jasoncwarner / ama

Ask Jason Anything
80 stars 2 forks source link

Do you ever wish to go back to an individual contributor role? #30

Open JohnPhamous opened 4 years ago

jasoncwarner commented 4 years ago

Yes, sometimes. There is a very specific satisfaction that comes from programming and working on a team in that way.

And for me, the 0 to 1 creation aspect of software has a special thrill and gives a kind of rush you don't have when you aren't developing. And it's not the same to see someone else create something even if you are directing it.

Related to sports.

I like sports, but I like playing sports. I also like coaching or GMing sports. In fact, I am a much better coach or executive even in sports than I ever was a player. But playing is where the fun happens.

It's a bit of the same in business.

However, here's the real answer.

I was an average developer. Just like in sports where I had some skill but wasn't the most talented or gifted athlete (I had to work HARD to get everything I had in sports). I am far more skilled an executive than I ever was a developer and there is an entirely different type of satisfaction I get out of being really really good at my job. In that way, I find it very fulfilling to keep my work as executive management and my hobby as programming. It feels like a good compromise to maximize what I personally need out of both.

If I'm honest with myself about sports, I would spend my 'professional' time as a coach/GM and get my personal satisfaction out of practicing my 3 point shot. Would be the same compromise.