"I Watch Anime and Read Manga" — Software Engineer Mairym Zhanuzakova on Her Lifestyle

Meerim Januzakova, city — Bishkek, software QA, Instagram  

About Me

I have been working in the IT industry for about seven years, six of which have been in the role of a software quality assurance engineer. My work involves testing websites and mobile applications. Additionally, I write automated tests in various programming languages such as C#, JavaScript, and Python, depending on project requirements. I work in service companies, participating in different projects, which allows me to develop in various directions.

My current project is international, so I have a time zone shift. I start working at 12:00 and finish around 21:00 or 22:00. At first, it was difficult to work so late, especially when everyone else was already meeting up and relaxing, and I couldn't join them. But then I found my own advantages in this. In the morning, I can handle all important matters, such as going to the bank or the hospital. Previously, I had to take time off from work for these errands, but now I can calmly schedule and complete them before my workday begins. I also discovered that morning meetings with people are pleasant—there is still plenty of energy and a good mood at that time, which no one has had the chance to spoil yet. After such meetings, the rest of the day goes on a positive note.

On weekends, I fully relax—I don't open my laptop and don't take work home. At first, it was hard to disconnect; sometimes I would still check work tasks. This was exhausting and led to burnout. Recently, I found a way to switch off: at the end of the workday, I close my laptop and try to clear my mind of work-related thoughts. I arrived at this approach through experience.

Since 2022, I have also been teaching. I started at Neolabs, then at Ala-Too University, and currently teach courses at MUCA. I teach selective courses on Software Testing, which I manage to combine with my main job. Lessons take place in the morning: I conduct classes, communicate with students, and then return to my main work.

Where and How I Learn

I am constantly learning and updating my knowledge. If I encounter something important and useful at work, I try to adapt quickly. I allocate time for learning within my work schedule. I don't always work strictly eight hours on tasks: sometimes one or two hours are productive, followed by two or three hours of routine work. During this time, I also engage in learning, especially in the field of Software Testing.

AI tools and directions are emerging on the horizon, and in the future, I will need to test such products. Therefore, my colleagues and I started studying with an AI instructor. We attend classes together, which allows us not only to develop but also to exchange experience.

I actively read articles and work on my learning plan jointly with my manager. Our company focuses on my professional growth, and I have my own requests, which, although they may not always align with my current qualifications, can bear fruit after long-term learning. Currently, I am brushing up on my ISTQB certification knowledge and plan to obtain certifications as an Agile Tester and Test Analyst. I also read articles and books that I use for teaching and improving my qualifications.

In my plans is preparation for annual courses, for which I dedicate about an hour or even less per day. On days with lighter tasks, I try to use free time for learning.

I recommend Andrew Tanenbaum's books to beginners: "Operating Systems" and "Computer Architecture." These materials help understand how an operating system works and where errors come from.

For studying Software Testing, one should pay attention to ISTQB Foundation and books on ISTQB Test Analyst and Performance Tester, which cover management and advanced testing techniques. Sometimes I listen to Evil Tester on YouTube; he recommends reading certain books over a period of one and a half years to truly master the material. In addition to this, I partially completed sql-ex.ru, which is also useful.

This summer, I attended two events organized by Google: one in Berlin and another in India, through the GDG Bishkek program, which invites organizers and WTM ambassadors.

At these events, there were many AI workshops on Google's Gemma and Vertex AI products, where I met other participants and speakers. At the second conference, we worked with well-prepared specialists, solving real business problems together.

I also frequently attend webinars from knowbe4.com, where the main focus was on security and corporate measures.

Previously, I actively attended all meetups and conferences, but now I participate less frequently because I have started organizing them myself. From 2019 to 2022, I actively organized events, including preparing for Devfest by GDG Bishkek together with cool people from DevCit, Mad Devs, and O!.

Environment

I am surrounded by friends, work colleagues—participants in meetups and conferences, most of whom work in IT. We often meet and organize events, attracting active people from various IT companies. I also communicate with representatives of other fields, meeting them at various events. To find like-minded people from other fields, you can start doing something new. I liked one quote: "To surround yourself with runners, you just need to start running on a schedule. After a month or two, other runners will start appearing around you." Participating in projects and attending thematic events will also help find like-minded people.

Where I Spend Free Time

Currently, I have many trips, and there is renovation happening at home. Previously, I tried to go to the gym every Saturday, walk around the city, and meet with friends. I also enjoy spending time with family watching movies—we used to gather once a month on Sundays when I visited.

In the summer, I prefer active recreation: I go hiking and have picnics. Although there were fewer such events this summer than last year. I also enjoy hiking in the mountains with tourists on safe trails.

I love spending time in cafes with friends, drawing, and discussing current women's issues. I usually do this once or twice a month. I have been watching anime and reading manga for over ten years. Previously, I played the guitar, but due to trips and renovation, I put this hobby aside. I also used to run, but I had to give up this hobby due to back problems.

Where to Buy What

Previously, Xiaomi technology was enough for me. However, on one global platform for testers, I didn't receive an order because I didn't have an iPhone. As a result, I had to buy one. Previously, I used technology from various brands, but I have been working with iOS for two years now.

I buy technology only at AsiaStore, and Android devices at MIshop and Xiaomi.kg.