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Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

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Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#61

Post by zeeshanm »

I think the obvious solution is to look for another job. I know some startups that hire for remote work in San Fran. Reddit does it among many others. There is a huge engineering talent vacuum so it's a good likelihood for you to find employment working remote. It may be easier to pitch a really early stage startup given you are not actively developing. You may not get scores of salary though but more than likely you can make a little over six figures.

I think by posting this question here you know what you want to do. Now, I hope you can just go and do it - good luck!

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#62

Post by yasirghufran »

Here are 3 things you should do:

1. Read the 4-hour work week. Its a book that will help you escape the rat race.

2. Start meditating. Every morning, just sit still for 10 min and imagine the things that make you happy. It seems foolish, but it works.

3. Make friends at work. That is the only way I'm currently able to survive my workplace. Im sure you're not alone, and many people in your organization feel the same way. Cheers!

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#64

Post by brc »

jonnyscholes wrote: post #33

Hey! If you're from where I think you are you should definitely make an appearance and a local meetup a friend (@joshgillies) and I run monthly called Web Developer 42°. We have a couple of locals talking about anything from database security to git flow to front end design tooling. Beer, soft drink and pizza provided - and it's free! Knowing local people who love what you love can make a big difference. Whilst dev j…

Well, Hoabrt is the bottom of Australia...the OP should fix up the original post!

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#65

Post by brc »

trevaa wrote: post #14
toyg wrote: post #11

I've been there. There are actually two different issues in your situation: the boring job you can't leave, and the exciting job you can't start. You have to pick one, and go pedal-to-the-metal. If you think your moonlighting has merit but you feel overwhelmed, look for remote partners who can work with you, and/or go hunting for finance. Finance is critical, because it will allow you to part ways with DumbCo without…

My opposition to seeking money is that I don't believe there is much of the way of angel investors in Australia, but my main opposition is taking an investment and then having a new boss to answer to. I don't want to chance getting into the same situation by answering to someone who really doesn't know what they're talking about. With regards to inciting change.. I have tried for twelve months now, they can't be help…

Have you even looked for investment? It's easy to believe there is no angel money around, because it doesn't fall into your lap.

An interesting exercise is to write down a list of the ten richest people you know, who would know you if you phoned them. (Ie, you could ring them up and they would know who you are). Often these are parents of friends or perhaps rich relatives, or maybe old work colleagues.

Then write down how much money you think they might be able to invest, and then sketch out a pitch for your idea.

At that point you could bottle it and never ask, or you could go further and actually make the pitch to some of them. You could be surprised at the result, but it would certainly help if you actually did come across a 'real' angel investor.

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#66

Post by plasma_coil »

Meditation. You have to just accept that a lot of corporations work this way. Meditate and accept it. It is very hard to find the ideal.

Have fun doing what you love and spending time with family when you are outside of work and you will learn to accept the mediocrity of the world.

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#67

Post by register »

Would you consider to partner with somebody on your product development? If the answer is yes I may be interested. I have a very similar mix of experience and background and I don't feel challenged at work as well, even if I am not in such a dramatic situation as you. I am based in Europe.

Re: Ask HN: Techniques for surviving a job you loathe?

#68

Post by DanBC »

You raise a bunch of interconnected stuff.

Here's a list of what might help:

1) keep a good work life balance. Make sure you're doin things you enjoy outside work. This helps you stay resiliant in work.

2) save money. Buildig up savings allows you to just walk out of work if you ever need to. It also allows you to spend money on other stuff - creating your product for example.

3) realise that actually you can just walk out of that job. Things would not be nice, but you would cope. It would not end the world.

4) gently start addressing the worst parts of work. Realise that you mght not be able to change anything, but try anyway. Make constructive suggestions at 360 feedback performance reviews. Make sure that what little control you do have is used effectively.

Protect your mental health! It's important. Good luck with the children too!!

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