Being in a Software Engineering Position for the long haul
My attitude as a developer is very impact oriented. That was my sales pitch to the company who just gave me an offer. Moreover, it is the truest statement about my character. I have been impact oriented since I was very young. It has to do with the way I achieve the things I want. I never act in a direct and spontaneous way to obstacles in the path of what I want. I have always followed rules of war to get what I desire. The most common rule of war I follow is not to attack heavily defended areas, and instead; detach, maneuver and flank. Thanks to Jocko Willink I can put that manner of thinking into words. Previously in life I had always wondered why people did not behave in such a manner and why I did. I had always dismissed people who did not inherit that rule as being less capable and in some circumstances weak. I only mention this because I believe that being at a company for the long haul is an exercise in matching ones’ character with their career pursuits.
Being in a software engineering position for the long haul is a goal that is better off suited to the consistency fostered in my character. Especially if opposing that idea to forcing my character into an environment that would be described as a long haul. It is an orientation of perspective. I’m thinking that being at a company for the long haul is more about attitude than deadly serious focus. Productivity is enhanced if you are able to maintain a pace of productivity. What is not productive is to burn out and push oneself in too many areas that are not conducive to their purpose. I would say that it is more about the purpose of their character then the purpose of their job description. Having a laser focus on the job description is a partial piece of adding value. Having a good attitude as supported by ones’ character is a partial piece of the long haul. This is a rather unattractive thing to be concerned with as a person like me would much rather have a laser focus on getting lots of things done. However, avoiding the fact that there is always more work to be done is a dangerous trick the mind can partake in. I need to think about impact first. Then, I need to think about sleeping well. Living within my purpose is a realization and acceptance of particularly timed attitude adjustments as much as it is anything else. If I need to listen to Jordan Peterson or Jocko Willink to maintain my attitude then that is a better choice than listening to another MIT lecture.
I also understand that my employment is under no circumstances safe. That the idea of safety in an employment situation is typically not worth considering, as it is not especially in ones’ control. One should consider what they can do to add value, because their attitude and behavior is in their control.