The Need for Predictability

How often do we question how many stories fit into a sprint? What does our roadmap look like? Is this prototype final? Will this deployment cause issues? These questions echo throughout our workdays.

Our jobs depend on our ability to foresee the future, leading to extensive investments of time and resources in planning. While humans are not equipped to predict the future, our ancestors relied on instincts for survival. Today, when tasked with forecasting, we instinctively revert to these survival mechanisms, triggering anxiety.

Anxiety itself is not inherently negative; it’s a natural response. The issue arises when our jobs require constant anxiety from us. Humans are wired to recognize patterns, and in tech, we are conditioned to be anxious multiple times a day.

Embracing Failure in a High-Stakes Environment

Most in tech are familiar with the "fail fast" mantra. This philosophy suggests that quick, minor failures can prevent larger, more costly ones. However, this approach is often misunderstood.

The reality is that the tech industry is generally risk-averse. When a project fails, the team bears the responsibility, regardless of external factors. This expectation creates a stressful environment where teams must foresee every possible issue before committing to a decision, leading to heightened anxiety.

While accountability is crucial, it can become oppressive.

Stress as a Catalyst

The tech industry is known for its rapid pace, with advancements happening at an unprecedented rate. Technology has transformed challenges into opportunities, showcasing humanity’s adaptability.

Historically, stress has driven innovation, allowing us to overcome obstacles. Unlike other species, we often channel stress into creativity and problem-solving. In tech, this means that stress is not merely a byproduct; it’s a fundamental component of the work itself.

However, while stress can drive productivity, it’s essential to recognize its toll on mental health.

Measuring Self-Worth by Accomplishments

Marcus Aurelius famously stated that a person’s worth is determined by what they value. If he were in tech today, his quote might shift to reflect the importance of performance metrics.

Since the industrial revolution, the correlation between work and self-worth has intensified, particularly in tech. The notion of “outcomes over output” has turned individuals into mere metrics.

This creates a precarious situation: successes can lead to fleeting highs, while failures can result in profound lows. The relentless pursuit of greater achievements can severely impact mental health.

Many become so engrossed in their work that their well-being hinges on performance metrics, blurring the line between passion and obsession.

What Can We Do?

Running away from our problems won’t fix them. While venting and shifting focus can help, they don’t fundamentally change our feelings.

We cannot change the industry, but we can change our responses to its challenges. Understanding what we face is the first step toward finding solutions.

As long as our lives revolve solely around our careers, escaping the negative aspects of the job will be difficult. Success in the workplace is valuable, but it should never come at the cost of personal relationships or growth.

Tech is often portrayed as an idyllic landscape, but the truth is far from that.

Working in tech is just work—mundane and often uninspiring.