We shipped the feature on time this quarter and also cleaned up two of the old messes that were slowing us down, on purpose, as part of the plan. I don't let the debt pile up in the dark anymore, and I don't stop everything to chase it either. A little paydown rides along with the delivery, steady. The code gets a bit healthier every month instead of a bit worse.
More people experience this than they realize.
You pay down tech debt steadily alongside delivery, so the code gets healthier over time instead of worse.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.