From: alex Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2025 18:48:56 +0000 (+0200) Subject: Add programming/the_tragedy_of_the_geeks X-Git-Url: https://xn--ix-yja.es/gitweb/?a=commitdiff_plain;h=4797603c7c440155b71bc15cfc7727703c4cc7c5;p=alex.git Add programming/the_tragedy_of_the_geeks --- diff --git a/programming/the_tragedy_of_the_geeks.md b/programming/the_tragedy_of_the_geeks.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..960eb38 --- /dev/null +++ b/programming/the_tragedy_of_the_geeks.md @@ -0,0 +1,71 @@ +# The tragedy of the geeks + +Since the first computer entered our home, I was hooked. +This happened more than four decades ago, and continuously tinkering with computers has given me a well-paid and comfortable job. + +However, getting such jobs seems linked to spending a significant amount of your personal time practicing your skills. + +Many people seek careers related to computing because jobs have attractive conditions. +However, they might later regret the time and energies spent trying to get into the field when they learn that getting a good job requires unexpected effort. + +This document tries to explain to people who want to work with computers this phenomenon, to help them make a better decision. + +## Tinkering + +Working with computers is the only career I can think of where all of the following are true at the same time: + +* You can work on personal projects that are very similar to the projects you would do in a job. +* There is a reputation of abundant well-paid job offers with good conditions. +* Working on personal projects sounds fun. + +This means that many of us end up spending a significant amount of time working on personal projects. +This time investment increases our skills and the things we know. + +## Hiring + +Hiring is one of the most highly debated topics in this industry. + +Many people believe that many candidates cannot do the job. +There are many stories about new hires who cannot write simple programs. + +Whether this is common or not is not as important as whether people making decisions believe there are large differences between candidates. +When people who hire think that their hiring decision is going to have a large effect on them, then they want to make sure that they pick the right person. + +My perception is that most of the organizations that offer good job conditions (and many who do not) try to be very selective in hiring people. + +## Hiring tinkerers + +When you are hiring people, candidates who have spent significant time on personal projects tend to stand out over candidates who have not. + +This improved perception during the hiring process does not necessarily relate to improved performance on the job. +However, I believe that people who tinker on their spare time tend to land better jobs. + +## Handing out advice + +Because there are good jobs working with computers, many people think about making a career in the industry. + +There are many curriculums and formal education programs, from shorter (typically one year) to longer (four or five years). + +Some of them provide advice to land a good job, and students who follow programs who do not, tend to ask for advice. +In any case, one of the most frequent pieces of advice on the topic, is tinkering on your own time. + +I believe this is actually good advice, as in that it's more likely to be an efficient way to increase your prospects. + +However, remember that hiring is roughly a competitive process. +An organization evaluates a group of candidates, and tries to pick the best one. + +So to stand out, if more candidates tinker (because this is effective advice), the more you need to tinker to stand out. + +I cannot estimate how much you need to tinker on your own time to land a good job, but my guess is that it is more than what someone wanting to get into the field expects. + +As long as this dynamic continues, the tinkering required to land a good job will increase. +Only reduced competition can reduce the tinkering required, and reduced competition can happen by few factors, such as increased demand for workers, or a reduction in job seekers. + +## Breaking the cycle + +I cannot think of much that we can individually do to break the cycle. + +Maybe if people coming into the field are aware of this phenomenon, they will be able to make a better decision about what to do. + +If a sufficient amount of people decide that the time investment is not worthwhile, then perhaps the competition will decrease. +And if people are well informed and decide to move forward, at least they will be less likely to become frustrated or regret their decision.