Existence becomes Spartan
Before you start reading the post, I must tell you that the following words are not entirely mine. They are inspired from a book. I will tell you all about it once you have read the post. I am using the following words because I thought they closely resemble a phase that every software engineer like me might have gone through at least once in his career. Lets start…
Most of us have faced a situation where we have had to deliver software within weeks. Not months, weeks. That time includes the time for designing, implementation and testing. Being in such a situation is like being submerged in deep water for weeks at a time. The world above becomes a faint echo. You can’t hear the world and you don’t seem to care what happening outside. War, natural disaster or scandals may occur, but none of it seems to mater. The details of the project seem to occupy every waking hour. You are always thinking about the problem that you are facing. Even if you have come home to have lunch, your mind is on the problem at hand. People have to say the things twice or thrice and might sometimes have to shake you before you can actually hear what are they saying. Existence becomes Spartan.
When the project is finally over and you come to the surface to breathe normally again, the world seems to be altered in fundamental ways. Whether you have been successful or unsuccessful in your project, you are set to rediscover the pleasures that you dimly remember. Colours seem brighter, food tests better. Going home at 7′0 clock in the morning after you had spent last 72 hours in office, you tend to notice every thing. You tend to notice the people who are up early, you enjoy the early morning whether before you reach home. And you also enjoy the sound sleep that is awaiting you…
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The book from which the above words are inspired is titled ‘A Civil Action‘ and its a true story written by Jonathan Harr. The book tells the true story on an epic courtroom showdown. Its a case in which two national corporations and accused of polluting the environment and causing the deaths of children. The book tells the story of lawyer Jan Schlichtmann who was representing the parents of the children. The lawyer hoped to win millions but nearly ended up losing everything. The book tells a compelling chronicle of litigation. A must read.
Have you as a software engineer faced such situation. Kindly comment and share your experiences.
