Ask HN: How do you handle your “personality” at work?
9 by hominidonearth | 7 comments on Hacker News.
Kind of difficult title to write but this is constantly something that's on my mind in the professional sense. I'm a software dev and don't have concerns with my technical abilities per se but am always second guessing how I behave or present my personality at work. I'm always professional and that's not explicitly a concern but am rather focused about "showing too much personality". I've literally always wanted to work as an engineer since I was a child and am genuinely happy and grateful to be able to work in a technical role (am the type who does not _optimize_ for pay because I gain more enjoyment just doing the job - yes pay is important too and that's not lost on me). To elaborate on this I'd describe myself as usually "excitable" or "jolly" in social situations because I genuinely enjoy talking/conversing with others and hearing what they have to say etc. This often isn't focused on "personal subjects" (unless appropriate) but rather technical topics (much of why I enjoy HN and other technical/applied-knowledge forums). My conflict is that behaving like this just doesn't feel right. I almost feel that "showing personality" gives others the impression I am lacking technical skills or don't take things seriously. The majority of people I've worked with in engineering positions seem so calm, composed, and stoic. I find these character traits admirable but they don't necessarily come naturally to me. I worry that during interviews I come across as a "risky hire" and the behavior described is "holding me back" in some way. This was mostly a rant up to now and it's nice to organize thoughts and get to "what's the point of writing this"? I think working in/at/for an Organization is partially about "conforming" to the group and being able to fit-in (or just not sticking out). This can be relevant for career advancement among other things. At the end of all this I just feel that I don't fit-in. This is probably a double-edged sword and others may feel a similar way about things in reverse. Regardless, am curious if others feel/have felt this way and if there are thoughts about this dynamic in general. cheers
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