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Comment by lgsilver | Hacker News Reader

There may be IP-related legal consequences for sure, but honestly, if you’re hacking together multiple jobs to make more money, the most obvious consequence is your own happiness and self-satisfaction.

With that setup, I guarantee you aren’t objectively “good” at any of those jobs, even if your dozing managers think you are.

Creating things is about passion, and about thinking deeply about the problems you’re solving. You, like me, probably started coding for fun, because you enjoyed solving problems. Every day you context switch and de/reengage from the problems you’re solving, you miss that. Find a single problem and environment that challenges you, and I guarantee you’ll be happier, more successful, and less liable.

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Thanks for your response. However, this type of moral high ground argument makes very little sense to me.

My job(s) aren't the source of my happiness and self satisfaction. I have a family and hobbies outside of work. My work simply funds my real life. I don't feel a need to be good at my job.

If anything, it sounds like tying your happiness to being "objectively good" at your job is a potentially dangerous mindset. If my superiors/reviewers think I'm "subjectively good" at my work and reward me for it, what does it matter if I'm not "objectively good". (Also, "objectively good" is subjective)

Honestly, it’s not a moral high ground. You’re working three jobs—probably 40-50hrs a week at least—more time than you’re getting to spend on your hobbies or your family. Why not do one of those jobs, twice as well, in half the hours, and spend the extra time with your family and hobbies. You’ll be happier. I promise.

they're not taking the moral high ground

you're taking the low ground, and they're at sea level

That's fine. Thank you for your perspective.

> even if your dozing managers think you are.

They're the ones writing the paychecks - if they are satisfied with what they're buying, why work more for free? Considering companies rarely reward loyalty and you need to switch jobs every few years to get the market rate compensation you deserve, why do them any favours?

> Creating things is about passion

In your own project, sure, or if you are lucky to be financially independent and work out of boredom. But for most people having bills to pay and kids or cats to feed, work is primarily to put money on the table - the market doesn't really care about your passion and you might need to take a job you aren't passionate about.

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