I don't know what is disappointing, I read the full thing, it sounds like your regular IT sweatshop if you read between the lines. Things like:
1) Giving the new guy an entire module to own (written by someone else).
Ok, so it's an entire module, no one explains htf it works? Every job I've been to, this is how it works, and it sucks. When I write something and someone new comes along to work on it, I try and give them some help. Otherwise, you get the "We should rewrite this from scratch", because it's probably crappy looking code. New guy might make more crappy looking code, but that's the natural reaction most people have to 'a pile of code'.
2) Back in his 'day' IT guys worked around-the-clock.
Seems like the shortage today is in labor, not in jobs. We no longer work around the clock because WE DON'T HAVE TO.
3) And I quote " They don't have the same notion that you go to one place and you stay there for five, 10 or 15 years. But the incentives to do that aren't there anymore because there are fewer pension plans and less profit sharing."
This. So much this. I often joke about becoming a school teacher so I get a retirement package.
I'm a mercenary for hire to the highest bidder. Until I find a company that can demonstrate some kind of loyalty towards me, that's how it is. I don't particularly like it, but I have a wife/kids/mortgage and can't take a year off to start my own company at this point.
I know I'll get downvoted since HN frowns upon culture and fun, but 'qdog: code mercenary' has a nice ring to it. Get someone to make a webcomic about your exploits.
Comments
I don't know what is disappointing, I read the full thing, it sounds like your regular IT sweatshop if you read between the lines. Things like:
1) Giving the new guy an entire module to own (written by someone else). Ok, so it's an entire module, no one explains htf it works? Every job I've been to, this is how it works, and it sucks. When I write something and someone new comes along to work on it, I try and give them some help. Otherwise, you get the "We should rewrite this from scratch", because it's probably crappy looking code. New guy might make more crappy looking code, but that's the natural reaction most people have to 'a pile of code'.
2) Back in his 'day' IT guys worked around-the-clock. Seems like the shortage today is in labor, not in jobs. We no longer work around the clock because WE DON'T HAVE TO.
3) And I quote " They don't have the same notion that you go to one place and you stay there for five, 10 or 15 years. But the incentives to do that aren't there anymore because there are fewer pension plans and less profit sharing." This. So much this. I often joke about becoming a school teacher so I get a retirement package.
I'm a mercenary for hire to the highest bidder. Until I find a company that can demonstrate some kind of loyalty towards me, that's how it is. I don't particularly like it, but I have a wife/kids/mortgage and can't take a year off to start my own company at this point.
I know I'll get downvoted since HN frowns upon culture and fun, but 'qdog: code mercenary' has a nice ring to it. Get someone to make a webcomic about your exploits.