Success: You’re wrong about almost everything

🌈 Abstract

The article challenges the common belief that working long hours and being physically present in the office is the key to success as a software engineer. It argues that this approach may actually stunt one's growth and productivity.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Success: You're wrong about almost everything

1. What are the three main ways to get into top positions according to the article? The article states that there are three main ways to get into top positions:

• Start your own company
• Jump across from the same position in another company
• Cheat

2. What does the article say about the advice given by the "156-year-old gentleman on the stage"? The article mocks the advice given by the "156-year-old gentleman on the stage" to "work hard, put in the hours, keep your head down, forget this remote-working nonsense, get in the office and make an impression!" It argues that this advice is outdated and does not apply to the modern knowledge worker.

3. What does the article say about the productivity of software developers working remotely vs. in the office? The article cites research showing that 68% of software developers are more productive at home, and that workers only spend just shy of 3 hours being productive in the office due to frequent interruptions.

4. What does the article say about the relationship between working hours and productivity? The article cites research showing that productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week, and that those who work up to 70 hours a week are only getting the same amount of work done as those who put in 55 hours.

5. What does the article say about the relationship between worker happiness and productivity? The article states that happy workers are 13% more productive per hour, and that this productivity comes from work-life balance, healthy habits, and spending time on hobbies and with friends/family, not from working longer hours.

[02] The Truth: You're the Problem

1. What does the article say about how managers view workers who try to reduce their hours? The article cites research showing that managers often penalize workers who express a desire to work fewer hours, even if their outputs don't change.

2. What does the article suggest as a solution for workers who want to work fewer hours? The article suggests that the solution is to "lie" about one's working hours and practices, in order to avoid being penalized by managers who have an outdated view of what it means to be a successful worker.

3. What does the article say about the attitudes of successful business leaders towards long working hours? The article argues that successful business leaders often lie to themselves and others about how long and hard they have worked, and are quick to dismiss the success of others who work fewer hours.