Simple Ways to Beat Destination Addiction as a Developer
Do meaningful things
It’s a regular day at the office, and I’m heading into a 1:1 conversation. I’m relaxed and, actually, looking forward to this talk. It’s easy to like overachievers. They’re ambitious, resourceful, and, apparently, easy to manage.
“Tell me what I need to do to reach the next level until the end of the year.”
I phase out for a moment. This blunt question instantly propelled me out of the small, glass meeting room and into the depths of my mind. Why the constant rush? You’ve just been promoted. Why aren’t we talking about actually brings you joy?
Most tech companies have 8–9 levels that eager engineers work hard to climb upon: junior, mid, senior software developer, principal software engineer, distinguished engineer, fellow. They are worn like shiny badges of honor and chased relentlessly. You could call this ambition, but if we’re never happy with where we are and always think happiness is one step ahead, we might as well call it an addiction. Destination addiction.
The term was coined by psychologist dr. Robert Holden, in his book Authentic Success. The description accurately matches the praised “hustle life” most people seem to adopt these days. Some of the symptoms he lists are:
