Thursday, September 8, 2011
Who is the Master: Me or Technology?
Living a balanced life is hard for a Computer Science Major. At the start of my senior year, I am already swamped with coursework. But a busy school life isn't enough. Prospective employers want employees with job experience, so I work through school. Then people ask what I do with my free time. "What projects have you done on your own?" "Have you released any apps to the App Store?" "Are you participating in any Open Source projects?" To say yes to any of these would mean I'm spending just as much time at work or school as I am on my "interests." When is it enough? 40-50 hours for school, 20+ hours for work, and I'm supposed to sit behind a computer some more? I decided to study Computer Science because I loved telling technology what to do. Now I'm afraid the tables have turned. One secret to Apple's success is their ability to say "no" and only focus where they can make a difference. Time to take a leaf out of their book and focus.
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I have felt the same way when a recruiter has asked me what projects I work on in my free time. How about this for an answer: my wife and kids! I know that some work places expect 50-60 hrs a week from their employees, but I know that I personally will be a happier, more productive employee with more balance in my life.
ReplyDeleteJust like Josh mentioned, the culture at our University gives us family as a most important reason. I'm with you in that I haven't been able to code for fun since I started college, even though it's my passion. 50 hours per week at work isn't a huge strain, but you simply can't do all that with the rigors of school on top.
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