EPISODE · Aug 4, 2026 · 49 MIN
From Dishwasher to Engineering Manager
from HTML All The Things - Web Development, AI, and Developer Careers · host Matt Lawrence and Mike Karan
Before becoming an engineering manager, Mike spent nearly two years washing dishes and another five working as a line cook. The jobs may seem completely unrelated to software development, but the lessons he learned in the kitchen continue to shape how he handles pressure, leads developers, and solves problems today. In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss how early jobs outside of tech can prepare you for a career in development. They explore thriving in chaotic situations, matching people with the right responsibilities, cross-training team members, paying attention to details, and finding the motivation to keep learning. They also share how factory and kitchen work taught them what they wanted from their careers - and what they never wanted to return to. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/from-dishwasher-to-engineering-manager Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Mike worked as a dishwasher and line cook before becoming an engineering manager. Matt and Mike discuss how jobs outside of tech can teach developers valuable lessons about leadership, pressure, attention to detail, and career motivation.
NOW PLAYING
From Dishwasher to Engineering Manager
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.