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Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

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Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#41

Post by randomh3r0 »

jmartrican wrote: post #21

One of my problems is that I like to write code. Specifically novel code. But the places I work at really want me to just do regular CRUD work and glue work (use other people's code and avoid novel code). How do I find companies that write their own cool new code? Maybe coding teams get broken down into such small teams that there is only room for CRUD and glue and novel code gets too risky when trying to deliver use…

While maybe my view is a bit myopic here, I think the harsh reality of the world is that it's very difficult to find an opportunity where all you do is write brand new code outside of a small/early stage startup. The numbers just don't make sense to constantly reinvent the wheel, even though many developers love and prefer that. In truth the best developers I've ever worked with and managed have a good intuition about when the re-use vs re-build and I support them in that. Developers who try to push too hard one way or the other often end up taking way longer than they should have to get a task done. As with darn near everything else in life - it's all about balance. That's my 2 cents anyways.

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#42

Post by NateEag »

jmartrican wrote: post #21

One of my problems is that I like to write code. Specifically novel code. But the places I work at really want me to just do regular CRUD work and glue work (use other people's code and avoid novel code). How do I find companies that write their own cool new code? Maybe coding teams get broken down into such small teams that there is only room for CRUD and glue and novel code gets too risky when trying to deliver use…

Most real problems don't need interesting code.

You get paid to write glue and CRUD apps because that's what actually solves the problems most people and businesses have.

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#45

Post by mattw2121 »

feet wrote: post #26
mattw2121 wrote: post #9

I had a situation once where we had a minor re-org and I ended up with a new manager. Literally day one, he made an attempt to change everyone's role. We were a team of developers and business analysts. He decided that everyone would become both and spend 50% of their time on each activity. Not sure why he thought this was a good idea, but he did. After he announced it, I had a 1x1 with him and clearly let him know t…

How did the rest of the department fare? Were you the only one who avoided going hybrid?

There was a half-hearted effort for everyone to go hybrid. After a few months everyone naturally fell back into the individual roles we had before the edict was issued. There was a lot of struggling before this silent return to original duties happened. No one really ever acknowledged the bad course we were on, just went back to the way things worked.

One developer actually found that he liked the business analyst work better and continued on that path.

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#46

Post by hedora »

makz wrote: post #25

Been there. I had very strong technical skills and was well known in the organization for that. Changed jobs on the promise I would work on projects using those skills. In reality they wanted me to do change management, negotiate budgets, negotiate dates, coordinate projects, make power point decks… Because of my excellent track record delivering technical stuff they expected great results from me doing this new stuf…

One thing to watch out for (in roles like the old one you left) is the mentality that all butts in chairs are interchangeable.

In particular, they should have hired a seasoned release manager instead of trying to turn you into one.

(Some Dev Ops proponents have some nonsensical argument about continuous release meaning you don’t need a release manager. Those people are incompetent, and don’t know what a release manager does.)

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#47

Post by hedora »

giantg2 wrote: post #22

My skills have deteriorated too. Mismanagement and poor company policies have created a lot of inefficiency and sapped my morale. I'm just coasting. I figure the disappointment, frustration, etc is present in any alternative job anyways.

Move to another job. Not all organizations / teams are incompetent.

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#48

Post by FartyMcFarter »

throwarayes wrote: post #33
exabrial wrote: post #10

I would approach this with a dose of humility. I used to think I had it all figured out too; now, older me realizes how ignorant I was and surprised how tolerant management was of my flagrant pomposity.

I agree. However life is short and after trying half a dozen things over a year, it’s creating a lot of mental health problems for me. It is likely I have failed. I have tremendous empathy for this boss. But I also have to think of my strengths and where I can be successful elsewhere.

Don't worry about having failed. Just try to learn some lessons so you can avoid similar problems next time.

If it's truly getting to the point where it's affecting your mental health, the job is no longer what you should prioritize.

Re: Tell HN: Beware 'Ungrowth' in Your Job

#50

Post by jollyllama »

exabrial wrote: post #10

I would approach this with a dose of humility. I used to think I had it all figured out too; now, older me realizes how ignorant I was and surprised how tolerant management was of my flagrant pomposity.

OP did.

>"With all humility I admit it may be me that failed."

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