The Frugality Trap of Software Development Companies

Photo by Thomas M. Evans on Unsplash

There are many possible traps to fall into during life as a software developer. Spending time learning the ‘wrong’ language can be a painful waste of time. Being passed over for promotion as you fail to navigate the corporate ladder. 

Frugality or Futility. Doors Indicate Values

Amazon, a titan in the tech world began in humble circumstances. They forced developers to work with a door serving as a desk and became a concrete example of their commitment to frugality. Or a red flag to a stifling work environment.

“The Secret Developer has avoided work environments like Amazon. The hardcore environments (even if leadership does not value them) suck as development environments. Pressure and poor results typically go hand in hand, and this is not an environment in which The Secret Developer wants to work to show off their beautiful code.”

The Code of Penny-Pinching

For software developers, the tools of the trade are not mere accessories but necessities that drive efficiency and innovation. When a tech company like Amazon glorifies skimping on essentials it sends a disturbing message to everyone: software development is not worth investing in.

“I’ve experienced this (in a limited way). When you start a new job, and the MacBook comes in a used (of course) cardboard box scratched and protected by bubble wrap you start to question your life choices.

Yes, in my experience this was at Revolut since I guess everyone there is working in dead man's shoes. They did have a work culture where the bottom line takes precedence over providing developers with the resources they need to excel.”

When Business Means More Than Money

There are companies who do feel that looking after developers makes sense. Amazon does not really have any of these programs, who would have thought?

Zappos’ Offer to New Hires

Zappos, known for its strong focus on company culture and customer service, offers new hires $1,000 to $2,000 to quit. This offer is made early in the employment period, with the idea of testing the new employees’ commitment to the company and its culture. Only a small percentage of people typically take the offer, indicating a strong alignment with the company’s values and culture.

” I wish my current firm offered this. I’d accept that money immediately.”

Google’s 20% Time Policy

Google famously allowed its engineers to spend 20% of their time on projects that interested them, even if these projects were outside of their regular duties. This policy led to the creation of successful products like Gmail and AdSense. It illustrates Google’s commitment to innovation and employee satisfaction over immediate productivity.

” So many small companies try to ape this policy. They don’t enforce anything or monitor what happens at this time. 

Because it doesn’t happen in reality”

Meeting-free Fridays

My current company has meeting-free Fridays. Isn’t that great?

” I’m writing this during a Friday meeting on Zoom. Seriously, they have the policy but don’t walk the walk. Like many in software development.”

Twitter’s #StayHome Hashtag

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter introduced a feature prompting users to stay home, including modifying its logo to reflect social distancing. While this didn’t directly benefit Twitter financially, it showed a commitment to public health and safety.

” I guess ‘X’ would do this too. The CEO loves working from home.”

Conclusion

I guess software developers come in all shapes and sizes. Sure, some love being hardcore but this doesn’t suit everyone. It can also reflect badly on companies that take advantage of those developers who want to work hard and make it, as they make $$$ out of dedicated developers through non-payment of overtime (just like Amazon).

” I once replied to an Amazon recruiter on LinkedIn. They insta-ghosted me. 

I think of this as a lucky escape.”