In the Bay Area, I feel surrounded by such people. They solve imaginary problems to get a promotion. But they are competing with thousands of other, equally smart people, to also get promotions. So it's non-stop change for no reason, and wasting resources.

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badpun 12 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Sportsmen compete in imaginary competitions with equally physially gifted people just to win a prize. And yet, many are fulfilled by it. For some people, competing is what drives them.

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impossiblefork 12 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Yes, but then you know it's a game, so there's no self-deception that you're actually doing something meaningful. This realization thus gives the whole sportsmanship concept.

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jacinda 10 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I think many people in the Bay Area also see careers as a game.

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aleph_minus_one 11 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> Yes, but then you know it's a game, so there's no self-deception that you're actually doing something meaningful.

I have reasons to believe that many very successful athletes do have this self-deception.

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1minusp 10 hours ago | parent [-]

Can be argued that there is intuitive satisfaction/pleasure/utility that spectators gain from watching sports competitions. The payoff is a lot more obvious/instant. Whereas with a lot of tech these days, what needle are we really moving? Are people truly happier scrolling for two hours, compared with watching an edge-of-seat soccer game?

	▲	jihadjihad 8 hours ago \| parent [-]
		The idea appears to be to simulate the edge-of-seat sensation and, ideally, to charge for the privilege of the experience.

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maerF0x0 10 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

> many are fulfilled by it.

At least in my sampling, I'd suggest the most extremely driven people often have some major sense of lack they're chasing.

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knowitnone3 12 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

No reason? You even stated the reason "for promotion". It's OK if you are not aiming for promotions but don't judge others when they do.

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hurrrpromotions 12 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Found the treadmill runner whose self worth is defined by their job title.

Lol

We’re not judging you because you want a promotion. We’re judging you because you selfishly make a ton of work for everyone else so you can feel better about your pointless life.

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ajkjk 12 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

no reason in the real world. no reason that matters / makes you fulfilled / makes you feel proud to be doing your job

success in this industry is proportional to your ability to not notice or not believe that your work is pointless

	▲	chermi 11 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Uhh, money? Supporting a family in the bay area is helped a little by money.