The interview with this new company was unlike anything I’d experienced before. It was remote – commonplace now, but back then, it felt strange to me. Two gentlemen from Frankfurt greeted me on the call. After years of working with Americans and more recently with French colleagues, I found myself intrigued by the German approach. Their English was impeccable (much better than my French colleagues), and their focus on precision and quality shone through every part of the discussion.
The technical questions came in fast, many focused on Java 8, which was cutting-edge at the time. Luckily, I’d been preparing for my OCA certification, so I felt ready. I must admit, I never actually took the exam – partly out of fear of failing, but also because so much of it felt overly theoretical. That said, studying for it gave me a deeper understanding of Java’s inner workings, something I’d recommend to any developer, junior or senior. It’s not just about passing the exam but about truly grasping the concepts.
Beyond the technical talk, what stood out was how well these two senior leaders presented their vision for the project. They described the work with clarity, outlining their plans for the new Romanian team. Their excitement was contagious. When the interview ended, I couldn’t stop thinking about the opportunity. A few days later, I got the call – an offer to join the emerging technology center for this bank.
I was thrilled, but excitement soon gave way to anxiety. How would I tell my current manager, someone who had been more than just a boss – he was a mentor who had believed in me since I was fresh out of university. Would he be disappointed? Would I let the team down?
It was one of the hardest conversations I’d had in my career up to that point. When we finally sat down, I spoke openly about the offer and my reasons for wanting to leave. To my relief, he listened with understanding. We agreed on an end date, and while there was some sadness, our relationship remained intact. Over three years, we’d built mutual trust and respect, and that didn’t disappear just because I was moving on.
Looking back, that moment was a turning point for me. It taught me that growth often means making tough decisions. Leaving wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to prioritize my own development and take a step into the unknown.
Sometimes, you need to face your fears, trust yourself, and move forward – because that’s where the real growth happens.