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Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

zephony.com

191–200 of 308 posts

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#191

As someone who developed their career from the comfort of their bedroom, I always find it very interesting to see people all over the world from different cultures experiencing the same basic issues with this kind of work set up. I absolutely loved working from my bedroom for years. It was great (despite the common down falls like the ones listed here). My family used to make fun of me at parties and seasonal celebra…

There's really no other words for it: a six figure job from the comfort of your own home/office is fucking magic Everyone should get the chance to experience it.

> a six figure job from the comfort of your own home/office is fucking magic Everyone should get the chance to experience it.

Most people don't get to experience a six figure job, period; the median income at peak earning agree is around $80k.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#192

When people envision working from home, it seems that "wearing pajamas" is a common trope. That is not a good idea. The thing about clothes is that they're part of a routine. I.e. I wake up, make some tea, put some fresh clothes on, turn on my computer, and now I'm in work mode. Ideally. In practice it doesn't always work like that, but it's still far better than waking up and just sitting down in front of my compute…

As a woman the opportunity to wear clothes just for their warmth and comfort is something I will never turn down. Being able to wear pyjamas was definitely one of the top things about working from home. Men don't have the same issues of unpractical clothing and being judged on their appearance.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#194

When people envision working from home, it seems that "wearing pajamas" is a common trope. That is not a good idea. The thing about clothes is that they're part of a routine. I.e. I wake up, make some tea, put some fresh clothes on, turn on my computer, and now I'm in work mode. Ideally. In practice it doesn't always work like that, but it's still far better than waking up and just sitting down in front of my compute…

Agreed. Mindset / routine is important here - not just to get you started but also to separate home and work.

I wear office dress code most days (or some comfier version that is "nice-enough-for-video"). I work in a separate room, whose door I can close when the day is over. I've asked my family to text me or call just like they would at an office if they need something or want to talk.

When the day ends, the laptop and door closes, and my commute is short, but those subtle differences make it a change that works, and allows me to relax.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#195

As someone who developed their career from the comfort of their bedroom, I always find it very interesting to see people all over the world from different cultures experiencing the same basic issues with this kind of work set up. I absolutely loved working from my bedroom for years. It was great (despite the common down falls like the ones listed here). My family used to make fun of me at parties and seasonal celebra…

Working in a different room (NOT your bedroom) is critically important to me. Sometimes it's fun to kick back and code, but the separate space that is yours, optimized for work, and assigned mentally to work is useful in that you can walk away from it and also leave your work behind. Going to bed at night with your laptop stashed close by does not inspire relaxation / restfulness.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#196
post #100

Earlier quoted context omitted.

$200?!? The whiteboard that I've been using for the past six or seven years cost me $15 - $20 depending on whatever the exchange rate was back then. I could go measure it, but it's about 40 cm tall by 60 cm wide.

> $200?!? Google around for 8 foot x 4 foot whiteboards (244cm x 122cm). The pre-made solutions are all in the ~$200 USD range.

I see. That is significantly larger than what I use personally, but at 12 times the area it does explain 10 times the cost.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#197

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There's really no other words for it: a six figure job from the comfort of your own home/office is fucking magic Everyone should get the chance to experience it.

Yes, and some of us reject it. When you work with people you never or rarely meet in person loneliness can be a big issue. If you have addiction problems, having the freedom to drink, game, smoke, ect whenever you want can also be a huge issue. Yes, not having a commute can be great, but if you are young you can usually find apartments close to your work (I bike to work for instance). What I feel is best is having th…

The issue I find with "flexibility to work from home" is that if it's conditional / occasional then it's also an outlier, and you're not used to working that way. This is why most "telework" programs are weird - because people that are teleworking are seen as goofing off in their pajamas or somehow disconnected.

If you're fully remote then you need to behave that way even when you're in an office environment. Sure, have in-person meetings when you can, but make sure remote folks are 100% present and enabled, otherwise those that choose to work from home will be less present - even in a healthy WFH culture.

As for loneliness - a couple things help with that. First, get together in person for a week or so every quarter to link up. Second, you don't have to work from an office when you work remote. Third, working in the office starting out to understand the culture then going remote is helpful for networking / understanding the rhythm of those in the office if you do work with full-time office folks. Being within reach can be helpful but not required. I'm close enough to the office that I can go in for big meetings or in-person things without too much heads-up, but I'm not expected to be there, and I'm probably there once a month, max.

As for addiction - clearly you gotta prioritize to make sure that stuff doesn't destroy your life. If remote work doesn't work for you, definitely don't do it. Doesn't mean it's not magic for many of us.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#198

As someone who developed their career from the comfort of their bedroom, I always find it very interesting to see people all over the world from different cultures experiencing the same basic issues with this kind of work set up. I absolutely loved working from my bedroom for years. It was great (despite the common down falls like the ones listed here). My family used to make fun of me at parties and seasonal celebra…

but... dat time savings!

Seriously, I'm in a major metro area and my commute is considered "not bad" by local standards...

Working at an office costs me at least three hours a day: - 30 minutes of "getting ready"

- 60 minutes of commute there, at rush hour

- 30 minutes of lunch (usually just grab a sandwich at home)

- 60 minute return commute at rush hour

Bonus Time Savings:

Popping on a headset and taking a walk around the neighborhood during low-participation conference calls and one-on-one discussions (I'm a manager). I can flip 30 - 60 minutes a day into "dual use" time (work + exercise)...

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#199

As someone who developed their career from the comfort of their bedroom, I always find it very interesting to see people all over the world from different cultures experiencing the same basic issues with this kind of work set up. I absolutely loved working from my bedroom for years. It was great (despite the common down falls like the ones listed here). My family used to make fun of me at parties and seasonal celebra…

but... dat time savings! Seriously, I'm in a major metro area and my commute is considered "not bad" by local standards... Working at an office costs me at least three hours a day: - 30 minutes of "getting ready" - 60 minutes of commute there, at rush hour - 30 minutes of lunch (usually just grab a sandwich at home) - 60 minute return commute at rush hour Bonus Time Savings: Popping on a headset and taking a walk aro…

Don't forget the fact that you don't have to buy/rent a home in the more expensive areas of a city. Meaning the money you make is money you can keep and speed up your retirement savings.

Re: Becoming a high performing software developer working from your bedroom

#200
I have been very lucky in that I’m completely flexible for working at home (in my study) or the office. I can say with certainty that I’m more productive (on average) at home than in the office. However, something I never imagined would be the case became reality:

I enjoy going into the office more. I simply miss the social aspect and the ability to chat about difficult problems in a break out space.

There’s definitely something to be said about the desire or dream of working from home and the reality of what your personality prefers.

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