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If you are recognizing that the "change the world", "disrupt ABC", etc. mission statements are total bullshit then you are doing well. Look for companies that

by matt_s 6y ago

If you are recognizing that the "change the world", "disrupt ABC", etc. mission statements are total bullshit then you are doing well. Look for companies that operate in business sectors that are more agreeable to your ethics. There are tons of companies that need qualified software people to help them with their business. They are just businesses doing a needful service and make profit. It helps if you are just a little interested in the product but you don't have to buy into their mission statements. Exchange your hours for some high amounts of dollars. For example, if one works at Tesla you could safely ignore the "change the world" mission statement crap and just work there cuz you like cars. Do you think electricians or plumbers care about the philosophy of whatever business/person uses them? Its okay if work feels like work. Find passion or interests elsewhere.

watermelon59 6y ago
I think that approach is great in theory, but in my personal experience I have never been able to put it in practice. Not caring much about the business and "just doing work" is predicated upon being given the tools you need and clear tasks. The problem is most companies just throw vague requirements at you, don't give you all the access you need to tools and infra, but expect you to care and "show initiative" and go after things. Also, often times things are gated by other people and you have to convince them to help you (e.g. you can't touch infra and depend on the graces of someone in ops to make the changes you need).
- matt_s 6y ago
  I'm not saying don't care or don't take initiative in your job. Care about the software engineering and your craft and don't hang all of your mental health on a company's mission statement. If you aren't given the tools you need to get the work done, bring that up with you manager, if that can't be resolved then those are the constraints you have to work with.

by matt_s 6y ago

watermelon59 6y ago

I think that approach is great in theory, but in my personal experience I have never been able to put it in practice. Not caring much about the business and "just doing work" is predicated upon being given the tools you need and clear tasks. The problem is most companies just throw vague requirements at you, don't give you all the access you need to tools and infra, but expect you to care and "show initiative" and go after things. Also, often times things are gated by other people and you have to convince them to help you (e.g. you can't touch infra and depend on the graces of someone in ops to make the changes you need).

matt_s 6y ago
I'm not saying don't care or don't take initiative in your job. Care about the software engineering and your craft and don't hang all of your mental health on a company's mission statement. If you aren't given the tools you need to get the work done, bring that up with you manager, if that can't be resolved then those are the constraints you have to work with.