7 ms·

"Do as you're told" and "Don't talk back" are probably the worst "rules" I've been taught in US grade school. Following that mentality will net you exactly this

"Do as you're told" and "Don't talk back" are probably the worst "rules" I've been taught in US grade school. Following that mentality will net you exactly this: a miserable and close-minded life. DO voice your opinion and professional expertise. DO make recommendations as to how to salvage or improve a project. Not doing so will not get you anywhere.

gbog 13y ago
That's not true. Being able to endure and suffer silently is a skill that is often the way to survive through struggles and win the game in the end. It is mostly the case for politicians and mafia members, but it is also useful for developers.
- addandsubtract 13y ago
  Sure, you can play the endure card and just do your job in the hope of one day pulling ahead of everyone. But what if that isn't the case? What if you silently work your ass off and then get laid off anyway? If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you earn what you put in. It's in your interest to push the product, create a drive in the company and basically make it the best environment for you and everyone else to work in. And if that is met with nay-sayers or incompetence, then you should be moving on anyway.
  - michaelochurch 13y ago
    I'm not advising anyone to "silently work your ass off" because that doesn't work either. If you're on a failing project that will harm your career, leave. But leave silently unless there's a credible chance you can fix it (and usually, you can't). If the project is doomed to failure, being a PITA means you're more likely to get fired while silently working out a transfer or next gig has only upside.
Yourfags 13y ago
I love how this idealism is so accepted here, sure it works, but there is plenty of good in "staying until the job is done", you just don't believe it.
- deleted 13y ago
  [deleted]
bdcravens 13y ago
I don't think michaelochurch is saying that. Rather, sometimes you look out for #1, which involves doing your best and setting yourself up for long term success.

gbog 13y ago

That's not true. Being able to endure and suffer silently is a skill that is often the way to survive through struggles and win the game in the end. It is mostly the case for politicians and mafia members, but it is also useful for developers.

addandsubtract 13y ago
Sure, you can play the endure card and just do your job in the hope of one day pulling ahead of everyone. But what if that isn't the case? What if you silently work your ass off and then get laid off anyway? If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you earn what you put in. It's in your interest to push the product, create a drive in the company and basically make it the best environment for you and everyone else to work in. And if that is met with nay-sayers or incompetence, then you should be moving on anyway.
- michaelochurch 13y ago
  I'm not advising anyone to "silently work your ass off" because that doesn't work either. If you're on a failing project that will harm your career, leave. But leave silently unless there's a credible chance you can fix it (and usually, you can't). If the project is doomed to failure, being a PITA means you're more likely to get fired while silently working out a transfer or next gig has only upside.

Yourfags 13y ago

I love how this idealism is so accepted here, sure it works, but there is plenty of good in "staying until the job is done", you just don't believe it.

deleted 13y ago
[deleted]

bdcravens 13y ago

I don't think michaelochurch is saying that. Rather, sometimes you look out for #1, which involves doing your best and setting yourself up for long term success.