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The senior engineer death spiral

285 points · 150 comments · nsavage

  1. Dizcorded · · focus · HN ↗
    I’m in this exact position and I don’t know the next steps forward. I’m on a sabbatical because I burnt out after a massive project but the expectation is that I come back and lead another massive project.

    I’ve yet to decide if that’s what I actually want or if there is another solution out there. Is leaving the only real solution?

    1. coldpie · · focus · HN ↗
      Close your laptop no more than 8 hours after you opened it. Never work on weekends. If they need more hours worked than that, then they can hire another person to work them. If they fire you (they won't) then I guess you have your answer.
      1. SauciestGNU · · focus · HN ↗
        I wonder how this advice still holds true as the industry is taking a big turn toward stack ranking and implicit or even explicit 996 expectations.
        1. coldpie · · focus · HN ↗
          > the industry is taking a big turn toward stack ranking and implicit or even explicit 996 expectations.

          I don't think this is actually happening. Maybe a few high profile businesses trying to burn through and exploit inexperienced workers are doing that, but there's a whole lot of businesses out there that aren't run by sociopaths. You just don't hear about 'em on the news.

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