[giantg2]

"Ambition should be celebrated"

I might agree with this depending on what the specific goal is. But why should ambition be generally celebrated?

There is certainly ambition that has brought about improvement in life. There has also been ambition applied to the wrong ends or failing that has brought suffering. I'm not sold on the idea that the goal of continually increasing comp above an already luxurious level is meaningful or worth a third party celebrating. I especially feel this way about our industry where comp seems detached from the contributions are not easily attributed/calculated.

[nerdponx]

It is perfectly valid to believe that OP is probably overpaid in their day job, and also to believe that they are entitled to seek a side gig if they prefer.

[giantg2]

Ok... that has nothing to do with my comment. Of course they're entitled to want a side gig. But why is ambition something to be celebrated, especially in the context of this example?

[ghaff]

>Of course they're entitled to seek a side gig.

With the caveat that no small number of companies are not OK with that if it could be perceived as competitive in any way.

[giantg2]

Thanks, I changed it to "want".

[sokoloff]

From 168 hours that we all start with in a week, if someone wants to spend 20 of them making their and their family's lives better, why wouldn't we generally encourage that? I certainly wouldn't discourage it and I could be neutral on it, but if I think about, I'd rather they work on a side gig than watch Netflix, doom-scroll, or watch TikToks.

[giantg2]

I think the part we're disconnected on is "better". Will a couple extra grand a year make their family's life better beyond the amount they already have? Perhaps physical exercise or relaxing provides more benefit. Of course we probably can't answer this as it's specific to each individual.

I suppose I'm in the camp that finds it skeptical that it would be much benefit at that level. I might also view it as a negative to society as that gig could go to someone who needs it more. Granted we would then be admiring the ambition of the lower earner, which brings me back to me saying that the specifics matter more than generally celebrating ambition.

[sokoloff]

Most every tech job in the world could go to someone who needs it more. That doesn't make me discourage people from taking tech jobs, nor do I plan to retire when I have the minimum amount needed for a modest retirement.

[giantg2]

"Most every tech job in the world could go to someone who needs it more."

Based on the struggle to hire qualified candidates, it seems this is an unrealistic view. Also, there is a difference between someone having a single job, and someone double dipping.

[yojo]

In theory (and in a well functioning system), ambition in a populace leads to GDP growth as ambitious people seek ways to make more money by doing higher value work. This in turn leads to a higher standard of living, possibly for everyone if you redistribute some of the surplus via taxation schemes.

Personally (and more selfishly), I tried to raise my salary to be able to afford not working for extended periods of time.

[giantg2]

That makes sense. I'm wondering more about net benefit. Is it really a benefit if our GDP rose if we spend increasing amounts on stuff like healthcare and have shorter lives due to the constant grind of work? I'm not sure we can answer these questions, but I agree with you that as long as the ambition is properly placed and the system works well that it would be good.

[yojo]

It’s a fair question. There is evidence that working increases your life expectancy, at least among men[1], and under the regime of western societal norms.

Working with “ambition” could result in more stresses that counteract this gain. Hard to say.

Also possible that the gain would disappear outside of a culture that places so much value on jobs and wealth.

1: https://crr.bc.edu/briefs/do-men-who-work-longer-live-longer...

[sirsinsalot]

Personally, I enjoy doing any activity that makes my bank balance increase. I see it as a puzzle. I enjoy puzzles.