommend this book to any knowledge worker!
    Report
  • Vivian
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must-read book for software developer
    Reviewed in Australia on January 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is an awesome book. It tells you about many aspects in career of a software developer. How you can climb corporate ladder, marketing your personal brand, how to write good blog, why developers should go to the gym and what to do there, how to invest as a developer. Many interesting topics. I have been inspired a lot from reading this book. Highly recommend!!!
    Report