Ask HN: Is it OK for me to not want to conquer the world?

Telecommuting doesn't have to be the easy way out. Remember that really important projects like the Linux kernel are developed by remote developers collaborating.

Also, theres no great rush to change the world. The world is changing faster than ever due to a renaissance created by the internet and other technologies.

The only rush is if you want to grab riches from the process, but it will happen whether or not you participate. If you don't want riches, the rational strategy is not to adopt a work lifestyle that will stress your body and take years off your life.

Also remember that you are a developer and that you can work more efficiently than almost any other type of worker by leveraging technology and automation.

Remember that you can create something far more valuable by yourself in one day in 2013 than a team of developers could in a month in the 90's by capitalizing on the vast treasure of open source software available to you today for free.

You've recognized that being a workaholic sucks and usually leads nowhere. That's good - a lot of people waste their lives slaving over some terrible, meaningless job. But I don't think the correct response is to just take the easy way out and "be lazy", for lack of a better term. The correct response is find something that you want to spend hours every day on.

For me, personally, at age 80, I want to look back on my life and say, hey, I accomplished some pretty cool stuff and enjoyed doing it.

I'm also going to point you to http://www.paulgraham.com/todo.html. I think that essay is very applicable to living life well.

That said, some of the most amazing things and friendships arise from adversity, and don't be surprised if you never have the same experiences as people who went out on the sharp end and did the hard, rushed thing.

Ultimately, do what you think you'll enjoy most--and don't regret it, whatever that turns out to be.

EDIT: Minor quibble with one thing you said--No one wants to take time to analyze a problem before pouncing on it."

Usually a thorough analysis is not worth it, especially if the assumptions and models backing the problem are based in business; these can change, and then you are left with no code and a fascinating insight into a present which no longer exists.

If you're doing a problem set or working through SICP, sure, but at the end of the day, real artists ship.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tortoise_and_the_Hare

"it seems like the easy way out."

Not really. It is your way. Everyone has to figure out what works for them and make it count. If you want to stay home and work at your own pace, so be it. What will matter is how dedicated you are towards your goal whatever the method is. The destination matters but how you get there is what life is all about (I know this is a quote somewhere...)

If a certain type of work is not providing you these, then do not pursue it.

Put equivalently, if doing tasks XYZ does not make you (or your family) happy, do not do them.

Put equivalently, pursue work-life balance. When you are 10 years older, and/or if/when you start a family, this will be vital to having a happy life.

SO its not the goal but the journey. Really is the journey

do what you want. it's your life.