What I don't understand is why it is so hard for some seniors to just let me jot my notes down, I get it you're busy but if you just let me write down certain key words, I will never ask you this question again, I am nervous cause I had to bug you for help so my mind is not taking anything in, its freaking out cause you're making it so clear I am a bother! So I'm gonna go back to my desk without notes and no idea of what you just tried to tell me.... It was never a problem for my first senior, and he even became my mentor! In a question of 6 months he could go on holiday cause I could handle all his responsibilities until he came back with my trusty note book in hand... So why are you telling me to stop making notes!! It works for me so leave me be!! - sits at desk, pondering why I exist - 😖

Really? A senior ordering you to not take notes?

I actually encourage it... If someone asks me for help there is no problem, but I expect focus... I don't like to waste my time and if you have to ask twice, then you are waisting my time...

Take notes, and never be afraid of the "bothered look"... If it's bothering him probably it's because he's grasp on the matter is not great... Also remember that some unexpired idiots won't like to teach you because they are afraid you steal they're job... If that's the case, you don't need to ask him because he's skills are very limited and someone like that will only limit your growth

@mmcorreia thanks, that actually shed some light, I was honestly starting to feel useless cause I was not allowed to make notes, but what you just said actually made a lot of things that have been happening make sense! Thanks so much!

I agree with @mmcorreia.
Probably he's afraid that if it doesn't work out the blame will be his.
I'm hearing something like this for the first time. If he asks you to stop again you should tell him no and explain that that's how you work.

@dr-ant I actually tried telling him that it's how I work and I keep all my notes structured in one note... He just looked at me and with great frustration said "just pay attention!" but the next time, I will stand my ground and ask him to go back 4 sentences, since it's clearly not a frowned upon thing to make notes, and it's not like I take forever to make notes, so clearly the flaw is not with me.

@GhostDev Yep. I just can't believe that guy.
+1 for OneNote. I love it and it's my note taking tool too.

@dr-ant I know!! One note is amazing! And really useful for to do lists and planning...

@GhostDev Wait just realized something. Maybe he is bothered because you're not giving him attention. Try to interact with him too. He might be taking it the wrong way because you focus on your notepad than him.

@dr-ant that is something I can look into... Perhaps he is not used to people writing notes as frantic as me and thinks that I don't pay attention, I can ask him to pace himself a bit better, that way I get my keywords and he gets face time... Thanks for your input!

@GhostDev ☺
Let us know how it goes.

@dr-ant I will do just that. Thanks again!

I’d call shenanigans on this.

If a junior dev wanted to take notes I would be all for it.

Yes it can be frustrating if you’re a senior and you’re busy, as it can take longer to go over something when notes are involved.

Have sympathy for the senior too though, as it’s all too easy when you reach that point, to assume that just because you absorb information quickly, that other people will as well.

I’d recommend saying “look, I know you’re busy, but we’re both professionals working together here, either I take my notes and don’t bother you in future as much, or you’re giving me permission to keep asking you questions after you’ve finished explaining this to me”

Gotta stick up for yourself sometimes unfortunately.

@Brolls I like it how I get all these different perspectives! I appreciate all the advice, and different points of views, as for standing up for myself, well I doubt I would actually say that... But i will definitely work on some ideas for approaches, since I don't want to keep feeling like a doormat everyday.

📌

Never allow anyone to make you think less of yourself....
I don't believe attention is the problem. Taking notes is a form of giving attention... I remember trainees that they better take notes, and sometimes I ask them to review their notes (only when I believe the message wasn't properly passed and I want to see what needs rephrasing)...

I like it better when the person I'm talking to takes notes and asks questions... That means they are interested on learning and not just looking for a quick answer (I never give quick answers to trainees... I find that helping them get to the answer by themselves makes for better development and commitment)..

So, I should see how your senior deals with your input. If he lashes and does not give you a solid reason why then he is of limited skills and that is all you need to know for measuring how valid he's feedback is.

Why don't you collect everything in a team-wide onenote notebook (or something similar)? If you have to ask someone something, someone else will probably do the same after you.

@electrineer lucky for me l am no longer working at the place in question and the place I work at now has a proper note making policy and ticket system that keeps all pigs in the row. Ty for your input though.