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Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

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Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#21

Post by abhnv »

xwowsersx wrote: post #7

> I have stopped learning new things, and working on personal projects because of Dota2. The reality is that some people at some times are capable of spending a significant portion of their personal time pursuing new skills and technologies, but not everyone can and that's fine. I think that either way, relying on your own personal time and projects as the only forum for developing new skills is not a great way forwa…

Makes sense, I've always been of the opinion that it's my responsibility to improve upon my skills and that most business-oriented softwares are not going to be challenging. But I think you're right, it will be much more fun to work on a challenging project at my job.

I do want to become a better engineer, so I'll just do that for now. I'll look for a better company, as one other comment suggested. To find a company that makes developer tools, like IDEs, compilers etc.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#22

Post by abhnv »

MattPalmer1086 wrote: post #20

I generally get bored doing the same things for years. And if those things are tedious anyway, well! I'm surprised you've lasted 5 years! Finding another job that offers you the opportunity to learn new things is what I'd recommend in the short term. Longer term, it helps to have some kind of goal. What do you think would be an awesome job, even if you couldn't get it right now?

Well game development would be awesome, but that industry doesn't treat developers right. I also want to make enough money, which the gaming industry lacks. So that's not a feasible option.

Maybe working on some VR/AR tech, or at some Antivirus company.

I did some OverTheWire exercises, and was learning about creating viruses. But, I ultimately ended up playing a lot of Dota.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#23

Post by k4rli »

idontknowifican wrote: post #6
r0b05 wrote: post #5

It seems that you are missing a creative outlet in your current role so it would be wise to find it in a new role. Uninstall Dota 2. It's hard but you can do it. Channel that creative energy into a side project, an instrument or whatever else you find fulfilling. Furthering your studies is also a good idea but be prepared for the marathon that comes with it.

i’ve found i can tell i’m sad based solely on the number of hours i’ve been gsming

Gsming? Typo in "gaming" or a new way to say "browsing internet on phone"?

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#25

Post by bobkazamakis »

>I have stopped learning new things, and working on personal projects because of Dota2. I'm trying to leave it behind, but its hard.

...oddly enough I found the most success by maining techies (pre-rework), planting mines, blast off -> write code while respawning. rinse and repeat, enjoy mine kills and stop worrying about rank/outcome.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#26

Post by Maximus9000 »

almost_usual wrote: post #8

> I've never faced any difficulty because of my low grades in undergrad yet, but will it be a problem when I go on to become a software architect in the future? No. Work experience building software that’s used matters.

Indeed, in my experience after a few years of work experience, your undergrad means very little (at most companies). I've heard this might not be true at Google.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#27

Post by smaps »

If you've been working as a developer for 5 years no one will care about your grades in undergrad, and a Masters in Comp Sci is unlikely to be worth the opportunity cost.

I would suggest starting to look for developer jobs at smaller companies or startups. You're much more likely to be working on all kinds of things instead of being stuck in small areas of the code. Working at FAANG is likely to be the exact opposite where you'll be a bit more of a cog in the machine that works on some small feature.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#28

Post by abhnv »

r0b05 wrote: post #9
idontknowifican wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

i’ve found i can tell i’m sad based solely on the number of hours i’ve been gsming

True, and gaming can also be a social activity if you are lacking connection.

That was one of the reasons I started playing 2 years ago, I have no friends in my city. And its hard to make friends at work, because I don't know why, at work, I always end up in 2 man teams.

It also happened at my previous 2 companies.

So, I reconnected with some of my college friends through Dota. We play together almost everyday. But I really need to put an end to it.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#29

Post by ironlake »

>I have stopped learning new things, and working on personal projects because of Dota2.

In most professions, people learn on the job and don't have personal projects. It's OK to work 40 hours (or less!) a week and not think about your job on nights or weekends.

I have personal projects that I enjoy. I usually only work on them a few days a year. They are strictly for my own personal enjoyment and I could not imagine a prospective employer caring or being impressed.

I learn new things by taking time out of my regular 9-5 workday, even if the things I learn aren't directly related to my work. And my employer sends me to conferences for continuing education.

If dota2 is problem in your life, uninstall it. But it's normal and healthy to pursue hobbies and interests that you enjoy after work. Literally none of the non-programmers in your company (e.g. sales, hr, finance) have personal projects. They go home and play dota2, or bake, or binge re-watch Downton Abbey.

Re: Ask HN: What should I do next for my career?

#30

Post by abhnv »

idontknowifican wrote: post #6
r0b05 wrote: post #5

It seems that you are missing a creative outlet in your current role so it would be wise to find it in a new role. Uninstall Dota 2. It's hard but you can do it. Channel that creative energy into a side project, an instrument or whatever else you find fulfilling. Furthering your studies is also a good idea but be prepared for the marathon that comes with it.

i’ve found i can tell i’m sad based solely on the number of hours i’ve been gsming

True, my gaming hours are in the thousands. Almost 2.5k right now.
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