A Glimpse into My Daily Routine as a QA Manager
Quality Assurance is a demanding field, requiring meticulous attention and passion for ensuring that product meet the highest standarts with limited timeframe.
I wrote this article because when I first assigned as QA Manager, I was lost, with wondering about my path, and all I did was adopting the routine of another Engineering Manager and that make me burnout and lose some of the little detail that supposed to be included in Quality Assurance. Yes, those days are filled with a mix of tech tasks, team management, and planning. Hopefully this article will help you to get a picture what you’ll be facing when you’re stepping up from quality engineer/tester into management :).
Here’s a sneak peek into my daily routine, when I’m at the office and when I’m working from home since my office has a hybrid arrangement.
Reminder that the purpose of this article is to provide a glimpse into my daily activities as a QA Manager, so it might be different one from another. Moreover, if you’re considering a transition into QA Management, this might offer some clarity on what to expect.
Welcome to a day in the life of a QA Manager…
Office Days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
- 6:00 AM — Wake Up Call: My day starts early. The first thing I do after waking up is to take a refreshing shower. It helps me wake up fully and get mentally prepared for the day ahead. After that I usually check my calendar for the day.
- 7:30 AM — 8:30 AM — Commute to the Office: I make my way to the office, often listening to podcasts or audiobooks during the commute. It’s a great way to make use of the travel time from where I live to the office.
- 8:00 AM — 9:30 AM — Once at the office, I usually check on my task on Jira/my run book checklist to make sure everything is ready to go
- 10:00 AM — Morning Stand-up: I join my team for our daily stand-up meeting. We discuss the day’s priorities, any blockers, and ensure everyone is aligned.
- 11:00 AM — Review and Planning: I review any test results from the previous day, and making sure task distribution is equitable among my team members.
- 12:00 PM — Lunch Break: A chance to refuel.
- 1:00 PM — 5:30 — It’s either Meetings and Collaboration: This time is often reserved for meetings.
- 5:30 PM — Wrap Up: I review the day’s progress, update any documentation, and set priorities for the next day.
- 6:00 PM — Heading Home: Time to relax and recharge for another productive day.
Work From Home Days: Tuesday and Friday
- 7:00 AM — Start of the Day: Without the need to commute, I start my day at 7:30 or 8:00. After the usual morning shower, I settle into my working space.
- 10:00 AM — Virtual Stand-up: We have our daily meeting over a video call, ensuring the team stays connected and aligned.
- 11:00 AM — Deep Work: Working from home allows me to dive deep into tasks without office distractions.
- 12:00 PM — Lunch at Home: One of the perks of working from home is enjoying a homemade lunch.
- 2:00 PM — Remote Collaboration: Reviewing scenarios, and providing feedback.
- 5:00 PM — End of the Official Day: While the official workday ends, I often use the flexibility of working from home to stretch my hours if needed, sometimes working until 7:00 PM.
- 7:00 PM — Evening Wind Down: Time to relax, spend time with friends, or indulge in a hobby
Specially for Friday, I usually use this day for 1 on 1 meetings or consultation room regarding their personal career development plan
As mentioned, this is a typical day for me. So it might be different from yours. Other things I do could be preparing for presentations or working on my development.
Remember when navigating the world of Quality Assurance, especially in a managerial role, is both challenging and rewarding. Every day brings its own set of tasks, challenges, and learning opportunities. While the routine I’ve shared is specific to my experience, the underlying themes of dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning are universal in this field. It’s essential to find a balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being. Remember, the journey from a quality engineer/tester to management is not just about mastering technical skills but also about personal growth, leadership, and fostering a collaborative environment. Whether you’re already in this role or aspiring to step into it, always prioritize learning and stay passionate about delivering quality. After all, in the world of QA, it’s the small details that make the biggest difference.