Hey there! I am Riccardo, originally from Florence (Italy), currently working in Paris as an Android Software Engineer at Contentsquare. I’ve been part of this exciting journey for more than a year now. Today, I’m here to give you a sneak peek into my daily life as a member of the Session Replay team, focusing on our Contentsquare SDK for Android.
My morning routine
My day kicks off with a good cup of Earl Grey tea and some healthy biscuits — it’s my secret recipe for starting the day on a positive note. Following this, I spend some time reading the latest Reddit posts, which are mainly about Android development and photography. Yes, I am a photographer in my free time, and I enjoy keeping my creativity active!
Arriving at work
My preferred mode of transportation? Well, these days, it’s from my kitchen to my home office, thanks to remote work. No crowded metros or traffic jams — just me, my laptop and a cozy workspace. I begin my day by checking my emails, reviewing the JIRA board to set daily goals and taking a look at GitHub for any ready pull requests. Next, it’s time to attend our quick standup to catch up on tasks, sync with the team and address any blockers.
My job responsibilities
The mission at hand is significant — it’s all about processing app frames in real time without affecting performances. Prioritising performance is crucial, given that Session Replay works in real-time and continuously processes a substantial amount of data in a limited timeframe. For this reason, optimizing battery and data consumption is also essential. Working on the Session Replay is challenging, but it’s the kind of challenge that keeps the neurons firing and never leaves you bored!
Collaboration and teamwork
Despite being fully remote, collaboration is at the heart of our team. We keep things streamlined with minimal meetings, except for our morning standup and a few scrum-related gatherings during the week. Due to the project’s complexity, constant communication is essential. Brainstorming and collaborating between teammates is where the real magic happens. Pair programming is the key to success for me: I believe two brains are better than one, especially when tackling complex tasks. PR reviews are crucial, too – they not only track changes and ensure code quality but also offer fresh perspectives, pushing me to up my coding game.
Lunch break
Lunchtime is a pause to recharge both body and mind. I prioritize cooking healthy meals, emphasizing the belief that a well-fed body equals a well-fueled brain. Contentsquare’s flexible work arrangements allow me to squeeze in a home workout or a stroll outside, breathing in some fresh air to keep my mind active. As a firm believer in the importance of a healthy work-life balance, these habits set the right tone for a productive afternoon.
Afternoon activities
Post-lunch, it’s back to the grind! The afternoon involves diving into support tickets, fixing bugs and making improvements. If there are no support tickets, it’s time for feature implementation. Continuous improvement is key, and the challenges we face in optimizing performance, battery and data consumption keep things exciting.
End of the day
As the day winds down, I take another stroll, stopping by a local grocery store before heading back home. Evenings are reserved for cooking a delicious dinner, reading IT books, exploring new technologies and catching up with family and friends.
The key to keeping a healthy equilibrium
Contentsquare’s culture is unique. The company values work-life balance, allowing for self-organization. A manageable workload, coupled with an environment that encourages personal growth, makes Contentsquare an ideal workplace. Also, working on the SDK keeps me on my toes, expanding my software engineering knowledge through dedicated learning time and attendance at Android-related conferences. The key to my productivity is the remarkable work-life balance promoted by Contentsquare. Organizing my day, taking breaks and having the freedom to step away when needed contribute to a healthy mental state. This balance is crucial, especially when working on challenging projects like the Session Replay.
That wraps up a day in my life as an Android Software Engineer at Contentsquare. The challenges of the Session Replay team keep me engaged, and the supportive team spirit ensures that each day is both fulfilling and enjoyable. If you are looking for a workplace that values growth, collaboration and work-life balance, Contentsquare might just be your ideal destination.