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> But it's not as fun. I used to think it was just me, that I was running out of motivation or ideas, but now I'm wondering if it's actually something else. I
by ZenoArrow 12y ago
> But it's not as fun. I used to think it was just me, that I was running out of motivation or ideas, but now I'm wondering if it's actually something else.
I don't know your background, so I'd like to ask you; aside from programming, what motivates you?
Corporate programming is easy to become disenchanted with as it's very repetitive and the end result is often safe but underwhelming. There are tons of programmers who could build CRUD apps or eCommerce websites in their sleep, but do they find the work stimulating?
I can't tell you what you'd find more stimulating than cookie cutter corporate work, but it's clear there's a great deal of barely explored ways for computer programming to make a positive difference in our world. The way I like to think about it sometimes is I want to work for the world, any other employer is just a means to that end. Having that goal in mind helps me decide what's worth doing in the here and now. Perhaps it could help you find what you want too?
- cubano 12y agoI can't tell you what you'd find more stimulating than cookie cutter corporate work, but it's clear there's a great deal of barely explored ways for computer programming to make a positive difference in our world. I love this...it's so true and such a positive way of looking at the state of software development circa 2015. Never before has so much technology been laid before us, available at whim...perhaps the sheer volume of choice is what many oldsters bemoan, as it can often feel pointless to choose one knowing it will probably be unsupported and abandoned in the near future.
- ZenoArrow 12y agoThanks cubano! Good to meet a kindred spirit. :-) What you say about overwhelming choice is true too, it is undoubtedly a challenge to balance getting things done and advancing the state of the art. The role of compromise is one we all learn sooner or later, to be comfortable trading minor inconvenience for major benefits. Our field is still relatively young, so there are numerous choices over compromise to make, but we'll be going around in circles unless we're committed to our toolset for the long haul. That's not to say we block out trying other things, but it is about having a 'main' language. I've personally chosen to stick with F# for a while, I hope others will find the tools they want to stick with too, we'll all benefit.