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While this article particularly pertains to India, I think it can be seen in a more broader sense. If you go into a degree program because of social pressure o

While this article particularly pertains to India, I think it can be seen in a more broader sense. If you go into a degree program because of social pressure or you think it is a path to a decent job, yet you have no real interest or passion for what you are doing, you are likely to fail. Even decent CS/CE programs here in the states have paths through them that allow you to graduate, but at the end of the day, if you are going through the motions, what do you learn? Good engineers (and engineering students) use provided opportunities to learn and if they are hamstrung by their environment will seeks out additional learning opportunities. Anyone who goes through the motions, has little excitement or interest, and lacks intellectual curiosity is probably someone you don't want to hire.

michaelochurch 13y ago
If you go into a degree program because of social pressure or you think it is a path to a decent job, yet you have no real interest or passion for what you are doing, you are likely to fail. I've often failed because I care too much. If you actually like programming and care about doing your work well, you'll probably struggle with authority throughout your career in the software industry, and be utterly intolerant (were it not for being stuck in it) of subordinate software bullshit by age 27 or so. Ninety percent of the people out there are going through the motions and they have much happier lives than the people who actually care, at least in most of the places I've seen. Creativity and drive are good for the world, not the individual.
- jmspring 13y ago
  Michael - I've read many of your posts and comments, and generally agree with a lot of what you write. Regarding caring, there are two types in this industry that come to mind -- caring about the type of work you do and continually improving your skills; and caring about what the company you are working for is building and hoping it succeeds. I was referencing the first. I have also gone too far down the path of the second, to the detriment of my own quality of life. Creativity and drive to better one's self is important. Expending unappreciated/unrewarded energy for a company that isn't investing back in you is a losing endeavor.

michaelochurch 13y ago

If you go into a degree program because of social pressure or you think it is a path to a decent job, yet you have no real interest or passion for what you are doing, you are likely to fail. I've often failed because I care too much. If you actually like programming and care about doing your work well, you'll probably struggle with authority throughout your career in the software industry, and be utterly intolerant (were it not for being stuck in it) of subordinate software bullshit by age 27 or so. Ninety percent of the people out there are going through the motions and they have much happier lives than the people who actually care, at least in most of the places I've seen. Creativity and drive are good for the world, not the individual.

jmspring 13y ago
Michael - I've read many of your posts and comments, and generally agree with a lot of what you write. Regarding caring, there are two types in this industry that come to mind -- caring about the type of work you do and continually improving your skills; and caring about what the company you are working for is building and hoping it succeeds. I was referencing the first. I have also gone too far down the path of the second, to the detriment of my own quality of life. Creativity and drive to better one's self is important. Expending unappreciated/unrewarded energy for a company that isn't investing back in you is a losing endeavor.