A Rant
I have a problem. I am about to graduate with a degree in CS, but every programmer position I’ve ever had has caused me to cringe. It wasn’t this way when I first started at University. I loved almost any programming, and I was eager to learn everything.
To any programming language, your specific advantage is better implemented as a Scheme DSL/macro.
My point being, I don’t think I want to program, at least for anyone else. I can’t shake the steady “You’re doing it wrong!” feelings.
In lieu of that, I think the best job a person could have is some sort of writer/essayist, especially if you are independent. This writer gets to spend his day researching and thinking about what he is currently choosing, and then trying to thoughtfully convey his thoughts and research.
I can’t imagine a better job.
my thoughts exactly. working sucks. especially for the man.
Remember Justin Dunmyre? he was a tutor in the MAC, I think he was a teacher for one of your classes? He ended up getting his PhD in Math because his love for programming (his hobby) was tainted by working for the man. I couldn’t understand why he would want to give up a fruitful profession for 6 more years of school and a questionably fruitless profession.
Now I understand.
Jessie
September 15, 2008 at 8:35 pm
That’s why I am getting my PhD in CompSci and then I’ll probably just go on to teach it. Being a code monkey makes me want to cringe too. It just isn’t for me.
ML
September 18, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I’ve thought about this stuff, too. I know that I’ll be going back to school in a few years. Academia is just too alluring for me.
Jessie, yeah. When I do go back, it will be math-related.
ML, yeah… teaching is great, and I think I’d like to do it, but first I feel like I need to accomplish something.
notyouravgjoel
September 22, 2008 at 2:45 pm