I love debugging. Yesterday I was summoned to investigate an issue that was escalated as high as it gets. It was the most fun I had at work in months. Meetings were canceled, messages left unread, all that mattered was solving the puzzle. There is something about having to do just one thing. A clear objective to work towards. No distractions, no interruptions, no uncertainties, no conflicts. Focus is relaxing. Like driving. There is also something special about debugging: in the end, things always make sense. If it's not making sense, you can rest assured it is simply because you haven't reached the end yet, and when you do, all will be clear. There is always logic to it, you just need to understand it. Like math. No disconnected decisions, no conflicting interests, no unclear requirements. The combination is rewarding and fulfilling: You solve the equation, and the problem is resolved. A purpose is served. After that day at work I felt energized, not exhausted. I was sharp, not hazy. It was the best of days.
This is not to say debugging can't be stressful. I've done it under time pressure, working with critical systems in financial markets. Of course it is a stressful situation. Like driving in adverse conditions. But I felt more stressed on the regular days, with the tiny issues that mounted. The avoidable mistakes, the short term thinking, the constant interruption. Just like driving in a calm city street can be more stressful, if you were already stressed before getting in the car. Tiny things take a toll, over time. Different companies, different sectors, different management, sometimes it all feels the same.
Public domain. Originally published on 17 May 2025.