Every time I look back at old stuff, I have to remind myself of the relative importance of getting it done, vs getting it perfect, at the time.

Inevitably, there were no clear requirements at the outset, or if there were they were vastly outnumbered by additional requirements that scope-crept their way into the project. The project was “due” before I was asked to help / landed with the whole thing to do myself. The project was under-estimated and is now “on the critical path” for a larger initiative. Other interested parties are too busy to meet during definition time, but all too willing to point out missing scope after a “finished solution” is presented.

Yeah, me from the past… not a fair reflection.

Progressing is cool, but having 10 yoe and still outputing spaghetti is bad. I am just saying if you care enough about what you are doing you are top 10% already