5 ms·

First, you need to actually value interesting work in relation to other job values (like compensation, good working hours, low stress, making a difference, fami

First, you need to actually value interesting work in relation to other job values (like compensation, good working hours, low stress, making a difference, family friendliness, good management and many others). Generally these will be a tradeoff, but you might find one where the tradeoff suits you. For instance I had a job I really enjoyed at an Earth Observation startup geeking out about maps and space, but the comp was pretty mediocre and the management abysmal. But it was enough for my needs at the time and I'm reasonably good at managing up so it didn't bother me too much. Many of my former colleagues left that job dissatisfied, since the tradeoff wasn't to their liking. Second, always be looking. You are right in observing that 99% of job ads seem totally boring. Partially this can be helped with some filters on job boards, I tend to just filter out "Finance" and "Advertising" since I know that I have basically zero interest in those domains. But the chance that you'll find a great interesting job where you skillset is even vaguely compatible at the time you need it is pretty low. It's better to keep looking well before you need to. Third, if you meet someone in your field who's working at a place that seems interesting, ask if they're hiring. Even if not, there's a chance that next time they are, the person will remember you. Or perhaps in their next company... Finally, cultivating a broader skillset rather than a highly specialised one can make this easier, since many interesting companies are probably not doing the exact same everyone else is, so they might need someone who seems more adaptable. Good luck!

uVacCXNiiJCTnYB 4y ago
See the specialising part is interesting to me, because I've found a lot of companies expect you to be very specialised these days, and it really gets in the way of trying new things. I was originally in the game industry and left it because I was stuck in a hyper specialised niche (web-based game development). I went back to more general full stack, but even here a lot of companies will specifically look for people based on them having multiple years of commercial experience with their specific stack, rather than just holistic experience in the broader area.
- celdon25 4y ago
  You’d be best off looking to join a company that is seed stage or series A. During growth phase is when companies are looking for specialized skills. What are you using for job sources? Keep in mind though that startups generally frown upon candidates coming across as picky in what they want to work on. You can’t have it both ways. Think it from their perspective. Of course, they don’t need to know about it. And you won’t be working on it if you are at least appearing less productive in that area if they try to get you to work on it ;) Startups aren’t for everyone though.
pc86 4y ago
People really forget the first point. All things being equal, everyone wants to work on something interesting. So almost by definition, when interesting things come along people are more than happy to let the other things drop a bit. Pay will likely be a little low (not always). Hours will almost certainly go up, even if it doesn't feel like it since it's more interesting work. The only one I'd disagree on is management, managers like to work on interesting things too :) The one caveat being the org might be more inclined to just promote people who are really good at the technical aspects and don't have any managerial skills.
- slothtrop 4y ago
  This is my experience. I have an interesting gig with lower-than-average pay. Periodically I'll take a look at other opportunities because the wages are so good, but most of the time the jobs don't sound better. Mind you, I couldn't pin down what might pull me away.
wwkeyboard 4y ago
And interesting companies don't have to advertise their job postings as far and as wide to get a bunch of candidates. So you have to find the companies first then watch for a posting that fits you.
sicp-enjoyer 4y ago
I have experienced these same tradeoffs. Of course, in the back of my mind I wonder, isn't it possible to have interesting work AND good management? I don't know why, but it doesn't seem to work out that way.

uVacCXNiiJCTnYB 4y ago

See the specialising part is interesting to me, because I've found a lot of companies expect you to be very specialised these days, and it really gets in the way of trying new things. I was originally in the game industry and left it because I was stuck in a hyper specialised niche (web-based game development). I went back to more general full stack, but even here a lot of companies will specifically look for people based on them having multiple years of commercial experience with their specific stack, rather than just holistic experience in the broader area.

celdon25 4y ago
You’d be best off looking to join a company that is seed stage or series A. During growth phase is when companies are looking for specialized skills. What are you using for job sources? Keep in mind though that startups generally frown upon candidates coming across as picky in what they want to work on. You can’t have it both ways. Think it from their perspective. Of course, they don’t need to know about it. And you won’t be working on it if you are at least appearing less productive in that area if they try to get you to work on it ;) Startups aren’t for everyone though.

pc86 4y ago

People really forget the first point. All things being equal, everyone wants to work on something interesting. So almost by definition, when interesting things come along people are more than happy to let the other things drop a bit. Pay will likely be a little low (not always). Hours will almost certainly go up, even if it doesn't feel like it since it's more interesting work. The only one I'd disagree on is management, managers like to work on interesting things too :) The one caveat being the org might be more inclined to just promote people who are really good at the technical aspects and don't have any managerial skills.

slothtrop 4y ago
This is my experience. I have an interesting gig with lower-than-average pay. Periodically I'll take a look at other opportunities because the wages are so good, but most of the time the jobs don't sound better. Mind you, I couldn't pin down what might pull me away.

wwkeyboard 4y ago

And interesting companies don't have to advertise their job postings as far and as wide to get a bunch of candidates. So you have to find the companies first then watch for a posting that fits you.

sicp-enjoyer 4y ago

I have experienced these same tradeoffs. Of course, in the back of my mind I wonder, isn't it possible to have interesting work AND good management? I don't know why, but it doesn't seem to work out that way.