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I want to say something that will no doubt be wildly unpopular. What are the chances that the author uses programming as a method of escape? The reason I say t

I want to say something that will no doubt be wildly unpopular. What are the chances that the author uses programming as a method of escape? The reason I say this -- he discusses his social anxiety at the bottom. Makes me think instead of interacting with new and random people, he would rather be in his own thoughts (either because it is less painful or there simply isn't an interest in new people). Many people, even several that I work with, do not program much outside of the job. I would virtually always rather be out at an event or by the pool or doing just about -anything- other than be on my computer after my work day is finished. Important stuff comes through my phone and I'll address it if necessary, but I am not dying to get right back on the computer when I get home. I should note however, that my job is transitioning out of developer and into a more outwardly facing role. I've been developing for several years and I've just grown tired of it. I get to solve new problems now.

raganwald 16y ago
Chances are good, especially when I was an adolescent. However, like many things it's way more complicated than that. I enjoy meeting new people. If you say, "Reg, let's go for a coffee, I want you to meet someone," I will probably leap at the chance. If you say, "Reg, there's an iPad programming Flash Mob going on downstairs," I might break out in hives. or go bouldering where I meet plenty of people and have rich experiences with them. It's a very good and refreshing supposition, thanks!
- SHOwnsYou 16y ago
  Let me start by saying I am very happy that you responded to me. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I feel like there is very much an industry standard personality-wise (that I think you are more similar to). I don't think I am anything like the industry standard - I am headstrong with an ego rivaled by few. I don't think I am better or worse suited for what we do, but I am noting the difference. My ultimate point is that I gain a lot of insight when other people, who I know are different personality wise, give me their thoughts on how they would/do run a business. A lot of people in my family run successful businesses and I have access to who/what personalities they hire, but the line of work my family is in is not technology-heavy at all. I am inclined to think my dad is more likely to hire people that don't put a large amount of their personal time into their work, simply because he runs a very customer oriented business. Being able to relate to and engage people is very important. Diversified interests help a lot in being able to do this. So like I said, I approach it differently (maybe it's learned from my parents and relatives), but I appreciate you responding to me very much. It helps me to figure out what makes you tick.
  - raganwald 16y ago
    There are a lot of things I have in common with other programmers I've met, but at the same time my life has taken a less-than-stereotypical path. For example, I worked as a salesperson for a number of years and was something of a bright light when doing so. That being said, a skill at "qualifying" and "closing" prospects them should never be confused with being a people person, sometimes quite the opposite. My mother was a systems programmer in the 1960s, and speaking of discrimination and so forth, she is both Black and Female. There were probably more Unicorns in captivity than Black, female programmers in that decade. She later became a very successful real estate broker, so I was also exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age.

raganwald 16y ago

Chances are good, especially when I was an adolescent. However, like many things it's way more complicated than that. I enjoy meeting new people. If you say, "Reg, let's go for a coffee, I want you to meet someone," I will probably leap at the chance. If you say, "Reg, there's an iPad programming Flash Mob going on downstairs," I might break out in hives. or go bouldering where I meet plenty of people and have rich experiences with them. It's a very good and refreshing supposition, thanks!

SHOwnsYou 16y ago
Let me start by saying I am very happy that you responded to me. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I feel like there is very much an industry standard personality-wise (that I think you are more similar to). I don't think I am anything like the industry standard - I am headstrong with an ego rivaled by few. I don't think I am better or worse suited for what we do, but I am noting the difference. My ultimate point is that I gain a lot of insight when other people, who I know are different personality wise, give me their thoughts on how they would/do run a business. A lot of people in my family run successful businesses and I have access to who/what personalities they hire, but the line of work my family is in is not technology-heavy at all. I am inclined to think my dad is more likely to hire people that don't put a large amount of their personal time into their work, simply because he runs a very customer oriented business. Being able to relate to and engage people is very important. Diversified interests help a lot in being able to do this. So like I said, I approach it differently (maybe it's learned from my parents and relatives), but I appreciate you responding to me very much. It helps me to figure out what makes you tick.
- raganwald 16y ago
  There are a lot of things I have in common with other programmers I've met, but at the same time my life has taken a less-than-stereotypical path. For example, I worked as a salesperson for a number of years and was something of a bright light when doing so. That being said, a skill at "qualifying" and "closing" prospects them should never be confused with being a people person, sometimes quite the opposite. My mother was a systems programmer in the 1960s, and speaking of discrimination and so forth, she is both Black and Female. There were probably more Unicorns in captivity than Black, female programmers in that decade. She later became a very successful real estate broker, so I was also exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age.