I have been writing software for about 20 years (following on from OChem PhD and research for a few years). I am 'senior' and get paid plenty in Oz...

I have aphantasia - I can't visualise/picture things in my mind, so I use pen and paper or whiteboards A LOT!

I create various ERDs, mind maps, sequence diagrams etc. I use a ReMarkable which makes it a bit easier to move stuff around and makes it more effective.

I get that some people might think it is 'pure romanticism', but pen and paper has been crucial for my success.