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Software engineers are often driven by internal compulsions rather than external motivators like money or status. The author identifies their own addiction to being useful and solving problems as the core driver of job satisfaction, comparing it to Gogol's character Akaky who loved his menial copying work. This compulsion can be both a strength and vulnerability in tech companies, where some will exploit helpful engineers. Success comes from channeling this need strategically toward management priorities rather than just ticket queues, and protecting yourself from those who would take advantage of your helpfulness.

I'm addicted to being useful