6 ms·

I disagree with the reasoning, and I normally eat lunch at my desk because it's convenient and I get to watch crap on the internet. First off, being the person

by mpeg 13y ago

I disagree with the reasoning, and I normally eat lunch at my desk because it's convenient and I get to watch crap on the internet. First off, being the person that gets to put out fires is in no way a certain path to a promotion. And the experience gained from it is no different than if you just shadowed the person who would usually be fixing those problems. Also, you mention how doing this you get an extra hour a day to do other stuff, does that mean you leave an hour earlier than your coworkers? That's definitely not going to get you promoted in most places. I say take the lunch hour, at desk or elsewhere and spend it however you want, then work smarter for the rest of the day.

skywhopper 13y ago
Fixing something yourself vs shadowing someone else makes a huge difference. In fact, I'd say that was the author's point: shadowing someone you'll learn a little bit, but you won't be tested on your understanding of the architecture. Yes, you may learn how to use the tools your mentor is using, but when it's your turn, how do you know which tool to start with and where to look first? If there's a fixed list of rote steps to follow to solve all problems then you don't have serious problems to solve.
vadman 13y ago
Shadowing may get you the same experience, but it will not make you The Person Who Solves Problems in the eyes of others and thus won't help your promotion. Which was the author's point.
- mpeg 13y ago
  That doesn't get you promotions either. It just makes you the go-to person for everyone to sort their stuff out. If you want a promotion, move companies - it's a safer bet.
  - vadman 13y ago
    That depends on the company. In terms of reputation/respect, I earned most of it when my boss was on vacation and I had to make decisions and take responsibility. Didn't benefit me in that particular case, since our company was bought by a bigger one and they started calling the shots, and then I left that job. So I suppose I should upvote you :)
  - stefan_kendall 13y ago
    This. Stay at a company if you enjoy the work, the people, and the projects. Quit if you want a new role or promotion. That's the easiest way to do things.
wildpeaks 13y ago
being the person that gets to put out fires is in no way a certain path to a promotion Especially because you become too valuable where you already are given they'd need to find someone else capable of putting out fires if you were promoted.

by mpeg 13y ago

skywhopper 13y ago

Fixing something yourself vs shadowing someone else makes a huge difference. In fact, I'd say that was the author's point: shadowing someone you'll learn a little bit, but you won't be tested on your understanding of the architecture. Yes, you may learn how to use the tools your mentor is using, but when it's your turn, how do you know which tool to start with and where to look first? If there's a fixed list of rote steps to follow to solve all problems then you don't have serious problems to solve.

vadman 13y ago

Shadowing may get you the same experience, but it will not make you The Person Who Solves Problems in the eyes of others and thus won't help your promotion. Which was the author's point.

mpeg 13y ago
That doesn't get you promotions either. It just makes you the go-to person for everyone to sort their stuff out. If you want a promotion, move companies - it's a safer bet.
- vadman 13y ago
  That depends on the company. In terms of reputation/respect, I earned most of it when my boss was on vacation and I had to make decisions and take responsibility. Didn't benefit me in that particular case, since our company was bought by a bigger one and they started calling the shots, and then I left that job. So I suppose I should upvote you :)
- stefan_kendall 13y ago
  This. Stay at a company if you enjoy the work, the people, and the projects. Quit if you want a new role or promotion. That's the easiest way to do things.

wildpeaks 13y ago

being the person that gets to put out fires is in no way a certain path to a promotion Especially because you become too valuable where you already are given they'd need to find someone else capable of putting out fires if you were promoted.