There came a point when I realized that despite my best efforts, something was missing. The human connection with the stakeholders just wasn’t there. We were treated as mere order followers, executing tasks without being truly involved in the bigger picture. On top of that, the tech stack was outdated, and no one in Frankfurt seemed particularly keen on driving change or improving processes. It felt like I was stuck in a place where innovation wasn’t a priority, and no matter how much I enjoyed being part of the recruitment process or mentoring my colleague, I still wanted to make a significant impact in the tech world.
The reality was clear: I couldn’t have both. I couldn’t continue to work in an environment where I felt I had limited influence on the technology or the direction of the team. So, I made the decision to move on.
Part of my heart was still with my first employer, where a new opportunity had emerged. They were looking for a development lead to help guide and grow their team. The idea of being able to shape the future of a team, working closely with talented people and having the chance to influence both the tech stack and the culture, was exactly what I was looking for. I reached out, talked to them about the opportunity, and before I knew it, I had made my decision. I was going back.
It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. It’s not just about the tech or the title. It’s about finding a place where you can have a meaningful impact, where you can grow, and where your passion for both technology and people can align. Leaving was hard, but I knew that returning to my first employer would offer me the chance to do what I truly wanted: lead, inspire, and make a real difference.