Ihor’s story is of persistence, adaptability, and seizing opportunities as they arise. Starting as a tester at Paydock, our long-term client based in Australia and the United Kingdom, he’s grown into a Principal Engineer, guiding multiple teams and driving impactful projects. His journey reveals that success isn’t always about following a plan — recognising opportunities and being ready to evolve.
Ihor’s passion for tech began during his studies at the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, where he specialised in computer systems. While his education gave him foundational programming skills, his first foray into the professional world was with a Ukrainian product company, working on large-scale projects for high-profile clients like the National Bank of Ukraine and major industrial companies.
“I started working there while I was still studying. I worked half a day at the company and half a day at the institute. It gave me real-world experience,” Ihor recalls.
Although his role at the product company focused on databases rather than development, it laid the groundwork for his next step: testing. “I realized that testing had a lower entry barrier compared to development,” he explains. “You needed to be attentive, understand the product, and know the processes. It felt like a practical way to break into an international company.”
This pragmatic thinking paid off. After taking specialised testing courses, Ihor joined Paydock through Ivy Tech as a tester. It was a role that soon evolved into something much bigger.
“I started helping software developers with tasks. I learned Node.js and supported development efforts. Over time, we hired more testers, which allowed me to focus on development full-time.”
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Ihor’s growth at Paydock wasn’t limited to his technical skills. His role expanded to Team Lead, then Engineering Lead, and eventually to a Head of Integration — a position where he oversaw several teams responsible for Paydock’s key integrations.
For Ihor, the secret to longevity in one company isn’t just the projects — it’s the people. “When you have great people around you, you’re able to do anything, and you’ll enjoy it too.”
He credits the startup environment at Paydock for allowing him to try new roles, explore different career paths, and even help create new positions.
“In a startup, you’re not boxed into one role,” Ihor says. “If you see a need for a role, you can create it. I’ve been a Team Lead, an Engineering Lead, and a Head of Integration. Each role lets me grow in a new way.”
“Being able to shift between roles is essential in tech,” Eldar explains. “Every skill you pick up adds to your toolkit, and you never know when it will come in handy.”
Growth comes with its own set of challenges. For Ihor, burnout has been a recurring battle. “Yes, I’ve experienced burnout — it’s unavoidable sometimes,” he admits. “Especially in a startup where there’s constant pressure to move fast, adapt, and meet deadlines.”
The uncertainty of startup life — from delayed salaries in the early days to long working hours — can take a toll. But for Ihor, the antidote to burnout is progress. “What saves me is seeing the result of our efforts,” he explains. “Knowing that I’m part of the success and that my work has an impact on the company’s growth — that’s the biggest motivator.”
Relocating to Australia introduced new complexities for Ihor’s work-life balance. With calls scheduled to accommodate different time zones, he’s had to make adjustments to his daily routine.
“I’ve learned to block off time in my calendar,” he shares. “I have a dedicated afternoon break where I’m offline. I prioritise necessary calls and avoid the constant stream of messages and chats. It’s about setting boundaries so I’m not available 24/7.”
Ihor’s routine now includes consistent breaks, evening calls, and time carved out for himself and his family. This intentional approach allows him to sustain his productivity without feeling overwhelmed.
Reflecting on his journey, Ihor offers simple but profound advice for those entering the tech industry: “Try new things, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is a learning experience.”
He also advises young professionals to seek out teams where they feel supported. “Find people you’re comfortable working with. It’s not just about the project — it’s about the people. Surround yourself with people you trust and respect, and you’ll grow naturally,” Ihor recommends.
Ihor’s story is one of continuous evolution — from student to tester, to Software Developer, to Team Lead, and finally to Principal Engineer. His journey shows that it’s not the title that defines you but the skills you’re willing to develop along the way.
For Ihor, every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Every setback is a chance to reset and grow. And every person you meet on the journey could be the key to your next breakthrough.
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