Corporate Passion: A Manager's Dream?

The idea of passion in the workplace can be an unrealistic expectation for managers. It suggests that employees would go above and beyond for the company, even at the cost of their own well-being.

In this discussion, I aim to delve deeper into why I have a strong aversion to the notion of passion in software development and what it implies for you as a software engineer.

Programming Does Not Equal Passion

While many of us genuinely enjoy programming, it's crucial to make a distinction between that love for coding and the type of passion that employers often expect for corporate tasks.

The immediate gratification one receives from engaging in enjoyable coding challenges starkly contrasts with the mundane responsibilities often encountered in a corporate environment, where recognition is frequently lacking.

The Struggles of Corporate Programming

I suspect that numerous readers may find corporate programming unappealing, and I, too, have contemplated moving into a shared living space to code full-time. Why is this? Because corporate programming involves much more than just coding at a desk; it includes:

• Extensive code reviews filled with minor critiques
• Agile ceremonies that feel redundant
• Technical refinements that disrupt workflow
• Status meetings that consume valuable time

It's not solely the burdens of meetings and reviews that diminish enthusiasm. There are various other factors leading software developers to consider exiting their roles.

Challenges That Frustrate Developers: - Insufficient management support - Overbearing micromanagement - Tight deadlines - Stressful environments - Poor-quality code - Comparisons with more skilled colleagues - Comparisons with less skilled colleagues

I know that some programmers may cherish their roles after decades of experience. Yet, from my perspective, the accumulation of challenging days—often rooted in poor-quality code—can be overwhelming. Expecting a "passion" for programming in an environment rife with defects and obstacles to delivering new features is unrealistic. I contend that such a passion simply does not exist.

Product Passion: A Different Story

It's entirely feasible to have a genuine love for certain products, advocating for them and wanting others to share in that enthusiasm. However, this is a rarity. For instance, if you're developing accounting software, it's hard to believe that any software engineer would feel passionately about enhancing the lives of financial controllers in small to medium enterprises.

Here’s a list of product categories where true passion might exist: - Childhood toys or items - Personal electronic devices - Food from your youth - Favorite restaurants - Sports teams - Brands you irrationally admire (like Apple)

While individual preferences may vary, there are only a handful of products or brands people can truly connect with. Expecting passion for a financial service or middleware solution is simply unrealistic.

Conclusion: The Need for Change

The Secret Developer argues that the demand for passion in software roles is absurd.

"The issue isn't solely the expectation for 'passion' from software professionals. The real problem is the near-religious commitment to a brand or product that no rational person would genuinely care about. This must change."

About The Author

The Secret Developer, a professional in software development, can be found on Twitter @TheSDeveloper and frequently shares insights on Medium.com.