I can say the difference between now and the last time I had to do this (~12 years) is stark.
Seriously...if I have to take another test checking my ability to O(N) a problem, I'm gonna scream. I've been living in ginormous game engines for 6 years, and the amount of times I've had to, in the span of a timed half an hour, optimize a routine to make sure it was running in the optimal time has been....zero.
I'm sure it comes up, and I'm sure it's useful, but this all reminds me of the older assembly guys who used to put in all kinds of wonky tricks that eventually got optimized out by the compiler. Bubblesort has been solved. If your company has to implement it again, you're doing it wrong. There's a routine lying around somewhere in the company. Really.
I don't know what the solution is for evaluating tech talent, but this doesn't seem like it.
Also, web guys...if you're really concerned about speed, maybe you should consider writing some of this code in a lower level language. Plus, if your ad server takes 5-10 seconds to respond, then all of your optimization is for nothing anyway. But hey, you got the O(log N) solution. Bully for you.
Too many people looking for too few jobs. As a 50 something programmer I am now, shall we say, "semiretired". My last interview was a humiliating kick in the crotch. O(N)? Yeah, that and more. The kids need to wake up an (*gasp*, dare I say it?) unionize before they get "rightsized" out of the biz.
Heh. Don't worry about me. I'm actually in O.K. shape, thanks to contributing to an (>>>ROTH) IRA when I could. The point here is, follow your bliss when you're young, then screw your ass down and prostitute yourself when your old because teh Conservatiods want to give all your tax dollar to Haliburton and all your social security to Wall Street (did you forget that little maneuver during the Bush Years) and you can go live under an expressway ramp when you're 70. Unless that virus that only kills liberals and people over 60 finally gets approved (KIDDING! KIDDING!).
I'm 55, a programmer, and I've been out of work for two years. I've had plenty of interviews, but no job offers. Here's my take on all of this: I'm too old to be a programmer. I'll put my "management hat" on and tell you why:
1. I'm old. One 5 hour energy drink revvs up your basic 20 year old code monkey all day. I need a saline drip with caffeine in it all day to keep going. 2. I'm expensive. I have 30 years of experience in the 'biz and a masters degree in CS. I'm not cheap. You could hire two 25 year olds for what I'm asking. 3. (and what I consider to be my greatest failing in the corporate world) I've seen all the tricks. I've been exposed to every nasty little mindgame management has at it's disposal. And sometimes I have the bad manners to call people on it. This is called "having a bad attitude".
So when I compete against 20-somethings in the worst economy since 1929 (I hesitate to say the worst economy ever), I lose. I should have made the leap to management when I had the chance, not because I would have loved management (I would have had to manage assholes like me, after all;), but because at 40 you have TWENTY YEARS LEFT. The years go by really, really fast. You should really start thinking about a soft place to land when you're 60 now, because if you aren't in line to be a VP or a Director you ain't gonna make it at this point.
The suggestion to "Follow Your Bliss" only works in an economy that's not run by sociopaths. Hell, it only works in a country that's not run by sociopaths. Strike one strike two. Tighten your belt, put as much money away as you can, and make sure you keep your health up. Because the era of "company loyalty" is over, COBRA for a family costs as much as your mortgage, and finding a new job is going to be a real challenge.
I have to agree with the parent. By being a "nice guy" you buy brownie points from the people you lend your PC to...maybe. On the other hand, they may be leeches who will not hesitate to guilt you into doing what they want, and then not reciprocate at a future time. How do you tell the difference? Ah, college, it's all about learning to be social in a social environment.
In the end, though, it's your computer. You'll be amazed at how fast all these "friends" disappear once some lunk-head breaks your PC. And sticks you with the repair bill.
While English may not be as bad as Mandarin Chinese to learn, it's still a bear. I propose an Open Source project called "Hacklish" to develop an international lingua franca.
Zactly. Or, more to the point, you have people who may be people-skill brilliant (and you can always cut a deal with people, right? Just say the right word, tell the right lie, make the right threat, grease the right palm, and they'll do what you want...) but reality-skill stupid (ever try arguing with Ma Nature? Not happening) running the show.
The Map is Not The Territory. But Busy Executives still use Excel spread sheets like it was Gospel.
And let's be frank: the Crusades were less of a "killing spree" and more of a semi-organized "pillage and rampine" operation...of which the Church took a cut.
Except for the Children's Crusade. How about that for "think of the Children"...
Slashdot Mirror
I can say the difference between now and the last time I had to do this (~12 years) is stark.
Seriously...if I have to take another test checking my ability to O(N) a problem, I'm gonna scream. I've been living in ginormous game engines for 6 years, and the amount of times I've had to, in the span of a timed half an hour, optimize a routine to make sure it was running in the optimal time has been....zero.
I'm sure it comes up, and I'm sure it's useful, but this all reminds me of the older assembly guys who used to put in all kinds of wonky tricks that eventually got optimized out by the compiler. Bubblesort has been solved. If your company has to implement it again, you're doing it wrong. There's a routine lying around somewhere in the company. Really.
I don't know what the solution is for evaluating tech talent, but this doesn't seem like it.
Also, web guys...if you're really concerned about speed, maybe you should consider writing some of this code in a lower level language. Plus, if your ad server takes 5-10 seconds to respond, then all of your optimization is for nothing anyway. But hey, you got the O(log N) solution. Bully for you.
Too many people looking for too few jobs. As a 50 something programmer I am now, shall we say, "semiretired". My last interview was a humiliating kick in the crotch. O(N)? Yeah, that and more. The kids need to wake up an (*gasp*, dare I say it?) unionize before they get "rightsized" out of the biz.
sorry, divorce is the most expensivr thing, followed by child support and alimony...
wow, that's about everywhere I've interviewed since turning 55 :(
Yeah, that's what I've done to a certain degree. Ramping up to a point where you're self sustaining is a challenge, though. Any advice, slashdot?
Heh. Don't worry about me. I'm actually in O.K. shape, thanks to contributing to an (>>>ROTH) IRA when I could. The point here is, follow your bliss when you're young, then screw your ass down and prostitute yourself when your old because teh Conservatiods want to give all your tax dollar to Haliburton and all your social security to Wall Street (did you forget that little maneuver during the Bush Years) and you can go live under an expressway ramp when you're 70. Unless that virus that only kills liberals and people over 60 finally gets approved (KIDDING! KIDDING!).
Bitter? Me? Nah. I'm just a cranky old man...
I'm 55, a programmer, and I've been out of work for two years. I've had plenty of interviews, but no job offers. Here's my take on all of this: I'm too old to be a programmer. I'll put my "management hat" on and tell you why:
1. I'm old. One 5 hour energy drink revvs up your basic 20 year old code monkey all day. I need a saline drip with caffeine in it all day to keep going.
2. I'm expensive. I have 30 years of experience in the 'biz and a masters degree in CS. I'm not cheap. You could hire two 25 year olds for what I'm asking.
3. (and what I consider to be my greatest failing in the corporate world) I've seen all the tricks. I've been exposed to every nasty little mindgame management has at it's disposal. And sometimes I have the bad manners to call people on it. This is called "having a bad attitude".
So when I compete against 20-somethings in the worst economy since 1929 (I hesitate to say the worst economy ever), I lose. I should have made the leap to management when I had the chance, not because I would have loved management (I would have had to manage assholes like me, after all ;), but because at 40 you have TWENTY YEARS LEFT. The years go by really, really fast. You should really start thinking about a soft place to land when you're 60 now, because if you aren't in line to be a VP or a Director you ain't gonna make it at this point.
The suggestion to "Follow Your Bliss" only works in an economy that's not run by sociopaths. Hell, it only works in a country that's not run by sociopaths. Strike one strike two. Tighten your belt, put as much money away as you can, and make sure you keep your health up. Because the era of "company loyalty" is over, COBRA for a family costs as much as your mortgage, and finding a new job is going to be a real challenge.
Other than that, have a nice day! :D
I get interviews. I don't get job. Big Hint: I'm over 50 :/
Oh...nevermind...
what a great idea for a movie! I'll cut you in for half the profits! :D
You give me hope in These Troubled Times, man. THANK YOU.
stirring the pot since 195
I've dated women like this! :D
I have to agree with the parent. By being a "nice guy" you buy brownie points from the people you lend your PC to...maybe. On the other hand, they may be leeches who will not hesitate to guilt you into doing what they want, and then not reciprocate at a future time. How do you tell the difference? Ah, college, it's all about learning to be social in a social environment.
In the end, though, it's your computer. You'll be amazed at how fast all these "friends" disappear once some lunk-head breaks your PC. And sticks you with the repair bill.
I'm just saying.
While English may not be as bad as Mandarin Chinese to learn, it's still a bear. I propose an Open Source project called "Hacklish" to develop an international lingua franca.
Just my 2 cents.
Now all we need to do is wait for one of you to compare the other to Hitler an my Slashdot Experience will be complete!
Zactly. Or, more to the point, you have people who may be people-skill brilliant (and you can always cut a deal with people, right? Just say the right word, tell the right lie, make the right threat, grease the right palm, and they'll do what you want...) but reality-skill stupid (ever try arguing with Ma Nature? Not happening) running the show.
The Map is Not The Territory. But Busy Executives still use Excel spread sheets like it was Gospel.
Just saying...
Mr. Hitchens, is that you?!?
And let's be frank: the Crusades were less of a "killing spree" and more of a semi-organized "pillage and rampine" operation...of which the Church took a cut.
Except for the Children's Crusade. How about that for "think of the Children"...
I'm going to steal that as my new signature! THAT'S GREAT! :D
That scar and broken nose just proves he was Fighting for Science!
Today is a great day to be alive! :D
Golly, what would Jebus say about that?! He'd be mad as Heck, I'm sure!
Fly, my Children! FLY! Bwaha ha ah ah ha ha ha ah ah ha!
I thought Regan and the Bushies got rid of all you commies!
I believe "from each according to his ability to each according to his need" was an old, Christian, monastic tradition. But I might be wrong...
Oh, you know Mr. Bertrand "Bat" Patella, too, eh?
Why do you hate Corporate America. Look at all it's done for you! :D
What are they running? Corporate Crippleware: Safe Boot. Virus Checkers. Keyboard Loggers (Hi, guys!). After a few "Regime Changes" it all adds up...
You beat me to it. This is the only way you could "have your cake and eat it, too".