IT families: Timur and Kamila Atavalevs

Timur Atavaliev, city — Bishkek, Senior SecOps Engineer at MEGA, LinkedIn

Kamila Atavalieva, city — Bishkek, IT Project Manager at MEGA, LinkedIn

About Us

Kamila. Our story of how we met perfectly reflects modern realities — we met on Facebook, and I sent the first message. I was drawn to Timur’s photo, with his kind eyes and sweet smile. 

I still remember — I sent the message on September 30, but he only replied on October 7. We communicated online for three months without meeting in person, as both of us were going through busy periods in our lives.

Timur had already been working at MEGA for seven years, while I had just changed jobs and started studying accounting and auditing. After successfully passing the exams, we had our first meeting. Exactly one year later — on October 7 — we got married.

How We Entered the IT Field

Kamila. The decision to switch to IT seemed spontaneous to me. I was on maternity leave with my son, trying to learn English on my own, and there was a little over a year left until the end of my leave. But I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

Timur suggested trying development — at that time, it seemed something complex and unattainable. After all, I was just an accountant who knew how to work with 1C. But he recommended Attractor School, where a backend development course was just starting.

It was difficult, especially at the beginning, but incredible support from my husband and my stubborn character helped me overcome the challenges. I completed the training with excellent results.

Over time, I realized that I missed live communication and constant involvement in processes. I became interested in project management, underwent training, and realized that my experience in backend development became an excellent foundation. Now I work as a project manager and feel that I am in my right place.

Balancing Home Life and Work

Timur and Kamila. We don’t have a strict division of responsibilities — we do everything together, and this makes life easier and more fun. We cook to good music, shop for groceries together, and plan trips. Our son, Alikhan, is a full participant in all activities — we try our best to take into account his preferences and daily rhythm.

The ability to find balance comes with experience — over time, you learn to plan your day and week so that you can be effective both at work and in the family. A big plus in IT is flexibility: you can focus on tasks at night when household chores are already done and time has been spent with family. Often, it is at this time that ideas and solutions come to you, with which you start the next day. At first, it was difficult — there were only three to four hours left for sleep, but gradually you get used to it and begin to appreciate such dynamics.

Family Traditions

Timur. Every evening should end on a positive note, regardless of how the day went. We build Lego, solve puzzles, play board games, and, of course, watch videos about cats.

Our values are respect for each other's opinions, the ability to listen and hear, and support in everything. This makes the family stronger and helps us move forward.

Recommendations for a Happy Life

Kamila. It is important to have faith in your partner, support, and the ability to compromise. See the best in a person, appreciate their qualities, speak the same language, and understand that the person next to you is exactly the one you need.

Timur is able to think ahead — he often knows in advance what I will say, and he already has a ready solution.

How IT Families Differ from Others

Timur and Kamila. We are on the same wavelength — we can discuss technologies, processes, ideas, and even argue constructively. There is no need to explain why it is urgent to join a work chat or call — everything is understood at half a word.

We strive to be not only spouses but also true partners and like-minded people. We have a lot in common, but each of us complements the other. We know how to listen, negotiate, grow, and develop together. And most importantly — we are genuinely interested in each other, whether it’s a conversation about new technologies or choosing a movie for the evening.