A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer

A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer is a Substack by a senior engineer exploring personal growth, mental health, the impacts of technology, and finding joy in the simple things. It blends experiences in tech with broader life reflections, emphasizing the importance of health, hobbies, and community.

Personal Growth Mental Health Technology and Society Work-Life Balance Self-Reflection Creative Expression

The hottest Substack posts of A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer

And their main takeaways

You're not a true software engineer unless...

99 implied HN points • 07 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Tech community Humor Alcoholism Online Communities
  1. In some tech communities, there's a concept called 'No True Scotsman' fallacy where group definitions get reshaped to exclude counterexamples.
  2. Humor in tech, especially when joking about expertise, can inadvertently lead to gatekeeping and exclusion, promoting dogmatism and fragmentation.
  3. Tech choices should not define our worth or belonging - divisive jokes can lead to isolated communities that hinder growth and acceptance.

The Night Guy won't

19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Self-reflection
  1. The internal conflict between self-discipline and self-indulgence is common for many people.
  2. Sometimes we struggle to follow through on our plans because our impulses take over.
  3. It's important to find a balance between listening to what we 'should' do and what we truly feel like doing in the moment.

Cold brews in Brunswick

59 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Community Home Work
  1. Third places are vital for social interaction and community, offering a space for meaningful connections.
  2. Working from home can blur boundaries between personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of having a separate 'third place' for relaxation and socializing.
  3. Discovering new places, like a cozy cafe, can provide a refreshing environment for socializing and making connections outside of work and home.
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Surviving the Symphony of Slack

39 implied HN points • 24 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Workplace Stress Pets
  1. Hearing the notification sound from a work messaging platform like Slack can trigger stress and anxiety in some individuals.
  2. The familiar sound of a notification can bring back memories of past stressful situations and urgent requests.
  3. There is a delicate balance between muting notifications to avoid stress and missing out on enjoyable interactions like shared memes or conversations with friends.

The chairs that broke me

59 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Home Furniture Health Work Shopping
  1. Lockdown experiences can lead to unexpected challenges like uncomfortable seating arrangements for work, causing physical discomfort.
  2. Investing in a good chair for home and at work is crucial for preventing or alleviating back pain. Ergonomic support can make a significant difference.
  3. Carrying a towel for back support can be a simple yet effective solution to improve comfort when sitting for extended periods.

They should have fired him

1 HN point • 21 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Career development Work Environment Management Productivity
  1. Transitioning to a traditional job from freelance work can be a significant change in routine and responsibilities.
  2. Challenges and growth opportunities can arise when tasked with larger, more ambiguous projects that test technical abilities.
  3. Recognizing toxic behavior in oneself or others, such as being uncooperative and rude, is essential in maintaining a positive work environment.

When I grow up I want to...

39 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture
  1. As one grows older, the idea of 'When I grow up' continues to evolve, sparking new aspirations and dreams.
  2. Exploring various career paths and roles, from owning a café to writing a book or even making a video game, offers a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
  3. The desire to embrace new experiences and constantly grow towards different goals is a never-ending journey that keeps life exciting and full of possibilities.

Finding Flow in the Forgotten Realms

19 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Fantasy Immersion Adventure
  1. The author found deep immersion and joy in creating and developing their character in a fantasy game, reflecting on personal choices while exploring new professions and team dynamics.
  2. Throughout the game, the author encountered moral dilemmas that blurred the lines between good and evil, emphasizing the significance of decisions and their consequences.
  3. The experience of playing the game brought the author into a state of flow and profound engagement, highlighting the value of deep immersion in activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

R U OK with R U OK day?

39 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Well-being Therapy Medication Action
  1. R U OK? Day is an initiative in Australia that promotes suicide prevention by encouraging people to ask others if they are okay.
  2. While the sentiment behind R U OK? Day is important, it highlights the need for deeper systemic support beyond individual efforts.
  3. Addressing mental well-being requires more than just asking a simple question, it calls for tangible actions like improving access to therapy, medication, housing, and employment.

Remembering Spam

19 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Memories Nostalgia
  1. The author shares nostalgic memories of eating Spam on a bed of rice with a friend named Tony.
  2. They also recall their experience of receiving unexpected emails for the first time.
  3. The post reflects on the nostalgia associated with past experiences, both pleasant and regretful.

A delightful mess

19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food Writing Personal Reflection Recipes
  1. The messiness of life, similar to the experience of peanut butter, can be a blend of chaos and delight.
  2. Good things leave a mark, and even though they may make a mess, they are worth savoring.
  3. The struggle to find meaning and make sense of chaos, like relating peanut butter to career and relationship experiences, can itself be an intriguing journey.

So long as there's syllables

39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
📚 Literature Poetry
  1. Writing haikus can be a great way to express yourself in a structured form with 17 syllables and specific line requirements.
  2. Setting realistic expectations for yourself is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed and disappointed.
  3. Life can often get in the way of plans and goals, so finding the balance between ambition and reality is key.

We see them as we eat them

19 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food
  1. The pumpkin, like other fruits, holds its true essence and purpose within itself, seen only when consumed.
  2. People often overlook the true nature and beauty of things, such as pumpkins, only seeing them as food items like pies or curry.
  3. This reflection on how we see pumpkins can be applied to how we perceive individuals based on external labels or appearances.

All peas are babies

19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Cuisine Poetry
  1. Peas are described metaphorically as babies in this post, highlighting their journey from the soil to being consumed by humans.
  2. The process of picking and preparing peas is depicted as a somewhat tragic fate for these tiny vegetables.
  3. The author adds a touch of humor at the end, acknowledging a fondness for peas despite the somber narrative.

One Point, Two Points, Too Many Points

0 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Perspective Drawing Life Practice
  1. Perspective plays a crucial role in both drawing and life, shaping how we perceive and interpret the world around us.
  2. Mastering perspective, whether in drawing or in life, requires dedicated practice, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge and reshape our biases.
  3. The multitude of perspectives, like different types of perspective in drawing, can be overwhelming, but understanding them is essential for a fuller appreciation and understanding of art and life.

The Unforeseen Anxiety of a Wayward Ball

0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Anxiety Growth mindset Vulnerability
  1. Dealing with unexpected situations can reflect on handling deeper-life challenges too. Sometimes, avoiding tough situations leads to regret.
  2. Don't fear asking questions or seeking feedback, even if it might seem embarrassing. Embracing vulnerability can lead to growth and improvement.
  3. Fear of looking foolish often holds people back. Taking risks, asking questions, and seeking feedback can lead to personal and professional development.

Musings on depression, engineering, startuping.

0 implied HN points • 03 Aug 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Depression Therapy Journaling Meditation
  1. Therapy often suggests journaling as a way to start the healing process and gain clarity in the chaos of everyday life.
  2. Journaling is highly personal, acting as a sanctuary for thoughts that may not always need to be revisited.
  3. The author navigates the intersection of sharing thoughts through writing, deciding which ones are worth sharing and which are best left private.