I'm a software engineer, about 2.5 years in. I have a CS degree and a graduate degree in a health-related field. I work at a local government agency, MCOL area.
What I've contributed:
- Developed several modules for our internal systems
- Introduced and helped implement a PR workflow. We had nothing before, things got forgotten when the senior dev was busy
- Suggested code reviews, which we're now working on implementing
- Started building out technical documentation (there wasn't much before)
- Create tutorial videos for new modules I build
- Give demos for projects I develop
- Naturally stayed on top of tickets, so my manager asked me to remind the team when things were pending
The problem is my senior dev.
Six months in, she told me she was intimidated by me because she thought I was going to take her job. She's also told me she has insecurity issues she's working on. I get it. But lately it's been a lot.
Some things that have happened recently:
- My manager complimented my project a couple times. My senior dev randomly said it wasn't that complex and it was pretty easy to implement from a technical standpoint. I've since asked my manager not to compliment me in front of her because I sensed how uncomfortable it made her.
- A coworker asked me for help with code I wrote. Senior dev exploded at me for "stepping on her toes." Apologized later, but was snippy all day and got possessive over a ticket that was assigned/tasked to me by our manager. Made me explain myself, then reassigned the ticket to herself.
- She mentioned she relates to The Substance (the movie) regarding younger vs. older dynamics. That was...a lot.
- I was giving demos for a project I built. After the blow-up, she took over. Her demo didn't go well because she didn't know the workflow, but I'm now out of the loop on my own work.
- I was on top of tickets, so my manager asked me to notify the team if something is unassigned in the queue. After the blow-up, now only she handles that.
- This weekend we made changes to push. My code was tested. I logged on half an hour early to push my changes b/c I didn't want to hold up the team. Her changes were untested by the team. I believe she made them near the end of the week without telling anyone. Cost us 3 hours. I was supportive. Monday morning she nitpicked my code over an edge case caused by her bug.
- I got told to step back with my responsibilities after the blow up, then got asked to reach out to clarify details about a meeting she's leading. Mixed signals constantly.
Outside of these work instances, she's kind. But she can be difficult to approach when stressed, which is part of why coworkers come to me. I'm walking on eggshells. I feel like I'm being punished for being helpful and competent. I'm afraid to speak up or make suggestions now.
Although I love working with my other coworker, there's generally no upward mobility. I stay because of the good work-life balance and work atmosphere--the latter of which feels off recently b/c of this issue.
Compensation:
- $60k/year, hourly
- 1 day of remote work per week
- No overtime — just "flex time" for weekend work
- State pension (5 years to vest, not there yet)
- Sick / vacation time accumulated
My questions:
- Is this dynamic something I can navigate, or is it just going to keep being like this?
- Is the pension worth this eggshell-walking?
- With my background and contributions, am I underselling myself at $60k?
- For those who left government jobs before vesting... any regrets?
TLDR: 2.5 YOE software engineer, $60k at local gov. Senior dev is insecure and territorial. I've been sidelined from my own projects and told to step back. Pension requires 5 years to vest. Stay or go?
Any advice appreciated