This is how I feel as well. I used to put more time into open-source and just code in general, now it's more of a means to an end for me, with the odd "passion" project. Life is short, don't waste it all working, even if it's what you enjoy, there are many other things to enjoy and experience. I refuse to work with companies now that put over 8-10 hours a day in, it's just too much, and fosters a competitive environment.
As far as being known, just do what you enjoy. If you enjoy it you'll produce quality work, and if you produce quality work then the rest falls into place. Play your cards right, get yourself into a position at some startup (or your own startup) doing what you're interested in.
I think it helps to be vocal as well, blog a lot, speak at conferences a lot, and so on. I'm not really this kind of person but I've seen others who get really popular from being "thought leaders", possibly more so than for any code.
Also, I would say, even if you think coding is fun or enjoy it, ask yourself if that's what you want to be remembered for, or if you had a year to live would you be happy with having blown it all away on software. I'd bet the answer is likely no. It makes me sad when people in the community pass away and it seems that everyone is just talking about their work, there's so much more to a person (and life) than that.
If I had a year to live, I'd probably go about writing that physics (game) engine idea that keeps nagging me, but has way too low profitability prospects to put months/years into it.
I think it helps to be vocal as well, blog a lot, speak at conferences a lot, and so on.
This takes a lot of time too. I always get stuck trying to think about what to blog about, and someone advised me that I should do more projects so I have something to blog about. But then the projects take all my blogging time away.
Comments
This is how I feel as well. I used to put more time into open-source and just code in general, now it's more of a means to an end for me, with the odd "passion" project. Life is short, don't waste it all working, even if it's what you enjoy, there are many other things to enjoy and experience. I refuse to work with companies now that put over 8-10 hours a day in, it's just too much, and fosters a competitive environment.
As far as being known, just do what you enjoy. If you enjoy it you'll produce quality work, and if you produce quality work then the rest falls into place. Play your cards right, get yourself into a position at some startup (or your own startup) doing what you're interested in.
I think it helps to be vocal as well, blog a lot, speak at conferences a lot, and so on. I'm not really this kind of person but I've seen others who get really popular from being "thought leaders", possibly more so than for any code.
Also, I would say, even if you think coding is fun or enjoy it, ask yourself if that's what you want to be remembered for, or if you had a year to live would you be happy with having blown it all away on software. I'd bet the answer is likely no. It makes me sad when people in the community pass away and it seems that everyone is just talking about their work, there's so much more to a person (and life) than that.
Substitute "coding" with "painting" or "philosophy" and suddenly it becomes OK to be remembered solely for your masterpieces.
Yeah, I disagree with the sentiment of the gp. I wouldn't mind being remembered for my code at all.
yes, honestly.
If I had a year to live, I'd probably go about writing that physics (game) engine idea that keeps nagging me, but has way too low profitability prospects to put months/years into it.
If I had a year to live, I'd quit my job and finish what I've been working on at night. Plan one month to visit family & relatives.
This takes a lot of time too. I always get stuck trying to think about what to blog about, and someone advised me that I should do more projects so I have something to blog about. But then the projects take all my blogging time away.
Same goes with speaking, for me at least.