Comment by ryandrake
18 hours ago
Yea, I remember that one. Great article. Also spawned a decent discussion about how optics and "keeping up appearances" always matters, often a lot more than we think they do.
18 hours ago
Yea, I remember that one. Great article. Also spawned a decent discussion about how optics and "keeping up appearances" always matters, often a lot more than we think they do.
One of the bitter lessons I learned in my SWE career is that looking the part is almost everything. The meme boomer advice of "dress for the job you want, not the one you have" is remarkably true if you broaden the definition of "dress". Race, gender, lookism, age, everything matters in your career.
Career progression gets easier just by being the right age, or being the right race (whatever that is at your company), or being the right gender (again, depends on your company). Grooming and personal fitness are easy wins. I've never seen an obese or unkempt executive or middle manager.
Even the way you move makes a difference. If you stay past 4:30pm, you're destined to be an IC forever. Leadership-track people leave the office early even if it means taking work home, because it shows that you have your shit together. Leadership-track people eat lunch alone, not at the gossipy "worker's table". And of course, the way you dress matters (men look more leadership-material by dressing simple and consistent, for women it's the opposite). It's all about keeping up appearances.
Interestingly enough, a coworker recently told me that I likely don't have much room for advancement at my employer, given my race. He said look at the race of the people on the ladder above you (it's mostly one race), and then look at yourself.
Also, being tall. Easiest way to identify management is height.
Honestly this brings tears to my eyes. It's like humans would never get past that obstacle and unlock the next level cooperation..
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I remember learning this lesson. I’d bought some new clothes and worn them to the office. I got more appreciation from my manager than from the entire heroic 6 month death march to ship the last product release.
> men look more leadership-material by dressing simple and consistent, for women it's the opposite
This made me think back to the people I've seen rise through the ranks: the women started off dressing very conservative and as they got to senior exec positions, started wearing very bright and powerful outfits. The men on the other hand started with bright t-shirts/polos etc, but then ended up in more conservative suits.
Never noticed that before
> If you stay past 4:30pm, you're destined to be an IC forever
I have never heard this said before. I wonder how true it is in general
If you stay late it looks like a) you're struggling, b) you're a try-hard, c) you don't have a life after work.
One of the most actionable low-hanging career advices I could give is be among the first ones to pack up and leave for the day. You can always continue working at home if you're not done.
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