[Verse 1] Three years in and I can build it all Functions flow and objects never fall Pull requests approved without a fight But something's missing in the code tonight Stack Overflow visits getting fewer GitHub green squares looking newer Yet my heart's not racing like before Is this all there is and nothing more? [Chorus] Mid-level crisis, three to six years deep Competence achieved but the thrill's asleep Is this it, is this it, the question burns inside Plateau reached, now where do I decide? Identity moratorium, searching for my way Depth or breadth or people, which path will light my day? [Verse 2] LinkedIn feed fills up with deeper thoughts Do you need degrees or just what you've bought Ten-x developer myth gets torn apart Framework chasing stops, I need fresh start Philosophical posts replace the demos Senior devs sharing existential memos The creation high has normalized Time to find where meaning really hides [Chorus] Mid-level crisis, three to six years deep Competence achieved but the thrill's asleep Is this it, is this it, the question burns inside Plateau reached, now where do I decide? Identity moratorium, searching for my way Depth or breadth or people, which path will light my day? [Bridge] Three roads diverge before my screen tonight Specialization burning bright Architecture's breadth calling wide Management's people-centered pride Each developer must choose their fight To find meaning within competence light [Verse 3] Some dive deep into algorithms pure Others build systems that endure Leaders emerge to guide the teams All valid paths to chase their dreams The crisis passes when you see Competence is just the key [Chorus] Mid-level crisis, three to six years deep Competence achieved but the thrill's asleep Is this it, is this it, the question burns inside Plateau reached, now where do I decide? Identity moratorium, searching for my way Depth or breadth or people, which path will light my day? [Outro] Within competence, meaning waits Beyond the plateau, your future awaits
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