The myth of passion. You may have heard: “Great developers are extremely passionate. They code in the evenings, and they code on the weekends. At night, they dream in code”. Does that mean the others should just pack their back and go home?
The myth of passion is perpetuated by both developers and companies. Developers emphasize their passion to get ahead, while companies benefit from employees who work long hours for little reward. However, you don’t need to give your time to a company to feel connected and purposeful. Instead, spend time with your real family, maintain a balanced life, make friends, and pursue hobbies outside of work.
The myth of passion is dangerous because it implies you’re not enough if you’re not passionate enough. If you want to reach your full potential as a developer, forget the myth of passion. Focus on balance and consistency instead.
As someone who’s been coding for more than a decade now, I can tell you a developer career is a marathon.
Do you agree?