Everyone is familiar with the so called 10X engineers but let’s explore another category of engineers - Loser Engineers. I feel confident to speak on this category as it’s one that I firmly found and cemented myself in. I coined this term because I realized that unlike the 10X engineers, I am not TECHNICALLY curious along the lines of software trends. I’m not the guy who looks for the latest new technology, learns it and tries to apply it. Trends such as crypto, NFTs, web3 and even AI have unfolded and I have never ever tried to ramp up in said technologies. In fact, I rarely try to learn new tech stacks. I only ramp up in the technologies I used at work (currently C# and Azure in my current role). I’m not the kind of guy who spends the weekend exploring Node JS or some other coding language like Rust or Go. I just lack the extra energy and intellectual curiosity to explore new languages. It’s people like me that are going to be replaced by AI agents, not the 10X engineers. In fact, I’ve never even cared to read anything AI related despite all the available resources being shared internally at Microsoft. I just do my job and move along. If my role requires that I learn them, then I will but I’m okay with being a C# backend dude for now. 10X engineers, how do you have so much energy? I’d rather be out there with my mates shooting the shit on the weekend than learn new techniques such as prompting / experimenting with ChatGPT. Anyone else a Loser Engineer? TC: 180k NW: 170k YOE: 1.5 years
You're actually the winner lol. But learn to use chatgpt it makes your life easier
what's the point of ready a lot of things when you will forget most of it if not used on regular basis. As long as you are up to date on what you do and put enough energy to shine on work, you would probably be fine.. what you are doing is what majority of people do.
before I read this post I thought I was a 1x engineer, maybe someday a 1.25x one when I’m on fire. But now I realize that I am a loser engineer.
10x engineers are genuinely passionate about their field, ironically care less about TC than the average Blinder, and aren’t running a hard separation between their work and personal life. They’re typically on the bleeding edge of some technology or tech stack, and due to their innate passion can apply that knowledge to solve technical problems creatively. They’re the target for greedy mid-level managers and directors that want to reach their annual goals, and do their best to sell their projects to the engineer. They don’t blindly select the job offer with the highest TC and often join startups (or found them) that are working on new ideas and tech.
Software engineering is the only field where there is some weird expectation to do "side projects" and other shit outside of work. Do you think lawyers spend their weekends reading up on new legislation that's passed? Or doctors spend theirs reading the latest medical research articles? Or finance people spend theirs researching stock and economic data? Nah they might do that during working hours but the vast majority don't spend their lives outside of work doing more work. I think it's the same for the majority of software engineers but for some reason there's still some weird expectation that that's what we should be doing.
Because unlike other fields, tech is constantly changing and moving. The expectation is that you’re doing work outside your job to stay up to date and relevant
Bro what? I just said you can do that on the job. Also are you stupid? Medicine isn't constantly advancing? Law isn't constantly being changed or having new precedents take place? Economic and financial news doesn't change on a daily basis? Absolutely brain dead reply. Maybe use some of that time keeping "up to date and relevant" to grow a brain cell.
I'm not sure 10x is really the right term for someone who is curious about the latest technologies. I relate with your description of 10x however used to just be called a nerd because I'd rather play with my computer than go to a football game.
I’m a -10x engineer.
A 10× engineer is one who bumps the output of their team, by addressing tech debt, removing blockers, and establishing great patterns. A 1× engineer is someone who shows up and writes code. A .1× engineer is someone who creates friction on their team.
Knowing about new tech etc is moot, and AI assisted teams aren't gonna see the same benefits as ones that have engineers who deliver high quality architecture and software.
10x engineers are more rare than a unicorn… I believe rather in 10x environments