Re^4: Rewards of Service

[Xiong]

Oh, I agree; but I'm not sure what point you're making.

For good or ill, I spent some years as a hardware dog. I find that some, though not all, of my experience transfers to software engineering; I've always had a sideline in software; and it has appeared from time to time that I may have talent in engineering. So having perhaps the ability, I think to put it to use. Hence my participation here, in other forums, and on CPAN.

Like most people, I have other skills I can put to work for the common good. The major motivation of this essay is that I'm seriously wondering if my time might not be better spent thus. In my soul I'm absolutely certain that my Perl is excellent and belongs at the top of everyone's list. But a man's capacity for self-deception is unlimited.

[jffry]

...I have other skills I can put to work for the common good...I'm seriously wondering if my time might not be better spent thus.

Try it for 3 months and see how you feel.

[Xiong]

Um, sorry, no. I shun the currently fashionable, self-centered approach in which what really matters is how I feel. My viewpoint seems terribly outdated; I might as well wear a wing collar and a stovepipe hat.

[jffry]

I shun the currently fashionable, self-centered approach in which what really matters is how I feel.

Are you kidding me? You entire initial spiel seems to have its roots in an emotional state: dissatisfaction. And your dissatisfaction is with what you're doing. You go on to suggest another thing you could do. It is really that hard to perform this alternate activity to see if alleviates your dissatisfaction?

If you truly think that you need to drudge around miserably for some phantasmal greater good, then it sounds like you're in danger of being recruited into a cult.