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> "Old programmers I see around had all learned not to let companies burn them out." Great observation. Did you ever have any of those "old programmers" offer

by gjvc 9y ago

> "Old programmers I see around had all learned not to let companies burn them out." Great observation. Did you ever have any of those "old programmers" offer you any advice in this respect?

arkh 9y ago
"The only pressure you get is the one you accept". Just learn to say no. I think that's the most important thing women and shy people need to learn. No. "You should work late to show your commitment". "No". "We over-promised so it is crunch time". "No". "Here is a company phone so we can contact you easily in case of emergency". "No". And sleeping enough every day is one of the most important things you can do. And finding a job in a good company even if you earn a little less.
- walshemj 9y ago
  "Here is a company phone so we can contact you easily in case of emergency". Id say ok what's the rate for 1/4 and of course I will be paid a minimum of 4 hours for any call out at OT rates (or the equivalent in TOIL)
- derwiki 9y ago
  Really good advice. I think the perception is that if we say no we’ll be screamed at and fired. In reality your manager is more likely to become more flustered than you.
derwiki 9y ago
Not sure if I’m considered an “old programmer”, but a few things I’ve learned: * don’t use work email on your smartphone unless it’s required * don’t take your work laptop home unless it’s required * have something else going on in your weekdays. For me it’s the gym/yoga, for my (programmer) wife it’s taking ceramics classes
- dejv 9y ago
  Another "old programmer" here: * trust your instinct and join company with non toxic environment
  - expertentipp 9y ago
    Don't ignore warning signals and be careful when lowering the standards because of some life circumstances. If a place looks like it's assholry driven and without common sense, it probably is.
- fapjacks 9y ago
  Absolutely this. As I got older, I realized that I felt more relaxed and refreshed after a weekend when I put the computer down and went for a hike or out to the bar with friends, or to the local game store for some kind of games. Things I used to consider counterproductive. Having something else going on is important for putting things in context.
watwut 9y ago
Yes. That was actually first advice I got from a guy on first real under pressure project I worked on. (He was more specific tho.) I followed his (specific) advice and it paid on even in short term.

by gjvc 9y ago

> "Old programmers I see around had all learned not to let companies burn them out." Great observation. Did you ever have any of those "old programmers" offer you any advice in this respect?

arkh 9y ago

"The only pressure you get is the one you accept". Just learn to say no. I think that's the most important thing women and shy people need to learn. No. "You should work late to show your commitment". "No". "We over-promised so it is crunch time". "No". "Here is a company phone so we can contact you easily in case of emergency". "No". And sleeping enough every day is one of the most important things you can do. And finding a job in a good company even if you earn a little less.

walshemj 9y ago
"Here is a company phone so we can contact you easily in case of emergency". Id say ok what's the rate for 1/4 and of course I will be paid a minimum of 4 hours for any call out at OT rates (or the equivalent in TOIL)
derwiki 9y ago
Really good advice. I think the perception is that if we say no we’ll be screamed at and fired. In reality your manager is more likely to become more flustered than you.

derwiki 9y ago

Not sure if I’m considered an “old programmer”, but a few things I’ve learned: * don’t use work email on your smartphone unless it’s required * don’t take your work laptop home unless it’s required * have something else going on in your weekdays. For me it’s the gym/yoga, for my (programmer) wife it’s taking ceramics classes

dejv 9y ago
Another "old programmer" here: * trust your instinct and join company with non toxic environment
- expertentipp 9y ago
  Don't ignore warning signals and be careful when lowering the standards because of some life circumstances. If a place looks like it's assholry driven and without common sense, it probably is.
fapjacks 9y ago
Absolutely this. As I got older, I realized that I felt more relaxed and refreshed after a weekend when I put the computer down and went for a hike or out to the bar with friends, or to the local game store for some kind of games. Things I used to consider counterproductive. Having something else going on is important for putting things in context.

watwut 9y ago

Yes. That was actually first advice I got from a guy on first real under pressure project I worked on. (He was more specific tho.) I followed his (specific) advice and it paid on even in short term.