Hacker News Reader

> Remote work is like playing a video game (…)

Haha, no; at least not much more than regular work is - and it all depends on a particular workplace.

Can you have a peaceful on-site office job with lots of uninterrupted focus time and challenging and engaging tasks? Yes.

Can you have a miserable remote job with pointless meetings, deadlines, context switching and an overbearing meaninglessness? Also yes.

View on HN

I am in a such a "meaningless" pickle myself, I have never imagined that hard tasks with strict deadlines are a breeze compared to this, it slowly but surely chips away my will to live, even though on the outside it sounds wonderful

The best encouragement I have for this thought trap is to not put your career on a pedestal, and instead find the things you truly want to progress in or enjoy and focus on those.

In my case, despite being a programmer, I am a creative type. I have found that I routinely need:

- 1-2 hours per week playing an instrument or writing

- A date with my wife that is scheduled like a meeting that I cannot ignore or cancel

- A secondary (or 3rd or 4th) project outside of work, where there is a clear goal and progress is measurable (indie game dev for me)

Given how much time we (have to) spend working, I’d also recommend getting a more satisfying and meaningful job. People shouldn’t remain stuck in a bad place.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com