Re: Is it me, or is it the job?

I got lucky. To get out of fast food, I took the first computer-related job I could get... and lo, it is a good one. My employer expresses no opinion about which programming languages I should use, so naturally I use Perl for most of my programming needs. (Note, however, that programming is only a component of my job; I also get to do various other things, since I'm the whole IT department, and these days (since the Program Coordinator quit and hasn't been replaced) I'm also the graphic design and desktop publishing department... I work for a fairly small employer. Try it some time; it's fun.)

So, I have to do other things too, but I do get to do quite a bit of work with Perl.

;$;=sub{$/};@;=map{my($a,$b)=($_,$;);$;=sub{$a.$b->()}} split//,".rekcah lreP rehtona tsuJ";$\=$;[-1]->();print

Comment on Re: Is it me, or is it the job?

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Re: Re: Is it me, or is it the job? by drewbie (Chaplain) on May 15, 2004 at 12:52 UTC
It's only fun until you realize that small businesses often have resource constraints. This means less chances for advancement (if the company is small there'e not much room at the top unless it's adding employees - my $dayjob is not) and less $$$ for professional growth (conferences, training, etc - I still haven't been to OSCON after 5 years). Don't get me wrong - small businesses definitely have their benefits. But just make sure you see both sides of the coin. :-)	[reply]
Re: Re: Is it me, or is it the job? by rje (Deacon) on May 17, 2004 at 14:31 UTC
Sounds like you have a good job. You have the opportunity to grow into a wide variety of leadership-level responsibilities which all IT departments have to deal with. Except managing subordinates, of course. I would think that if you enjoy your job, and have occasional opportunities (or just room) to grow, then you're pretty much set. I can't think of a better place to be; your only concern might be in staying relevant to the rest of the programming industry, and I suspect most of us tend to be a bit slack in that area. Probably requires attending meetings, or conferences, or something like that. Building and managing your network, you know.	[reply]