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Re:You Are Not ‘Behind’ (2016) by eloff on Monday April 19, 2021 @10:15PM (#26869998)
I've come to this same conclusion over the years. I'm a good programmer, probably top 1%, but that means there are a hundred thousand better programmers out there. I've come across some that can do things I will never be able to. I'll likely never be the best at any one thing. But I strive to improve at all the things that matter to me. I even have a spreadsheet titled "better than yesterday" where I track my progress.

Try to be the best version of yourself, not the best in the world. This constant need to compare yourself with your peers and neighbors and edited Instagram models is very unhealthy. It is the exact opposite of the road to happiness.

Re:You Are Not ‘Behind’ (2016) by SyzygistSix on Tuesday April 20, 2021 @05:48AM (#26872595)
I think that the person who is enjoying themselves when they program, and sure, improving as well, is the one who is "ahead" or "winning". Some people enjoy difficult challenges, some enjoy creating something beautiful and elegant, and some enjoy helping others or making the world an easier place to navigate for others.
Re:You Are Not ‘Behind’ (2016) by eloff on Tuesday April 20, 2021 @09:46AM (#26874567)
Honestly, yes. You're going to be doing this for a long time. A sizeable percentage of your entire life. If you're not enjoying it while you're doing it - it doesn't matter how much money you're making. You're just not going to be happy like that.

A certain amount of any job is going to be drudgery, that's why they have to pay you to do it. But if it is mostly drudgery then it's time to change jobs or careers.

Re:You Are Not ‘Behind’ (2016) by the_only_law on Tuesday April 20, 2021 @09:51AM (#26874633)
I’m just trying to get out of the cycle of “mostly drudgery” jobs. It seems that’s an overwhelming majority.