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User: Grisha

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  1. Oh, on The Dark Side of IT · · Score: 1

    If we use the (oh-so-over-used) Star Wars angle-- the Dark Side only takes those who don't have the willpower to stay on the Light Side, Luke.

    I doubt it's simply the _jobs_ creating these feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. But for most people, they find ways to expel these feelings before they become overwhelming.
    With technology constantly moving forward at a ridiculous rate, is it no wonder that high tech workers feel they must find something new?
    Of course, other people also feel the need to vent occasionally-- where else would we get the phrase "going postal"? :)

    For many it's a viscious cycle-- they start with some tech savvy, realize they have potential, and then block out all other paths, focusing on being the best they can be.

    Narrow focus is not usually a good thing-- look at the burnout rate of professional or olympic athletes. Training constantly for one single task, although challenging, will impede your progress (duh!) in all other areas.

    There is definately a lot of hypocrasy around, though, too. Companies always love to tout the phrase "work hard, play hard". But apparently, "play hard" means having a fridge full of Cola, a company gym, and maybe the occasional draw for a Porche Boxster.

    Employees need to learn not to "play hard" but perhaps to "play smart". Find some non-technical hobbies to get into. Take photos, start a garden, write poetry, start a band. Whatever. It doesn't matter if they're good. It only matters if they enjoy it.

    Not all companies will let you have the time to do this kind of thing. My advice would be to find one that does. :) (Easier said than done, I know). Or maybe, if you're determined enough, find a company that combines several of your interests. You'll probably stay a lot more interested in it.

    But whatever you do-- don't throw away your talents in high tech! That's just as bad! It's unfortunate that no more than 20% of programmers are over 40. Think of all the experience we're missing out on. Maybe they could help us understand how to avoid the Dark Side.

    Age old wisdom is important, after all. Yoda was 800 years old and I bet he could still use a lightsabre as well as any of the other Jedi.

  2. Mega bandwidth on "MP3 death watch" article on CNN.com · · Score: 1

    Many small towns here in Canada are getting cable modems, and all the major cities had them years ago.

    Usually we're behind the times up here, but I guess it's thanks to the monopolistic cable companies we've got.

    Although, ADSL is already out and soon should be hitting cities that don't already have major competition with cable modems.

  3. Raging paranoia on Is Red Hat the Next Microsoft? · · Score: 1

    So now, apparently, companies that have a bigger market share are monopolies?