Passions help printing new connection paths in your brain. Interview with Danusia, Software Engineer
The AUCTANE Active support program not only helps to pursue the passions of our employees but – as it turns out – also connects people. This was the case with Danusia, our programmer and horse-riding enthusiast. Get to know her story.
The first question is always the same – what is your career story at AUCTANE?
I joined the company, when it was still known as XLogics, so quite a long time ago. I got interested in it thanks to the stories of friends who worked here and decided to apply.
What position did you apply for and what are your duties?
I am a programmer. I mainly work with code and infrastructure. And with people (laughs). I admit it’s not just about writing code. My tasks also include testing, preparing documentation, comparing various solutions and searching for new ones, and automating processes.
I am also involved in working with people who are preparing for this profession: students and apprentices. This is an ideal way to test my own knowledge, usually measured in the unit of “I don’t know” 😉. I like to work with young people and I am glad that the company gives me this opportunity.
As you admitted, you joined AUCTANE quite a long time ago, in 2014 to be exact. How has the company changed over the last 8 years from your point of view – what do you think of these changes?
The company has changed a lot 😉. Each time it got bigger and bigger, new challenges appeared. We currently have branches in the USA, UK and Spain. Sometimes I wonder: How did it happen that I have been working here for 8 years? It can’t be that long… I think all these changes make the job more interesting. There is no weariness.
Interesting tasks, no boredom – is there anything else you like about your job? Or maybe there’s something you like especially?
Riddles! Haha. How does it work if it shouldn’t? Why did my colleague insist that it must be done this way? How else to do this to make it work? How to automate it so that I don’t have to do it anymore?
These are important questions and they certainly make your job more interesting, and is there anything in your duties that is problematic for you? What is the biggest challenge in working as a programmer at AUCTANE?
It’s hard to say what the biggest challenges are. It is interesting. New tools, languages, problems and people emerge. There is also some repetition in the software development cycle.
Then let’s talk about sources of satisfaction. What makes you feel good about your work?
My greatest satisfaction is when what I have been doing is put into production. Similarly, when I see young people learn new things from apprenticeships, they get excited and want to work with us.
We know that you ride horses after hours. Where did your passion come from?
From dreams 😉. I grew up in the countryside and I love being surrounded by animals. I think horseback riding satisfies this need for me.
Effectively helps to get rid of professional stresses?
Oh yes! Contact with a horse is very relaxing for me. In fact, horseback riding is an excuse to enter into a direct relationship with this animal. It is one of the elements of the entire ritual.
Riding is also a fantastic physical exercise, especially good for people working in a seated position. It strengthens the muscles and supports stretching. It is an endless exercise of coordination and balance.
As a mental exercise, it teaches humility, patience and self-control. You have to print new connection paths in your brain. Some intuitive responses also need to be unlearned, such as bending forward or abusing your inner reins 😉
You are a beneficiary of the AUCTANE Active program. Tell us how the company supports your hobby.
The most direct form of benefit is financial support. Another is the opportunity to see my colleagues from a different side. Thanks to the program, I found out that Alicja rides horses and is an instructor. Now I train with Alicja and I am delighted.
Also read: Every area of life requires a goal. Interview with Alicja, Software Engineer at AUCTANE
I would like the program to be extended to include other forms of activity in the future. I know we have people playing instruments and writing short stories. What are those I know nothing about doing?
In AUCTANE we set ourselves quarterly goals, is it similar to horse riding? Do you have goals that you are striving for? Do you take part in organized events or horse races that force you to be more intense in training?
I’m not and I’m not going to. I’m more interested in recreational riding than competitive riding. I am thinking about off-road riding, horse rallies or expanding riding styles: bareback, in the wild west style 😉.
And I have one and only one goal – pure relaxation.
The last question we also asked Alice: what would you advise beginners who are just starting their adventure with horse riding or are wondering whether to start at all?
First of all – it’s worth trying. I delayed it for quite a long time. I had an episode of riding lessons in college for one semester in a large group, and it was a highly extreme sport. It’s completely different these days. I feel safe and I know exactly what I’m working on. There are many horse and rider-friendly places. I highly recommend the “Centaurus” stable, where I currently train, and my instructor Kinga.
Secondly – it is worth having many teachers, which applies to every aspect of life, and looking for opportunities to work with different horses.
Finally, I will refer to the interview with Alicja, in which she wrote not to be afraid. It hit me a lot, because … I AM AFRAID… Fear causes the body to stiffen and riding becomes more difficult. Nevertheless, I use the motto from my favourite fairy tale: “Fear is an important helper so that the brave can be prudent” and I ride, transforming fear into new possibilities.
