This is What is Killing Hardcore Programmers

Photo by Thanos Pal on Unsplash

There is one thing that is killing programmers more than anything else. Sure, trailing Dvorak keyboard cords are dangerous, but they aren’t the real silent killers here. There is just one thing we need to watch out for as software developers and ensure we avoid it in order to lead a longer life.

“It doesn’t really matter how long your life is if you are coding; it will feel awesome.”

What kills great programmers

A lack of motivation is metaphorically killing great programmers.

Loss of motivation is a primary driver of job dissatisfaction, resignations, and career changes away from software development.

“Working extra hours to get something done can increase your motivation when things are going well. 

When things are going badly, your motivation sinks along with your performance.

You get tired. You make mistakes. There’s such a thing as negative work when you try to get something done as the clock ticks late into the nite.

How often do things go badly? It depends on what you’re doing and the pressure on you to do so. However, we do know the more tired you are, the more mistakes you make.

The Secret Developer has a secret method for problem-solving. Sleep on it.”

Sickness: The literal programmer killer

Protecting your mental and physical health is important, and your primary responsibility as a software developer. 

If you do not look after these things ill health is sure to come and ultimately death.

“I know plenty of developers who want to impress their colleagues with how hard they work. How many weekends they’ve worked for.

To them, I say this:

Getting sick takes 100% of the person away from their work. Productivity drops to zero percent, perhaps permanently.”

Conclusion

The key point of this article is that without motivation you won’t work and without health, you can’t work.

“You like to work extra hours? Be my guest. I don’t even know you (probably).

If you tell me you’ve worked for 20 years making accountancy software without motivation and haven’t been sick for a single day I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Because I don’t believe you exist.”