[thrwayaistartup]

I read this in 2013 and remember enjoying the back-and-forth. Some reflections, a decade of life experience and a tech cycle later:

1. I'm with McKenzie on the coworkers aspect of the dialog. More separation from coworkers is better. In the Good Times (2013-2019,2021) it seems "right" to trade some comp for familiarity and good work vibes, and almost... inhuman... not to. But in the Bad Times you're reminded that an Excel formula could cost you not just your job but also a big chunk of your personal social network. Diversification is good.

2. I now realize what both sides of this are getting at is basically: "how to progress from Junior/Mid Engineer to something after that". There are many paths. The conclusion of the article is good, in that respect. Also: you can just stay a Mid/Senior Engineer. That's okay.

3. Call yourself whatever you want/need to stay employable. Be a good colleague/person. Work is work.