Why I Love Hard Problems

Some developers avoid complexity. I run toward it. Not because I'm a masochist, but because the toughest problems teach you the most valuable lessons.

The Grind is the Point

When you encounter a problem that seems impossible, something interesting happens. Your brain shifts into a different mode. You start questioning assumptions, exploring edge cases, and thinking in ways you normally wouldn't.

This is where growth happens. Not in the easy wins, but in the struggle.

A Recent Example

Last quarter, we needed to build a multi-channel booking calendar that synced across multiple systems. The requirements seemed contradictory: real-time updates, offline support, and conflict resolution across different time zones.

Every approach we tried had trade-offs. But after weeks of iteration, we found a solution that worked. It wasn't perfect, but it was elegant in its own way.

The Satisfaction of "Click"

There's a moment—developers know it—when everything suddenly makes sense. All the pieces you've been juggling finally fall into place. That moment is addictive.

It's worth all the frustration that came before.

Advice for Other Developers

Don't shy away from problems that seem too hard. Those are exactly the problems that will make you a better developer.

And when you're stuck? Take a break. Walk away. Your subconscious will keep working on it. Some of my best solutions have come while doing dishes or playing with my kid.