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Top Things That Annoy Programmers

kevinwilliampang.com

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Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#2
Being thought of as a "subordinate" (I mention this, because he talks about programmers as being subordinates).

Am I the only person on earth that rails against this? I trade my time for money, but I am no-one's "subordinate". To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress.

I guess I'm asking for a mighty downvoting but I really want to know if others think its okay and why its okay to be a subordinate (especially when the superordinates are so often less than impressive human beings).

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#3
post #2

Being thought of as a "subordinate" (I mention this, because he talks about programmers as being subordinates). Am I the only person on earth that rails against this? I trade my time for money, but I am no-one's "subordinate". To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress. I guess I'm asking for a mighty downvoting but I really want to know if others think its ok…

It's a concept of "entitlement in time," implicitly embedded in many cultures. You are first subordinate to your parents, then to your teachers, then to your boss; then you become one of those things and "get to" treat others as subordinates. It's very hard to get away from, even in start-ups (which you'd think would be a breeding ground for creative company organization schemes.)

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#4
post #2

Being thought of as a "subordinate" (I mention this, because he talks about programmers as being subordinates). Am I the only person on earth that rails against this? I trade my time for money, but I am no-one's "subordinate". To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress. I guess I'm asking for a mighty downvoting but I really want to know if others think its ok…

That's funny, because "subordinate" has replaced the previous generation's "inferior" as the commonly-used term for an employee down a step in the org chart.

However, to answer your question: if someone can determine whether you get to keep your job, whether you like it or not you are that person's subordinate.

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#6
post #2

Being thought of as a "subordinate" (I mention this, because he talks about programmers as being subordinates). Am I the only person on earth that rails against this? I trade my time for money, but I am no-one's "subordinate". To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress. I guess I'm asking for a mighty downvoting but I really want to know if others think its ok…

Subordinate may be too strong a word, but for the most part it is correct.

To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress.

And what work is that? For most people their manager sets project goals and direction.

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#8
post #5

What annoys me is being thrown on to projects without asking what I am interested in doing. I don't intend to do a shit job, but you're not going to get my best work if I'm not creatively invested in my work.

Most jobs exist because there is a need in the market for something. So, most projects are going to be focused on what needs to be done, and not what one would enjoy doing. There is an overlap between the two, but the over lap little (< 10% maybe). I guess this scenario is the cause for the state of affairs of most jobs.programming included.

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#9
post #5

What annoys me is being thrown on to projects without asking what I am interested in doing. I don't intend to do a shit job, but you're not going to get my best work if I'm not creatively invested in my work.

You could learn to love the mundane aspects of your job. Seriously though, no one expects you to be creatively invested in that fix to the contact form, but that's the work people need done.

Re: Top Things That Annoy Programmers

#10
post #3
post #2

Being thought of as a "subordinate" (I mention this, because he talks about programmers as being subordinates). Am I the only person on earth that rails against this? I trade my time for money, but I am no-one's "subordinate". To me, a manager is someone who makes sure I can get my work done and checks on the overall progress. I guess I'm asking for a mighty downvoting but I really want to know if others think its ok…

It's a concept of "entitlement in time," implicitly embedded in many cultures. You are first subordinate to your parents, then to your teachers, then to your boss; then you become one of those things and "get to" treat others as subordinates. It's very hard to get away from, even in start-ups (which you'd think would be a breeding ground for creative company organization schemes.)

"It's very hard to get away from, even in start-ups (which you'd think would be a breeding ground for creative company organization schemes.)"

That's because you can't get away from human nature. Most people can't lead. They need someone telling them what to do and keeping them on-track. The ones that do become managers, presidents, ceos, or run their own company.

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