Ever feel like you’re the only one actually working? Or that your “team-building” aren’t exactly inspiring team spirit? On this episode of Off the VPN, Allison and Jasmine run through the good, the bad, and ugly of building tech team “synergy”.

From the nightmare of being left on read by your whole team to the perils of “mandatory” trust falls, our hosts spill the tea on what makes ( and breaks) a solid team. Hang out for some laughs, a few rants, and maybe even a little actionable insight into what will help you survive team drama!

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

• The Mystery of Team Silence: Allison and Jasmine unpack a wild tale of a tech team leaving one unlucky member completely on read.
• Toxic vs. Tight-Knit Teams: From the icy, every-person-for-themselves teams to overzealous bonding teams obsessed with trust falls how do you actually build a better team?
• Surviving Unnecessary Team-Building Exercises: Jasmine’s got some unorthodox ideas on turning team bonding into something less…cringeworthy. How can we set healthy boundaries in the workspace without mandatory team events?

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Today’s topic: team drama and tech tea

(01:15) Left on read by the whole team – what’s the deal?

(05:32) Toxic teams vs trust falls – handling extreme dynamics

(10:44) Boundaries in bonding and the cringe of forced fun

(15:08) Surviving “mandatory” team-building – pro tips from the hosts

(20:25) When management steps in…or doesn’t

There’s something spooky on the horizon, and we’re not talking about ghosts and goblins. AI is changing the future of software development. And while change is scary, AI could be more about treats than tricks. So says Julia Neagu, CEO and Co-founder of Quotient AI. In this episode of Off the VPN, Julia sheds a little light on an AI-assisted future and reigns in some of our scariest AI expectations. Can AI control the weather? No. Should AI-assisted engineers get paid less? Also no.

For a full discussion on how AI is changing the developer role and why it won’t be taking over for software engineers anytime soon, be sure to give this episode a listen. And stick around for some seasonally appropriate terror tales from the darkest recesses of the tech industry—if you dare.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

• Developers vs. AI: Julia shares her take on how AI is transforming the developer role, debunking the myth that AI tools like ChatGPT will replace engineers. Instead, she emphasizes the evolving nature of engineering, where AI assists rather than replaces human creativity.
• The Developer Pay Cut Debate: The hosts break down a shocking Reddit post where a manager slashed developer pay by 20%, believing AI could replace them. Jasmine, Allison, and Julia dive into the ethics and misconceptions surrounding AI in the workplace.
• The Future of Engineering: Julia explores how AI will reshape the future of junior developer roles, highlighting the need for education to adapt to new tools and technologies while ensuring developers still build solid foundations in core engineering skills.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introducing Quotient AI’s Julia Neagu
(02:35) AI transforms how developers work
(08:20) Trick or Tech? Weird AI claims
(13:47) Manager cuts developer pay due to AI
(19:15) The future of junior devs in an AI world
(23:58) Collaboration between developers and non-tech teams
(30:10) AI's impact on engineering and future education

Are we the only ones sitting in way too many meetings or what? How’s any work supposed to be done if we’re chit-chatting away on daily stand-ups? In this episode of Off the VPN, Allison and Jasmine talk about the overload of unnecessary meetings in the tech world — sharing listener stories and exploring the countless red flags of inefficient workplace practices. Tune in for laughs, advice, and some much-needed reality checks on how we handle our time in the tech world. Spoilers: It could have been an email.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

• Three Stand-Ups in a Day: Can you imagine giving the same status update three times in a single day? Jasmine and Allison break down the absurdity of excessive meetings and discuss how to streamline communication for better productivity.
• Video On Debate: Should cameras be on or off during virtual meetings? A listener’s hot take sparks a conversation about remote work culture.
• Micromanagement Overload: Feeling micromanaged by endless check-ins? Jasmine and Allison share a story about a team lead who insists on multiple daily meetings and offers strategies to push back on inefficient management.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Back from vacation!
(02:24) Today’s topic: Meetings – Why do we have so many?
(04:00) How to decide if a meeting is necessary
(08:33) “No customer will ever buy this feature!”
(10:05) Questioning product development decisions in meetings
(12:49) Being realistic with delivery dates
(14:24) Managing time conflicts in project work
(16:09) Should cameras be on in meetings?
(21:00) The story of too many stand-up meetings
(25:01) How to handle meeting overload and find balance
(29:59) Evaluating the ROI of long meetings
(31:08) Being conscious of time spent in meetings

Ever had someone assume you’re not an engineer just because of how you look? Us too.

In this episode, Jasmine and Allison are breaking down the everyday nonsense of tech stereotypes and how to handle them without losing your cool. We’re talking about everything from being mistaken for non-tech roles to dealing with people who assume you don’t know what you’re doing just because they’ve never seen someone like you in their field.

This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and real talk about how to navigate these awkward situations. We cover when to let it slide, when to clap back, and how to stay focused when others are underestimating you. Wanna know why you don’t have to prove anything to anyone about your skills? We’ve got you.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

• Battling Stereotypes: Jasmine and Allison dive into the frustrating reality of being underestimated in tech, sharing personal stories about the ridiculous assumptions people make based on appearance. They explore why it happens, how to handle it, and why you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
• The Power of Silence (and When to Speak Up): Sometimes the best response to doubters is saying nothing at all. Other times, it’s worth setting the record straight. This episode explores how to read the room and decide when to let things go—or when to deliver a comeback that leaves them speechless.
• Confidence Without Validation: Allison and Jasmine unpack the emotional toll of constantly feeling like you need to prove yourself at work. They share tips on how to stay confident, set boundaries, and focus on your own growth without seeking external approval.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Breaking down the stereotypes

(01:12) Big News: Jasmine and Allison are working together again!

(02:26) Sass in Meetings: The playful dynamic that turns heads

(04:09) “You Don’t Look Like an Engineer”

(05:49) Letting Go of Validation: Staying confident in the face of doubt

(08:41) Story Time: Hiding the truth about being an engineer for fun

(11:23) Drinks on Him: Gender roles, assumptions, and free drinks

(14:09) Judgment in Tech: Dealing with appearances and assumptions

(18:57) Why Don’t People Ask?: The importance of self-awareness in tech

(20:14) Managing bias and staying confident at work

Ever wondered how to keep your tech team happy, engaged, and performing at their best? We sat down with Sarah Rieger from Jellyfish’s DevFinOps team (our first guest!) to chat about team morale. Sarah's got some awesome tricks, like starting Zoom meetings with dad jokes and using sound effects during planning.

Guests aren’t the only first for this episode. We introduced a new segment called "Choose Your Dysfunction," where we dissect and debate tricky team scenarios. Would you rather handle a team that’s always late or one that’s fast but off-target? And what about a lone wolf senior developer versus a bunch of juniors? Sarah’s answers will get you thinking!

But hey, it’s not all laughs—there’s some serious stuff in here too like overworking and its impact on team morale. Is clocking extra hours fair for promotions? We explore that and share tips for fostering mental well-being and open communication.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

• Foundation First: Sarah emphasized the importance of creating a safe and comfy environment before diving into structured activities with your team. This foundational step allows everyone to feel more connected and valued, laying the groundwork for more productive and enjoyable collaborations.
• Work Culture Real Talk: Ever noticed a team member putting in way too many hours and getting praised for it? We dug deep into the implications of overworking and promotions based on hours logged instead of actual skill and contributions.
• Leadership Challenges: Balancing authenticity with leadership duties can be tough. Sarah shared her personal experiences and strategies for being real with her team while still steering the ship effectively.
  Fun Elements in Meetings: Injecting a bit of fun, like dad jokes and sound effects, during planning sessions can boost team engagement and lighten the mood. Sarah's tips are practical and easy to implement, whether you're meeting in person or over Zoom.

  Jump into the conversation:
  (00:00) Introducing our first guest, Sarah Rieger!
  (02:05) Opening the floor with Sarah Rieger and team dynamics
  (04:35) Maintaining team morale and fun in a remote work environment
  (06:19) Choose your dysfunction!
  (10:23) Managing teams with a difficult senior developer vs. junior developers
  (16:04) Teams that are too nice vs. teams that argue constantly
  (20:27) Story time: Calling out a coworker for working extra hours
  (33:19) Promoting mental health in team meetings

Stop trying to make quiet quitting a thing—it’s never gonna happen! We’re all about loud quitting now, where leaving your job is more “you can’t sit with us” and less “thanks for the memories.”

Ever thought about making your exit so iconic that the whole office will still be talking about it? Imagine rolling out with a marching band as you drop your resignation, or leaving some critical code in escrow to shake things up after you’re gone.

In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on the most extra, bold, and sometimes savage ways people have dipped out of their jobs. From resignation parties that give to sneaky code sabotage, we’re sharing the wildest quitting stories from the tech world. Whether you’re plotting your own epic exit or just here for the drama, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping moments that’ll make you wanna quit like a legend.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:
Tackling Toxic Work Environments: Whether it's a high-pressure company or just a soul-sucking office, we break down the legit reasons for wanting to leave a toxic job.
The Art of Leaving with a Bang or a Whisper: Ever fantasized about a grand exit from a job you despise? We sure have. From hiring a band to making a dramatic speech, Allison and Jasmine discuss the hilarious and extreme ways people could quit and why those might not always be the best idea. But hey, it’s fun to dream, right?
Burnout is Real: Steps to Recovery: With 65% of engineers feeling burnt out, this episode explores the heart of why employees are struggling. Allison and Jasmine share insights on how to combat burnout, improve work-life balance, and make your well-being a top priority.

Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] Intro

[02:21] Quiet quitting vs. Loud quitting

[05:04] Dream resignation scenarios

[18:03] Loud quitting story: Escrow for code documentation

[22:01] The solo engineer problem

[29:01] The challenges of leaving a toxic Job

[33:53] Balancing health and career in a toxic work environment

[43:40] Industry trends: burnout and career change

Would you take a job sure to end in a layoff if it meant a free European vacation? Would you accept a job without a formal offer? If these questions throw up red flags, you’re in the right place. In this episode of Off the VPN, hosts Allison and Jasmine answer your questions about bizarre tech industry red flags and how to handle them.

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:
The Interview Shakedown: Ever been rushed through an interview process and felt unsure about the company afterward? Allison shares the story of a person who was prematurely introduced as the “new hire” to a group of would-be colleagues.
European Vacation or Financial Disaster?: Your company sends you on a fully-paid European trip, then lays off a third of the staff. We dive into a bizarre story that might sound like the next Fyre Festival and discuss the true costs behind such stunts.
Can You Fix the Chill? Struggling because your workplace is too laid back? Jasmine and Allison offer practical advice on how to address these "good problems." They discuss how to bring up concerns with leadership, take small steps to improve team accountability, and push for better developer experiences.

Jump into the conversation:
03:22 Awkward coding interview with uncomfortable vibes.
07:54 Luxurious team building trip ends with layoffs.
17:49 Costly consequences of joining a laid-back company.
23:12 Assessing company culture through insightful interview questions.

Is it ever okay to put an interviewee on blast on social media? What’s the best way to deescalate a situation with an aggressive coworker? And when is the right time to speak up and have those tough work conversations even if you’re doing it solo? In this episode of Off the VPN, hosts Allison and Jasmine answer your questions about when to speak up for yourself in the office. Spoilers: We’re not doing it often enough. Lock in for a conversation about standing on business and saying the thing you’re struggling to say—for better and worse!

Got a question you’d like answered on the show? Drop us a line at jellyfish.co/offthevpn. And don’t worry! We promise to keep it Off the VPN.

Highlights:

The Power of Speaking Up: Speaking up can be risky, but it’s oh-so-important. Find out why advocating for yourself and others is a game-changer, even when the stakes are high.

Dealing with Difficult Coworkers: Ever had that one coworker who's talented but just plain aggressive? We feel you. In this episode, we discuss strategies to address and resolve conflict without igniting a firestorm. And yes, we talk about that tricky balance of not wanting to ruffle feathers but also not tolerating bad behavior.

Public vs. Private Responses: Sometimes, things get so messed up, you just want to vent on social media, right? We explore whether calling out a company or individual publicly is ever the right move. Spoiler alert: opinions were divided! Let’s just say you might want to think twice before hitting “post” on that LinkedIn rant.

Jump into the conversation:
05:08 What happens when a job interview revealed the role doesn't match description?
13:51 When is it okay to put an interviewee on blast on social media?
25:39 Articulate feedback tactfully to encourage progress.
28:10 Why a large conference room isn’t the best setting for providing feedback.
42:15 Encourage diverse voices, don't silence opinions.