Just watched Code Rush again this morning (Wikipedia entry here). I first watched this as part of the content distributed by the Open University for a diploma I was doing (Computing and Mathematics) back around 1999/2000.
Code Rush is a documentary about the time leading up to the release of Netscape source code for the
Mozilla browser and followed a number of lead engineers and managers through their trials and tribulations. Its a really great insite into what was going on leading up to the dot com boom and bust of the early 2000's.
The documentary has been released through Creative Commons NC-SA license including a significant amount of footage which was never used in the finished documentary (here)
At the time, as I said I had started an OU course in computing at night to try and get into the software industry. I have loved computers since a kid (these where ZX Spectrum days), but never had the opportunities to study SW earlier. This was because I had not achieved sufficient results in the leaving certificate (Irish high school state exams), to get on a university or for that matter college on any computing related course.
The OU course spurred me on with the knowledge that I was capable of doing well in 3rd level some 12 years after not making it into college. I made to decision to leave my very well paid job (Selling software), to return to full time education.
On completing of my degree at Sligo IT I started with Pramerica Systems in Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Pramerica is a wholly own subsidiary of Prudential in the US. It was my last day with the Pru yesterday, after nearly six years.
Watching Code Rush again some ten years later is interesting. At the time of first watching I had no idea what it really ment to be a coder. Not sure a really know to this day, save that it is something that still gets me going. Though to be honest I have not really felt the BUZZ for quite a while (until recently). I think this comes from being in the one place to long. You don't feel it happening at the time, and it takes an awakening to truly see your self.
On making the decision to take an opportunity in a new venture, I feel that buzzzz again. I wake up at five in the morning hungary to code and learn, happy to watch technical key note speeches and videos until my wife is ready the scream.
I am moving for the comfort and security of a massive enterprise to a startup where 'I AM' the development department. I feel alive and cant wait to to get started.
Still I am grateful to Pramerica for the opportunities I had there. I learned a lot and have no regrets. I would throughly recommend Pramerica as a company to work for, yet my time has passed.
The old adage goes 'Managing developers, is like herding cats'. I am happy to report I am to be a CAT once more, come Monday ;0)
