2 ms·

I'm only 20 years into my career, but my retrospective would be that I wish I'd realized that work sucks and that software was not going to save the world a lit

I'm only 20 years into my career, but my retrospective would be that I wish I'd realized that work sucks and that software was not going to save the world a little sooner. Then I would have focused less on impressing business people and people one level above me in the org chart. They talk about a work-life balance, but don't believe it: there shouldn't be a balance, the scale should be tipped toward the life part.

IggleSniggle 3y ago
As a career switcher, I think there IS a balance to this, but only because of the competitive aspect as you're getting going. I was in a director position in an unrelated field as a 30yo, and solidly in the camp you're describing before switching into a more junior software position. You do need to stand out until you've developed credibility. I think most people relax a bit once they have the power to safely do so. Everyone's situation is different, so this point may vary in each individual's career.
MichaelRo 3y ago
>> I'm only 20 years into my career, but my retrospective would be that I wish I'd realized that work sucks and that software was not going to save the world a little sooner. Yeah, me too (that's why also gave you an upvote). Maybe if all that energy to burn yourself out translates to higher and higher salaries and bonuses and stock options, so you work your ass off for a few years and save for a lifetime. Then it could make sense. But most people will make average money by definition case when I sure won't do any heroics. Here's an alternate retrospective, or as some may recognize it, the "loser's strategy in a Gervais hierarchy environment": work the absolute minimum which keeps you gainfully employed (which also those familiar with Gervais know it's not slacking, just avoid to be a worker bee as all that attracts is more work for the same pay). Preserve your energy, do what you like with what you got left. Go hiking, spend time with your kids, build your side business empire. To each their own. Just don't kill yourself over anything, it rarely pays off.

IggleSniggle 3y ago

As a career switcher, I think there IS a balance to this, but only because of the competitive aspect as you're getting going. I was in a director position in an unrelated field as a 30yo, and solidly in the camp you're describing before switching into a more junior software position. You do need to stand out until you've developed credibility. I think most people relax a bit once they have the power to safely do so. Everyone's situation is different, so this point may vary in each individual's career.

MichaelRo 3y ago

>> I'm only 20 years into my career, but my retrospective would be that I wish I'd realized that work sucks and that software was not going to save the world a little sooner. Yeah, me too (that's why also gave you an upvote). Maybe if all that energy to burn yourself out translates to higher and higher salaries and bonuses and stock options, so you work your ass off for a few years and save for a lifetime. Then it could make sense. But most people will make average money by definition case when I sure won't do any heroics. Here's an alternate retrospective, or as some may recognize it, the "loser's strategy in a Gervais hierarchy environment": work the absolute minimum which keeps you gainfully employed (which also those familiar with Gervais know it's not slacking, just avoid to be a worker bee as all that attracts is more work for the same pay). Preserve your energy, do what you like with what you got left. Go hiking, spend time with your kids, build your side business empire. To each their own. Just don't kill yourself over anything, it rarely pays off.