I'm a Ruby Developer. Apple Fanboi. Techpreneur. I lead the software engineering work at ProudCloud.net. I also do my own stuff at MashupGarage.com. From Manila, Philippines. In here, I post about everything.
(note, this post has alot of “I"s. but who cares, it’s my tumblr :p)
Yesterday, I was in a meeting with a client. While in the middle of the meeting, I’ve found myself disagreeing on some of the stuff we’re talking about. Features, business stuff, vision, etc… - it happened a lot on our conversations.
Yesterday, I finally said "NO” to one of my clients. Saying “NO” to him and can’t continue and maintain his projects anymore. Why? that’s for another story. The reason I got in trouble anyway is because I didn’t said “NO” earlier.
Days, Weeks, Months before that I’ve been doing the same. Unconsciously, I managed to learn it without even thinking about it anymore excluding the one above.
Given those scenarios, I guess saying “NO” comes with experience, when I was young and just a lowly programmer, all I did was follow whatever shit that management or some client is giving. Today, it’s a different situation. Maybe I have the face to actually say it now or I have learned enough on the domain and valid reasons why I’m saying it.
Now my load is lighter and I’m more sane than before. Happy face. So I’ll break it now and will just leave some more thoughts.
The most important thing I’ve learned by saying “NO” is… It’s not harmful but actually helpful.
I already learned how to say “NO” to a project unless the project has a good business model, marketing plan and passion (by its founders).
I already learned how to say “NO” to side offers because there is much more in life than earning tons of money. Although I want them lol, but there’s no point of having money when you can’t even go out to enjoy them. Working long hours everyday including weekends, sleepless nights and all the annoyances - they all don’t help if your goal is good life. I remember one time I was in Bali, Indonesia and I can’t even head out because I have to work 8 hours a day. So work anywhere isn’t as appealing and charming as advertised.
I also realized “NO” sometimes mean “NOT THIS TIME”, “NOT NOW” or just literally “NO”.
Most cases I say “NO” because I think.
Some cases I say “NO” because I think it’s not that important.
Some cases I say “NO” because I’m lazy to do it or I have more important things to do than that.
Saying “NO” basically shows and aligns with your organizational skills.
Saying “NO” means you’re concerned with the project and you have a deeper understanding why. Again, experience.
Saying “NO” means you’re conscious about your sanity.
Saying “NO” closes the LOOP.