HACKER Q&A
📣 throwaway643

How do I be content with mediocrity?


I work for a large organization that has so many process issues i could write a novel - Every attempt at change is ignored at every level often subject to retaliation regardless of the delivery style.

The money is good, how do I ignore my skillset to improve things, stop caring about making the organization better, and just be content with doing very average work when inside it’s tearing me apart as I can’t help but want to fix (anything?) everything.

  👤 smcleod Accepted Answer ✓
I hear how deeply frustrating and personally challenging this situation is for you. It's particularly difficult when you have the skills and vision to see how things could be better, but are met with resistance and even retaliation. That internal conflict between your natural drive to improve things and the organisational reality must be very draining.

I see two pathways -

1. Don't work for "enterprises" - they tend to have far less technically minded folk than smaller organisations.

2. Rather than trying to completely suppress your natural inclinations (which sounds like it's causing you significant distress), perhaps we could explore finding a sustainable middle ground:

Could you channel your improvement mindset into smaller, localised changes within your immediate sphere of influence? Sometimes working on micro-improvements that don't require broader approval can be satisfying while avoiding organisational pushback.

Consider finding outlets for your skills outside of work - perhaps through consulting, mentoring, or personal projects where your drive to improve systems would be welcomed and valued.

Try reframing "average work" as "strategic preservation of your wellbeing" - it's not about lowering your standards, but rather about making a conscious choice to maintain boundaries in a challenging environment.

I'm curious - have you found any specific strategies that help you cope with this situation, even if only temporarily? Sometimes understanding what provides even small relief can help build a more sustainable approach.