It reminded me of this
https://xkcd.com/664/
when I read it. The difference between what is intellectually stimulating and gives you a sense of aesthetic pleasure and joy, and writing something that will work correctly in IE6 is too damn huge.
Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
11–20 of 54 posts
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#12Small tip for the ones working on their own and/or freelancers. Join a co-working space/community! I did a few months ago and the difference is very noticeable. If you're in a large-ish metro area, chances are there are some around you.
Having lunch with other people, being able to ask around for help or feedback, taking part in events are all small things that end up making a big difference.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#13I'm working on a project to boost awareness & strengthen resources around mental health in the startup community.
Check out the basics at
blueperiod.org
Reach out to rob@blueperiod.org if you'd like to help out
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#14If you are an engineering manager, you can see huge gains in team satisfaction and productivity if you are cognizant of issues like this. My suggestion is to take the time to understand each member of your team, then create various interactions that can foster teamwork, satisfaction, etc. This can include: + Lunches or dinners - Going out to a restaurant together can give your team a reprieve from the stresses of wor…
We used to do Starcraft lunch at work.
2 people would play a starcraft game and the rest of us would gather in a conference room to watch the stream and provide running commentary.
We also have an in house tool that sets up lunch times between a random group of 4 people periodically. It's a great way to meet others in the office and socialize.
Both of these were employee provided ideas. If you empower your employees to implement their own ideas it can have a powerful effect on office morale.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#15One personal observation is that intense, extended development is mentally exhausting to the point that social interactions are difficult. I plan my work stints around my social schedule now, to make sure I'm well-rested for having fun with people.
Posture is also very important for my sense of self. If my chest is collapsed, I feel a subtle pain that sours my mood. If my lower back is clenched, I slouch my shoulders, and I get anxious. Exercise helps keep up positive energy and cast off anxiety. It also gives me time to relax tension in my body.
In my experience, both of these can factor into depression and social anxiety. I'm much happier when I maintain a good balance.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#16If you are an engineering manager, you can see huge gains in team satisfaction and productivity if you are cognizant of issues like this. My suggestion is to take the time to understand each member of your team, then create various interactions that can foster teamwork, satisfaction, etc. This can include: + Lunches or dinners - Going out to a restaurant together can give your team a reprieve from the stresses of wor…
We used to do Starcraft lunch at work. 2 people would play a starcraft game and the rest of us would gather in a conference room to watch the stream and provide running commentary. We also have an in house tool that sets up lunch times between a random group of 4 people periodically. It's a great way to meet others in the office and socialize. Both of these were employee provided ideas. If you empower your employees…
It also helps if there are no boring bring-lunch-from-home types.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#17Got into a video game programming private school, sneaking into 2nd year directly because I was good, was not accepted for the next year.
Apparently, it my fault of not trying to reach out to other people for building that school project. I'm more of an introvert, I was already taking anti depressant for 2 years. I'm at the opposite side of a narcissist. Apparently it's a bad thing in society, but nobody really talk about it either.
I was told things like "humans are a social species" and "teamwork is the most important thing in business and IT" etc.
I doubt being an extravert type makes a good programmer. There need to be a balance. But if you teach people programming, why not teach them teamworking too, or just gives bonus to students for their strength without making the teamwork aspect mandatory ?
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#18Earlier quoted context omitted.
We used to do Starcraft lunch at work. 2 people would play a starcraft game and the rest of us would gather in a conference room to watch the stream and provide running commentary. We also have an in house tool that sets up lunch times between a random group of 4 people periodically. It's a great way to meet others in the office and socialize. Both of these were employee provided ideas. If you empower your employees…
It also helps if there are no boring bring-lunch-from-home types.
If bringing your team together is the goal, it cannot be served by labeling those who choose to bring a lunch as "boring types". I know my feelings would be hurt if my coworkers decided to exclude me for that reason.
How does bringing lunch from home prevent team lunches? If it's scheduled ahead of time, it's easy to bring less. One might even be able to justify budgeting N lunches/month out with coworkers.
Also, lunches together don't always have to be in a restaurant. Buyers can get food to go, bringers can take theirs with them, and then you can either meet in a conference room, at a park, etc.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#19Small tip for the ones working on their own and/or freelancers. Join a co-working space/community! I did a few months ago and the difference is very noticeable. If you're in a large-ish metro area, chances are there are some around you. Having lunch with other people, being able to ask around for help or feedback, taking part in events are all small things that end up making a big difference.
Here in Portland, a bunch of Ruby freelancers have started working together out of a coffee shop on Fridays. This is a lot cheaper & more casual than a co-working space, and it's a lot of fun. (It's also probably not a bad way to get the occasional new project.) I also have a couple closer friends I walk with on Monday afternoons, and that's a great way to catch up, get outside, and talk shop/life/etc.
Re: Developer depression: Isolation is the biggest problem (2012)
#20Earlier quoted context omitted.
We used to do Starcraft lunch at work. 2 people would play a starcraft game and the rest of us would gather in a conference room to watch the stream and provide running commentary. We also have an in house tool that sets up lunch times between a random group of 4 people periodically. It's a great way to meet others in the office and socialize. Both of these were employee provided ideas. If you empower your employees…
It also helps if there are no boring bring-lunch-from-home types.
And none of those annoying people that buy lunch out every day and complain about having no money all the time...