In this interview, Atanas gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his decade of achievements, from tackling complex challenges to working on groundbreaking projects. His story highlights the growth, passion, and satisfaction found within TSD’s vibrant culture.
When he is not shaping the future of technology, Atanas is a dedicated father of three. While his past interests in fitness, martial arts, and music have taken a backseat, his focus on family remains his greatest joy.
Explore Atanas’s compelling story below and see how his career has flourished over 10 years at TSD.
1. Nasko, how did your journey with TSD start back in 2014? Do you remember your first day?
Yes, I remember that day very clearly. It was July 14th, 2014. I came to the office by bus, and all the time I was traveling, I wondered if I should even start at that company. Then I spent another ten minutes in front of the office door asking myself if I should enter. I had serious doubts if that was a good place to work. But then I met Simeon Mirchev. He told me: “Here is your desk. Here is your computer. And do not worry, I doubt that you would be doing something complicated.” So, he turned out to be right … at least about the worries. All got sorted out well.
2. What was your role in the beginning, and where are you right now? Can you make a comparison between then and now?
Before joining TSD I had taken various positions at different organizational levels – from individual contributor to senior manager. Just about that time, I was coming from a management position where I was really stressed out. I wanted to start something simple and basic. So, I joined as a quality engineer. I guess it is true when people say that sometimes you need a complete restart. It was really refreshing. I am a senior developer right now. It is not positions, titles, or hierarchical growth that matter to me. What made me happy and satisfied throughout my journey in this company was that I laid my hands on so many interesting projects and had so many great moments with the team.
3. What are the everyday challenges you face in your work, and what are the fundamental skills or personal qualities needed to deal with those challenges?
Yeah, from my experience in software engineering, I would say we can describe the everyday challenges in two main broad categories. The first one can be called something like – “design and build a new toy and see it working”. That is the part about the job that I love. You need to build something new, and you are all into that. Once you are caught up on that hook, you are willing to put in all your time and energy. You are eagerly digging into every source of information to find out how each detail of the moving parts of your “toy” would come together. It gives you excitement, thrill, enthusiasm, and passion. There is nothing so satisfying as the moment when you finally see it working. The second one, as much as we do not like it and even hate it but has turned into an inevitable part of our work, we can call – “something somewhere is not working … go figure it out”. There have been occasions when I have been spending days in tedious efforts to trace problems. Can you imagine the frustration of leaving the unresolved problems still hanging like a big stone around your neck for the next day? You have to find something to hang on to. And in this case, it is the anticipation of the moment of relief when all is finally solved.
4. What is your favorite part about working in TSD, and how does your job inspire you?
It is definitely the people – the team and the managers. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the company is still relatively small, but I feel recognition and understanding here. I also feel some kind of freedom in this company … it is hard to be explained by a software engineer. It would probably take a writer, or a poet to explain it properly. 😊
5. What is the most important lesson you have learned over the years?
I really cannot think of a good answer to this cliche question. 😊
6. What does it take to become a Senior Software Developer, and what would you advise the guys following your steps?
It is just like with every other mid-to-high complexity intellectual area of work. You have to invest time and effort in learning the theoretical part and practicing as much as you can on your own and in real-world projects. It is not about what it takes. That side is always clear – you have to work hard. It is more about how much you are willing to invest and sacrifice to grow in that area. And people are willing to put effort into something that is giving them the kicks, something that is thrilling. So, try it, go for some in-class training or self-paced learning, and see if it fits you. Just do not decide before you complete your first practical project. That is the most satisfying side of this job – to see how things come together and what you designed and built is now working.
One thing to mention, though, is that the “surroundings” of a software engineer are changing by the clock. The technologies, that you need to understand in-depth, are evolving at the speed of light compared to many other intellectual jobs. So, you have to be keen on constantly learning new stuff. If not, do not inflict this pain on yourself!
7. Why do you choose to remain a part of the TSD team after 10 years? What has the company offered to you in terms of professional development?
I already mentioned how much I like the people, the atmosphere, and the attitude of the management here. It is not so much about professional development. That would have happened anyway … here or somewhere else. What is also true, though, is that managers have to be constantly on the watch for the interests and needs of their employees. Maybe reallocation to a different project or training in a new area of interest. People are not machines – they cannot be switched on and off whenever you like. So, even employees who have stuck around for as much as ten years should not be taken for granted. Each company should put efforts into keeping its employees intrigued, interested, and thrilled.
8. Who is Atanas outside of the office, and what does he like to do for fun?
I like working out in the gym or the open. I like martial arts. I like heavy music. I like walking outdoors. … BUT I have not done any of that for years. So, if you are asking who I am outside of the office and how I am spending my time – that is a very easy answer. I am a father of three beautiful kids. And that sentence answers it all. 😊
9. What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?
We are human beings. Everyone gets down sometimes. I have also had periods of being very depressed and underwater. What I have realized, though, is that I only feel complete, satisfied, and at peace when I am achieving things. So, things need to get done every day. Things need to get done at work, things need to get done in your personal life … just “keep calm and carry on”. For all those years I couldn’t learn to keep calm, but I think I am good enough at the second part already 😊
10. How do you envision yourself in another 10 years?
Let me quote John Lennon here: “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”. Yes, we all tend to dream about things and make big plans, but I am trying to escape from that as much as I can. I know that is not completely possible but whatever plans and dreams I have I tend to keep them to myself. You do not know what can happen to you tomorrow. “All we are is dust in the wind”.
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