Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Sometimes, the better way to do something isn’t as much fun.

A few years ago, I wrote a book on software project management. I began the book with the words, “I like to write software.” I did and still do like to write software. I am simulating a machine that does wonderful things for people to improve their lives. Great stuff.

I went on in the book to note that, well, sometimes someone was paying me to accomplish something that they wanted. They were paying the bill and they expected some efficiency and the like.

But, efficiency and the like (do it right the first time) was sometimes just plain “no fun.”

Take time and care and do it right the first time. That is if someone else is paying you to do it that way. If I am independently wealthy, I can do it the fun way all the time. It is generally helpful to understand the difference between the two situations and act accordingly.