The surreal experience of my first developer job (bennuttall.com)

Article summary

The author recounts their first job as a developer at a company called App Start, which was run by a young entrepreneur with a questionable business plan. The company was working on a project called Skill Buy, a game-based platform that allowed users to compete for prizes. The author describes the chaotic and unprofessional work environment, with long hours and unrealistic expectations. The company's focus on making a quick profit led to a series of poor decisions and ultimately, the project's failure.

Main themes

• dysfunctional work environments
• questionable business practices
• importance of research and due diligence
• value of learning from failure
• prevalence of exploitation in tech industry
• role of company culture and direction in success

What commenters say

• Some commenters shared similar experiences of working for companies with unrealistic expectations and poor management, highlighting the importance of doing thorough research before joining a company.
• Others argued that working for a company with a flawed business plan can be a valuable learning experience, teaching important lessons about life and humanity.
• A few commenters noted that the presence of a technical co-founder can help balance out a sales-focused CEO, but this is not always a guarantee of success.
• Some argued that avoiding startups with CEOs who have no technical expertise or a history of questionable business practices is crucial to avoiding exploitation and abuse.
• Others disagreed, suggesting that a CEO's background is not necessarily a determining factor in a company's success, and that other factors such as company culture and direction are more important.
• Several commenters highlighted the prevalence of dodgy entrepreneurs and companies in the tech industry, particularly in the context of new trends and fads.
• A few noted that age and experience can play a role in recognizing and avoiding problematic work environments, with older workers being less tolerant of abuse and BS.