I actually think about this a lot as well. I even changed majors because of it, and even now I've changed direction inside of CS in order to try to find some sweet spot.
I don't know if I've given up on being able to love what I do at work. My approach is somewhat different than yours.
So, if I can find a place where I can create interesting things or solve novel problems with computer science I will certainly be not unhappy.
To make it into something I love I've decided to look for an environment that fosters to my personality. One which is free and open and has cool fun people to work with.
For instance at GAMBIT, I show up in shorts and a T-Shirt, and try to make our game work. I work with several other people all who love video games and work is interrupted from time to time with youtube videos of speed runs and arguments about the next character to be announced for brawl.
So, the CS I do there isn't really special, but the time I spend there is usually pretty great and almost like chilling with friends.
As for having time for the truly lovable projects, you should probably be able to get that at any normal place. (ie. I place with a structured set 40 hour week.) I'm not sure why you think a tiny place is the best place to find that. I was always under the impression that every body at tiny companies worked an insane amount of hours trying to make the tiny company a successful large company.
MP Out
Posted by
"Tom"
at
Dec 21, 2007, in the evening
A tiny company doesn't have to grow; it can stay the same size.
Posted by Erek at Dec 21, 2007, in the afternoon
I actually think about this a lot as well. I even changed majors because of it, and even now I've changed direction inside of CS in order to try to find some sweet spot.
I don't know if I've given up on being able to love what I do at work. My approach is somewhat different than yours.
So, if I can find a place where I can create interesting things or solve novel problems with computer science I will certainly be not unhappy.
To make it into something I love I've decided to look for an environment that fosters to my personality. One which is free and open and has cool fun people to work with.
For instance at GAMBIT, I show up in shorts and a T-Shirt, and try to make our game work. I work with several other people all who love video games and work is interrupted from time to time with youtube videos of speed runs and arguments about the next character to be announced for brawl.
So, the CS I do there isn't really special, but the time I spend there is usually pretty great and almost like chilling with friends.
As for having time for the truly lovable projects, you should probably be able to get that at any normal place. (ie. I place with a structured set 40 hour week.) I'm not sure why you think a tiny place is the best place to find that. I was always under the impression that every body at tiny companies worked an insane amount of hours trying to make the tiny company a successful large company.
MP Out