In these large scale systems the boundaries are usually not well defined (there are APIs but data flowing through the APIs is another matter as are operational and non functional requirements).
Stress is often caused by a mismatch of what you feel responsible and accountable for and what you really control. The more you know the more you feel responsible for but you are rarely able to expand control as much or as fast as your knowledge. It helps to be very clear about where you have ultimate say (accountability) or control within some framework (responsibility) or simply know and contribute. Clear in your mind, others and your boss. Look at areas outside your responsibility with curiosity and willingness to offer support but know that you are not responsible and others need to worry.
This is spot on. Feeling frustrated working on large distributed systems could be generalized as “feeling frustrated working in a large organization” because the same limitations apply. You learn about things you cannot control, and it is important to see the difference between what you can control and contribute and what you can’t.
Stress is often caused by a mismatch of what you feel responsible and accountable for and what you really control. The more you know the more you feel responsible for but you are rarely able to expand control as much or as fast as your knowledge. It helps to be very clear about where you have ultimate say (accountability) or control within some framework (responsibility) or simply know and contribute. Clear in your mind, others and your boss. Look at areas outside your responsibility with curiosity and willingness to offer support but know that you are not responsible and others need to worry.