I have met some people who I consider to be "nerds" and all they do is code/opensource/kernelhack even outside of work. As a result, they are incredibly more technically advanced than your "normal" leetcoding software engineer. While "normal" engineers do their non-tech hobbies such as music, backpacking, photography, art, video gaming, netflix etc. after work, these so called "nerd" engineers will be coding their own projects or findings exploits in Chrome or optimizing caching in Linux. Nothing against these people. Without these folks finding jailbreaks for my Playstation, I wouldn't be able to play free games, for example. 🤫🤫🤫 I am generally thankful for their existence (as long as they are not in direct competition with me 😏) My question is, since most places stack rank against peers during performance reviews, do you guys even *try* to compete with them technically, knowing there is no chance of matching their skill/performance? or do you accept fate and just give a somewhat decent effort? or do you change jobs as soon as you realize the team has "nerds" in it or if a "nerd" joins your team? I think this "problem" is somewhat unique to software engineering because for example a Civil Engineer cannot build a building after work, a pharmacist cannot prescribe medicine after work, and an office manager can't really expand their skills after work like SW Engineers can.
Problem is not nerds like that, but workoholic, ambitious and narcissistic folks who are singularly focused on succeeding in the job and continue to work after office hours. Most of day to day swe work is monotonous and being a nerd or not shouldn't make much difference.
Yea I agree, but not in those rare teams in FAANG where that expert knowledge actually makes a difference in day to day speed of work and ability to debug
They may get paid a little more, so competing with nerds isn't worth it.
This problem exists in exactly every field (by the way the civil engineer example is dumb as fuck, is not like they are mixing up concrete in their positions, most of it is structural design) and is called dedication and in some lucky cases passion. You can brace for a better wlb and richer life, accepting you won't be a stelar performer, or reap the benefits of being onedimensional and having a crazy skillset thanks to that.
yea maybe the civil engineer example wasn't the best, but I hope you get my point. The barrier to entry for SW Engineers expanding their skills outside of work is incredibly low compared to other careers
Yes, agreed. This is an aggressive space to remain technical long term imo if you don't feel their fire, is not like being a dentist.
This happens in every field. I know few people who work like hell even after office hours just to get manager attention.They don't have life outside their work. They feel success is satisfying manager and getting appreciation by overworking. Well life is there to live , work is part of life. You define what is success for you. You will stop competing.
there's a difference between a "normal" engineer working extra hours compared to a hobbyist no-lifer hacker who is technically superior. It is much harder to be of a no-lifer hacker calibre in other professions
Calling them a no-lifer is incredibly ignorant. Just because they don't fall into your definition of having a life doesn't mean that they don't.
The problem (not really a problem imho) is there are bunch of people who'd do what they do even without pay, they like what they do, they enjoy what they're working on and there's nothing wrong with that. From software engineers to researchers, wherever the joy of learning and exploration is involved, they excitement of creating something new exists you'd find people who are genuinely passionate about their field of "work". After work hours, they might be reading about things which are not directly related to their work, but they'd keep exploring nonetheless. Btw, as others has stated, this is not unique to software engineering, civil engineers and pharmacists can be equally passionate and study/explore new things outside of work. Otoh, office managers might not have that much of an option to explore and enjoy, but they can study too...
about your last point, I don't think there are many equivalent people in other industries. yes there will be some, but due to high barrier of entry to do more stuff outside work, the number of these nerdy people in SW engineering is much higher
Well that 'nerd' might be posting something similar about you. It's all relative.
Yes, these slacker idiots are annoying...
You do you buddy. Whatever is your passion outside work, you should follow it. Doesnt matter what other peers are doing. If you are not happy with the team or manager then switch internally. If you are not happy with the company then LC and switch. Every team or company you will find these respectable folks who donate their life to tech which is OK.
There will always be a person better than you in some areas. Focus on your journey and enjoy your own achievement. The rat race is just a game designed by human, open your eyes and live more buddy. Life is a gift.
Live your life or become a “nerd”, but then you’ll be living their life and not yours. I love working with these individuals because there’s so much to learn from them.
Try to get certifications in your field. Manager will be impressed. And it just takes 1hr of dedicated study each day. That will counter their nerdiness as your new certification skills will be more relevant to work.
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The normal thing is for you to take credit for their work, as they are less likely to have high eq.
???
The poll had all the hard working honest ways to compete but comply missed the most commonly used method - play politics, and you take credit for their work.