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I think this is inevitable as long as what you're using your tech knowledge for does not relate to a goal you value. There can be intrinsic interestingness in i
by westoncb 9y ago
I think this is inevitable as long as what you're using your tech knowledge for does not relate to a goal you value. There can be intrinsic interestingness in ideas, but there has to be a connection back to what they might be used for.
For instance, when I first started learning to code I was interested in making video games. Along the way there were all kinds of concepts in real-time rendering which had intrinsic interest and which I enjoyed learning on their own (e.g. even ones I never put into use). However, if it weren't for the intensifying factor of what I might use those ideas for, and without having the potential applications in mind to get me through the boring parts—I don't think I would've enjoyed learning the material all that much.
If you end up spending your time coding to develop things which you find pointless, for people whom you don't respect, it may be even worse than mere lack of motivation.
The only solution I've found is to earn money in other ways, while working on tech things in my free time if/when I feel like it—or to find a position at a small company that you believe in. I've found the first to much more doable so far, but I do keep an eye out.
- TeMPOraL 9y agoThat's one big reason I'm trying to pivot away from software industry. I love programming. I just hate the bullshit that usually comes with getting paid for programming in this industry. Ironically, I program both at work and after it - at work because it's (still) a very cost-effective way of making money, and after to actually do something that I care about.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]
- gt_ 9y agoA little off-topic, but what do you do now? Are you still interested in graphics rendering? Your insights reflect my experience in film/video post-production and I am starting to get deeper into the software dev side of CGI and doing freelance work as a 3D Artist. I am very passionate, to the point that I work over time on accident and take jobs with low pay. I am hesitant to use the skills I’ve learned for anything else because I worry what would happen if the passion were to fade. But, I have not yet found a full-time job that balances the two. I keep studying and doing freelance, looking for the right opportunity for now. I had a great balance for years in film production but haven’t found it in this new undertaking so far. My drive seems similar to yours, and I’m just curious if you still work in the vicinity of graphics rwendering.
- westoncb 9y agoAt the moment I am still working as a 3d graphics programmer, as a freelancer. I probably wouldn't do that except that I have some bills I need to pay off quickly—or I'd only do it part time. What I'm trying out for now is working for a little and saving money, then not working for (anyone else for) a while while building whatever I want (sometimes pursuing business ideas, sometimes things that are more like art projects). The work I've taken has also been sharply slanted toward more interesting + laid back, rather than more money. Not sure how bad it would be if I went in the other direction... I think my ideal would be to at least for a while go back to the grocery store where I used to work (3 days a week, 10 hour shifts), while working on other projects in my free time. I've found this works best for me because it necessitates regular physical/social activity which is important for balancing the other work... G'luck!
- gt_ 9y agoThanks for the response! It's pretty tough to find anecdotes which offer support for the other options. I'm glad I asked. Good luck to you as well!