[contingencies]

The situation you describe is probably not that uncommon.

The habits I'd recommend are general enough that they'd apply everywhere: Documentation and testing of all kinds. An ingrained resistance to be tied to any one technology, platform or stack. Clear communication. A curious mind.

[jdsfighter]

I get to sit down with the branch manager sometime soon and go over everything he wants implemented or removed for the next version of the application so that should help. I try to be fairly communicative throughout the day as well.