I think this is a huge problem in the industry. It actually is possible to break tasks out so devs have a smooth leaning path and can produce quality code the whole way, but it does take forethought and experience on the part of the lead. The problem with just throwing devs in to sink or swim (with no testing team 🤦‍♀️) is that you _do_ get illegible code and half-finished features (technical debt), which may cost you dearly in the long run. The industry is lucky that you managed to take away some valuable lessons from it, but many developers apparently decide that's just the way the business works. You can read multiple articles every day on here from developers "discovering" best practices just aren't necessary.

Anyway, I hope they're paying you in money now.