I have just passed my 1 year mark as a new grad hire SWE, and recently I’ve found myself adopting a more laidback approach to work and career development. I don’t find myself as motivated to gun for a promotion or go above and beyond. That’s not to say I slack off or push off my responsibilities, but my current mentality is to simply complete what is assigned to me and achieve my deadlines but nothing beyond that. I don’t want to spend any more time at work than I absolutely have to, and I want to maximize the time I have to do the things I enjoy while I’m still relatively young. I still think I’m making useful contributions to my team and on track to be promoted (albeit later than I am probably capable of) I have found myself a lot happier and less stressed now versus early on when I wanted to be super ambitious and proactive about taking on responsibility/leadership and trying to get promoted quickly. I now see work as an isolated part of my life that I prefer not to effect my life when I’m not in the office. I’m curious if people think there are any issues with this mentality towards career, especially this early on. Are there any implications on long term career growth or retirement due to this lack of ambition? I’m sure this “cruising” will cost me in terms of growing my TC and getting raises, but are there others that think it may be worth it for personal fulfillment/happiness? Or is this something I should be resisting?
Good for you. Read “In praise of idleness” by Burtrand Russell.
I've been battling with this myself and speaking with a lot of friends about it. I myself am just now accepting other people are not lesser for becoming complacent at work. A lot of my identity is wrapped up in ambition, but I'm trying to make sure it's for the right reasons (curiosity) and not just about money. If you have a comfortable income, I think that you are completely valid in separate work from life (so long as work is still fun). You will be very happy later in life and I think this self-reflection is going to bring you far professionally and in life. Tl;Dr I think either approach is valid and respectable. Whatever you do choose to do, do it well. Also sending you strength to deal with the Blinders who will surely invalidate your current approach with disdain and disrespect in these comments. I don't know if those people are really happy
Dude nailed it!!
Doing well at work has little bearing on tc. You can cruise at work and leetcode to change jobs every one or two years and make good tc. That’s the blueprint I have followed till now.
yoe/tc?
I was under the same dilemma since a long time! Pretty much in my comfort zone right now. When I see my friends (people who used to work with me in earlier teams) or other friends in different orgs are working so hard day and night and many of them also getting promoted or reach next level, I think for myself about, am I doing the right thing to myself? Ofcourse, I know, I shouldn’t compare myself with others but when your close friends are moving to next level it is a but natural thing that comes to mind! On the other hand, I am going through the best phase of my life where I typically works 4 hours a day and work life balance is really good! I am able to concentrate on other things in my life and make a change in my life as and when required! I know that, both have their pros and cons but I would like to ask those experienced people who went through this phase and don’t regret this now or have something to share about what I am not looking at it right now!
That sounds awesome! How are you managing to pull that off at Amazon?
You have found a balance that many people never find in their lifetime. Keep enjoying the things outside of work.
Eh I think we have to fluctuate ever so often.
Do the things that make you happy and don't do the things that don't.
Sounds mature and exactly what great mgmt is made of. Yes, you go girl!
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Almost 3 years since graduation here. Same mentality as you, no regrets. We already make way more than enough money. Enjoy your life