In a little over a month I will have been a MediaWiki developer for a full year. Some unpleasantness earlier today provided a good occasion to reflect on some of what I've learned since last spring. I have decided to do so publicly, in my characteristic obnoxious and attention-seeking manner.
The upshot of MediaWiki being so thoroughly crufty is that there is never any shortage of places that need some love. There is no shortage of opportunities to have an impact. It is entirely possible to work at a rapid clip and get a lot done, as long as you are prepared for the possibility that any specific project could hit a blocker and be stalled for a while.
When the path forward is blocked, let the matter drop for a while and turn your attention to something else. Come back to it with a fresh and open mind. That is how you win: not with overwhelming firepower, but with lots of patience and a light touch. Having a sense of humor helps, too.
-- Ori Livneh