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by mmcromp 420 days ago
Some of the best programmers I know are competent, smart, and well adjusted people who chose this career and put in the work because of the demand. Some will tell you they don't even like programming. And some of the worst programmers I know are the type who centered their image and self esteem around being a true hobbyist.
2 comments
ghaff 420 days ago
There is absolutely nothing wrong with really liking, say, photography and looking around and saying “Nope, unless I basically win the lottery there’s not a lot of money in that and most of the jobs are actually pretty boring.”

Some people here probably disagree but nothing wrong with picking something you’re OK with, pays well, and you’re competent at.

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dogleash 419 days ago
...but you can't overwork them to the point of burnout and then replace them the next round of rubes.

YC and their startups were big perpetrators of the practice and spurred the trend further in software. I'm getting old so I was around for the late 2000's; YC used to con impressionable youths HARD. pg's cult of personality, his bad book, etc... it was all to get smart and passionate kids to overwork for him.

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