Becoming QA, a curse or a blessing?

As someone deeply entrenched in QA in the past 11 years, from QA in automotive manufacturing to QA in the software industry, I realized something that I was scared to admit for a long time. I've come to realize that my professional life has permeated into my personal experiences in unexpected ways. What started as a commitment to ensuring quality in products has transformed into a mindset that permeates every facet of my life. However, what's even more surprising is that I've come to love this shift, despite its challenges.

In the world of QA, our job is to find issues, detect bugs, and ensure that software and products functions seamlessly. It's a role that demands a critical eye and an unwavering dedication to perfection. But what happens when this mindset spills over into everyday life?

For me, it's led to a heightened awareness of imperfections in the world around me. Whether it's noticing flaws in the user experience of an app or spotting inconsistencies in the quality of a meal, I find myself unable to switch off this analytical lens. Even in areas like financial investments, I'm constantly evaluating risks and seeking out potential pitfalls.

At first, this hyper-awareness of imperfections felt like a burden. I struggled to switch off from work mode and simply enjoy the present moment. Everywhere I looked, I saw room for improvement, and it took a toll on my ability to find joy in the world around me.

But over time, I've come to embrace this mindset as a unique gift. While it may lead me to focus on the negatives at times, it also pushes me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Instead of settling for mediocrity, I'm driven to seek out ways to improve and refine, whether it's in my professional endeavors or personal pursuits.

Moreover, this mindset has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose. By constantly striving for perfection, I'm contributing to the creation of better products, services, and experiences for others. I take pride in knowing that my attention to detail can make a tangible difference in the lives of others, even if it means sacrificing some of my own comfort along the way.

So yes, being in the QA software industry has activated the perfectionist within me. It's made me acutely aware of flaws and imperfections where others may not see them. But rather than viewing this as a burden, I've come to see it as a superpower—one that drives me to continuously improve and innovate, both professionally and personally.

In the end, it's all about perspective. While some may see the world through rose-colored glasses, I prefer to view it through a lens of quality and excellence. And despite the challenges it may bring, I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, there's beauty in the pursuit of perfection, even if it means seeing the world through a slightly different angle.

Yours,

Alek N.