The author explores their addiction to being useful as a software engineer, drawing parallels to Gogol’s character Akaky, who finds satisfaction in a thankless job. They discuss the internal motivations driving many engineers, the importance of aligning this need with meaningful work, and the potential pitfalls of letting work fulfill emotional needs.

The article expresses the challenges and absurdities of being a software engineer, highlighting the high demands, constant learning, and mental strain associated with the profession. It delves into the often chaotic work environment and the unrealistic expectations placed on developers in the tech industry.