New ask Hacker News story: Ask HN: Are there software companies with a good life/work balance?
Ask HN: Are there software companies with a good life/work balance?
19 by dotbob | 9 comments on Hacker News.
I worked for a long time in different software engineering positions in b2b tech companies. It looks like a majority of them go through a very similar trajectory - more product, more customers, raise more money, more people, rinse and repeat until you get to IPO or acquisition. On the one hand, this approach is understandable (it’s what business is built for), and the pay is good in such companies. But, on the other hand, life/work balance usually sucks. First of all, there is an unsaid expectation of long hours. A company is always on the verge of signing a new huge business deal, preparing for the magic quadrant, and having critical projects. And even if some reasonable hours are negotiated/achieved, people are forced to have an insane amount of multi-tasking (juggling numerous tasks, initiatives, planning, replanning, strategy shifts, and so on). On the paper, life/work balance is advertised in such companies. In reality, work at such a company is draining way too much energy. Another unpleasant side. As part of this rush forward, engineering usually cuts many corners (both in tech and vetting new hires). This rush creates a mediocre (at best) tech culture with a lot of tech debt and not following well-established best practices. A huge part of solving/fighting these problems falls on the top tech talent (especially on responsible employees). I am at the stage of my life where physical and mental health is more important than a marginal dollar. As a result, I have started to look around, and I would appreciate the advice. Do you know which specific companies or preferable areas have better work/life balance and are more committed to tech excellence?
19 by dotbob | 9 comments on Hacker News.
I worked for a long time in different software engineering positions in b2b tech companies. It looks like a majority of them go through a very similar trajectory - more product, more customers, raise more money, more people, rinse and repeat until you get to IPO or acquisition. On the one hand, this approach is understandable (it’s what business is built for), and the pay is good in such companies. But, on the other hand, life/work balance usually sucks. First of all, there is an unsaid expectation of long hours. A company is always on the verge of signing a new huge business deal, preparing for the magic quadrant, and having critical projects. And even if some reasonable hours are negotiated/achieved, people are forced to have an insane amount of multi-tasking (juggling numerous tasks, initiatives, planning, replanning, strategy shifts, and so on). On the paper, life/work balance is advertised in such companies. In reality, work at such a company is draining way too much energy. Another unpleasant side. As part of this rush forward, engineering usually cuts many corners (both in tech and vetting new hires). This rush creates a mediocre (at best) tech culture with a lot of tech debt and not following well-established best practices. A huge part of solving/fighting these problems falls on the top tech talent (especially on responsible employees). I am at the stage of my life where physical and mental health is more important than a marginal dollar. As a result, I have started to look around, and I would appreciate the advice. Do you know which specific companies or preferable areas have better work/life balance and are more committed to tech excellence?
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