I've been a regular slashdot reader for a while... but I read this article and had to sign up immediately to post a reply. This poor guy desperately needs some tough love and everyone here is jumping on the pity bandwagon and feeding him bull****. Here's my 2 cents:
Nobody here has addressed the underlying issue - you're the ONLY developer and yous boss doesn't listen to your opinions on basic and obvious issues? This says one of two things:
a) your boss is a complete tool (well covered but beside the point since you can do NOTHING about it)
b) you're afraid of conflict and don't know how earn his respect (something you CAN change)
I'm going to suggest something harsh - the issue here isn't bug tracking, or your manager being a tool, or looking for a better job, it's YOU. Clearly you're in a position where your manager doesn't know what he's talking about and you do. So why are you letting him tell you what to do? It's obvious to me that you don't know how to communicate with him in a way that commands respect and attention, and you seem to think you have no power in this situation.
You have to grow some balls and learn to stand up to the guy. Be mature, walk in and tell him with a straight face that you NEED this software (and if you want, BRIEFLY list the reasons why it is necessary). Don't let him argue with you, you're RIGHT. Then just DO it - install the freakin' software! It's not costing your boss a damn cent, and will probably save him money down the road. Do this in the future ANY time you are completely sure of something and you KNOW you're right about it. Your boss will react in one of three ways:
a) arguing or reprimanding you for your conduct (in which case you might as well look for a new job since you have ZERO respect here and never will, dooming your career to countless incidents like this)
b) threatening to or actually firing you (VERY unlikely since you're their only developer, but probably not a bad option - see point (a) and add a severance package)
c) backing down (thus earning you some desperately needed respect and allowing you to work effectively)
The point is you need to learn to be assertive. Stand up and voice your opinions in a confident way.
Slashdot Mirror
I've been a regular slashdot reader for a while... but I read this article and had to sign up immediately to post a reply. This poor guy desperately needs some tough love and everyone here is jumping on the pity bandwagon and feeding him bull****. Here's my 2 cents:
Nobody here has addressed the underlying issue - you're the ONLY developer and yous boss doesn't listen to your opinions on basic and obvious issues? This says one of two things:
a) your boss is a complete tool (well covered but beside the point since you can do NOTHING about it)
b) you're afraid of conflict and don't know how earn his respect (something you CAN change)
I'm going to suggest something harsh - the issue here isn't bug tracking, or your manager being a tool, or looking for a better job, it's YOU. Clearly you're in a position where your manager doesn't know what he's talking about and you do. So why are you letting him tell you what to do? It's obvious to me that you don't know how to communicate with him in a way that commands respect and attention, and you seem to think you have no power in this situation.
You have to grow some balls and learn to stand up to the guy. Be mature, walk in and tell him with a straight face that you NEED this software (and if you want, BRIEFLY list the reasons why it is necessary). Don't let him argue with you, you're RIGHT. Then just DO it - install the freakin' software! It's not costing your boss a damn cent, and will probably save him money down the road. Do this in the future ANY time you are completely sure of something and you KNOW you're right about it. Your boss will react in one of three ways:
a) arguing or reprimanding you for your conduct (in which case you might as well look for a new job since you have ZERO respect here and never will, dooming your career to countless incidents like this)
b) threatening to or actually firing you (VERY unlikely since you're their only developer, but probably not a bad option - see point (a) and add a severance package)
c) backing down (thus earning you some desperately needed respect and allowing you to work effectively)
The point is you need to learn to be assertive. Stand up and voice your opinions in a confident way.