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Excellent points and pretty damn insightful. Thanks. Was the open source project he contributed to something your company uses? If not, why on earth was he doi
by molbioguy 15y ago
Excellent points and pretty damn insightful. Thanks.
Was the open source project he contributed to something your company uses? If not, why on earth was he doing it at work instead of at home (or perhaps I misunderstood)?
Some was used directly and some was only peripherally important to the projects in the lab.
The time, energy, creativity, interest and so on that he put into that project should have been something the company was trying to capture for it's benefit. You allowed him to fritter those valuable personal resources away. He didn't want to be frittering away his time. He wanted it valued. So he went to a company that valued the work he was willing to pour himself into.
I think his work was highly valued by the company and myself, but his work for the company perhaps underutilized his skills or just didn't interest him. I think your point is critical, though, that employees need to feel their efforts are strongly valued.
As to the point of my post/question. Does the culture of "just quit" promote a certain level of irresponsibility? I think it does. If you have to leave, of course do so. But make efforts to minimize the disruption your departure will inevitably create (if you were good at your job). Your employer gave you a chance. Whether it worked out or not, the honorable path will leave behind less ill will. Sometimes previous employers can serve as excellent contacts, references, and even future partners.
- deleted 15y ago[deleted]
- molbioguy 15y agoThis entire post (not just your comment) has veered off from what I was intending. The "gifted" descriptor was general, not clinical. For what it's worth, I know firsthand about dealing with the profoundly gifted (like your son). I have one, too! I'm not sure whether to congratulate you or commiserate with you :) They are quite a handful to deal with -- far more than most people would expect given the misinformation that's prevalent about giftedness (especially pg). We work through it sometimes one day at a time. I don't think that bears much relevance to my professional situation, so I won't comment further. But peace and best of luck to you, too.
- Mz 15y agoMy apologies. It's been deleted. Please excuse my self indulgence.
- molbioguy 15y agoNo offense was intended on my part. I rather enjoyed reading your comment as it rang so true to what I've experienced. I didn't want to comment further because it was getting OT. Sorry for any misunderstanding - it was a good comment.
- Mz 15y agoThere was no misunderstanding. I knew I was rambling on rather off topic. I said so at the start of the post. I don't wish to further derail your discussion. I've been on the receiving end of that too many times. I'm just having an eventful, emotional weekend, having nothing whatsoever to do with you, HN, etc. Attempting to bow out now. ;-)