Unknown as the new normal

TL;DR;

With the end of 2020, my journey with PGS Software also came to an end. LinkedIn is telling me that it's been three years and eight months. Time flies! Because of this, I've made a small retrospective on the software houses' market.

Since 2020 you are no longer dealing with a standalone CHANGE but facing an overwhelming UNKNOWN. And that's a new 'normal', my friend. 

The 2017

When I joined the PGS in 2017, the software houses' market was at the edge of significant shifts that happened through the next years. In the past, software houses were focused on delivering skilled teams (mostly in the outsourcing model) and software development. I remember how I heard many times the commodity term. I wouldn't say I liked it then, and, still, I'm not too fond of it.

These shifts pushed the industry further towards stages that include early conceptual work. Not only delivering good software was expected, but defining, designing, and delivering digital products to the market became a more typical pattern in the industry. Understanding and recommending how the value should be defined, ensuring that this value is aligned with business goals and human needs is not a nice to have anymore. Now it is the client's expectation. Boy, I'm so thrilled that this change happened, and I'm sure it will be progressing even more in the coming years. Double happy that PGS decided to go this path some time ago, and Digital Design became one of its pillars.

The 2020

2020 was like a rollercoaster for everyone. Everyone had to become more fluent in adopting, remote working, online communication, and fast decision making. Many industries suffered a lot, like travels, gastronomy, events, culture, and healthcare (first lines fighting COVID-19). I'm keeping my fingers crossed for each of you who work there. Much strength for you all!

The IT industry wasn't hurt so much. Many say that the opposite. Partially it's true, but you need to remember that with COVID-19 great uncertainty and fear came to every business. The golden era for IT already passed, and it doesn't exist in a vacuum (never did). All of the things are tightly connected, you know. Planning, getting new deals, growing, keeping talents, or scaling became more challenging than ever for everyone. Software houses are not an exception here. In such an environment, you never know if your decision is good or bad.

Since 2020 you are no longer dealing with a standalone CHANGE but facing an overwhelming UNKNOWN. And that's a new 'normal', my friend. 

Overall, PGS navigated through 2020 and the unknown quite well. From my perspective, it is in a good place right now to push even further towards more significant cooperation with clients and building excellent digital products. The time will show if this will happen. Nonetheless, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the company will keep the pace. 

What about me?

When it comes to my journey, I've decided to take a different turn, face the unknown and start a new challenge. It's been a pleasure to work with awesome people who work and create PGS as it is today. 

A big shout-out goes to my magical and unique Experience Design Team. You all have made these few years a great adventure. It wasn't always easy, but because of that, it was real. Thank you, and good luck with your new endeavours! You are the best!

Some time ago, a person I value said that I should do something for myself. So I did. You will hear from me soon, what the new gig will be. For the next few weeks, I'm regenerating my strengths and clearing my head.

2021 is here. Let's make it memorable!