Hadrius, a YC W23 startup building a platform to help businesses manage cyber risk, is hiring founding software engineers and tech leads. They're seeking ambitious engineers with a strong foundation in backend development (Go preferred), an interest in security, and a desire to take ownership and grow with a fast-paced startup. Experience with distributed systems, cloud infrastructure, and/or data engineering is a plus. Successful candidates will play a critical role in shaping the company's technical direction and building its core product.
The blog post "Do you want to be doing this when you're 50? (2012)" argues that the demanding lifestyle often associated with software development—long hours, constant learning, and project-based work—might not be sustainable or desirable for everyone in the long term. It suggests that while passion can fuel a career in the beginning, developers should consider whether the inherent pressures and uncertainties of the field align with their long-term goals and desired lifestyle as they age. The author encourages introspection about alternative career paths or strategies to mitigate burnout and create a more balanced and fulfilling life beyond coding.
Hacker News users discuss the blog post's focus on the demanding and often unsustainable lifestyle associated with certain types of programming jobs, particularly those involving startups or intense "rockstar" developer roles. Many agree with the author's sentiment, sharing personal anecdotes about burnout and the desire for a more balanced work life as they get older. Some counter that the described lifestyle isn't representative of all programming careers, highlighting the existence of less demanding roles with better work-life balance. Others debate the importance of passion versus stability, and whether the intense early career grind is a necessary stepping stone to a more comfortable future. Several commenters offer advice for younger programmers on navigating career choices and prioritizing long-term well-being. The prevailing theme is a thoughtful consideration of the trade-offs between intense career focus and a sustainable, fulfilling life.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43452413
Several Hacker News commenters expressed skepticism about the Hadrius job posting, particularly its emphasis on "ambitious career goals" without clearly defined roles or responsibilities. Some saw this as a red flag, suggesting the company might be looking for employees willing to take on excessive work for less pay, exploiting their ambition. Others questioned the vagueness of the posting and its target audience, wondering if it was aimed at junior engineers unaware of typical startup expectations. A few commenters noted the high salary range ($150k-$300k) as unusual and possibly indicative of a very early-stage company trying to attract top talent despite significant risk. Some pointed out the potential downsides of joining such a nascent venture, including the possibility of rapid changes in direction and long hours. Finally, there was discussion about the technology itself (structural integrity monitoring using IoT) with some seeing its potential and others expressing doubts about the market size and competitive landscape.
The Hacker News post linking to the Hadrius job posting has generated a moderate amount of discussion, primarily focused on the compensation and equity offered, the company's mission, and the nature of working at a very early-stage startup.
Several commenters questioned the stated salary range of $150k-$200k, considering it low for a founding engineer/tech lead role, especially given the Bay Area location and the expectation of significant equity. They argued that a more competitive offer would be necessary to attract top talent willing to take on the substantial risk associated with an early-stage venture. One commenter specifically mentioned that a true "founding" engineer usually implies a much larger equity stake than what might be inferred from the job posting.
There was also a discussion around the company's focus on preventing pipeline leaks. Some commenters expressed skepticism about the size of the problem and the feasibility of Hadrius's approach, while others saw it as a legitimate and potentially impactful area to target. One commenter with domain expertise highlighted the complexity and regulatory hurdles in the pipeline industry, suggesting that Hadrius might face significant challenges in navigating this landscape.
Another thread of conversation revolved around the ambiguity of the job description. Some commenters felt the posting lacked specifics regarding the technical challenges involved and the technologies being used. This lack of clarity, coupled with the perceived low salary, led to speculation that the company might be struggling to attract qualified candidates.
Finally, a few commenters offered general advice for anyone considering such a role. They emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating the founding team, the company's vision, and the potential for personal and professional growth. They also reiterated the inherent risks of joining a very early-stage startup, urging potential candidates to be prepared for long hours, significant uncertainty, and the possibility of failure. One commenter specifically pointed out the importance of clearly defining the responsibilities and expectations of a "founding engineer" role to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict down the line.