I've been having a lot of interesting conversations lately with my fellow webnerds about the nature of our jobs. I've always just assumed that no matter what your job is, there's a certain degree of craziness that goes along with the work. For those of us that chose the web development path, there's a very special flavor of craziness. I think I've identified the root cause: being creative on someone else's dime. I realize that there are plenty of other jobs out there where you're being paid to be creative. Working with the web seems to have its own unique set of challenges that I find really interesting. So let's dissect some of these and solve the world's problems, shall we?
I think the biggest thorn in the side of every web developer is the dreaded nine-letter-word REVISIONS. It's disheartening to work really hard on a layout just to have it come back covered in red ink. It's twice as disheartening to know that the requested revisions ask you to essentially ruin your layout. e.g. (CLIENT REQUESTED ALL HEADLINES BE IN 40 POINT PINK COMIC SANS)
One thought keep me sane when I'm doing revisions: they're paying for the layout. When it really comes down to it, your client is buying a product from you. I don't think it's unreasonable for a client to have some say in what they're paying for. When I go to Lulu's and order my curry extra spicy, I don't expect the chef to come to the table and tell me that my 'extra spice' request was stupid. If a client asks for something that I know will be detrimental to the work, then I'll absolutely say something. I just think it's very important to pick your battles. "The customer is always right" has its limits. For instance, if I ordered my curry with pop rocks and the milk of Himalayan yaks. Mmmmm tasty.
Next up, FADS! A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Yes, Mr. Client, I understand that you've read a Wall Street Journal article about how huge Facebook is, but I don't really think it's the best marketing tool for your tractor supply company. The "next big thing" mentality is huge. The internet moves fast and people's online habits change just as quickly so it's a constant battle to attract eyeballs to your message. Social networks, viral video, mobile advertising, these are all great tools (and fun toys) but they're not the right tool for every job.
One last point and then I'm going to go out for some groceries. (I'm making pasta primavera tonight, woo!) Everyone who works in web development has to be part artist, part factory worker, part scientist and part marketer. Each of these jobs-inside-the-job satisfy very different parts of what you want to get out of your career. I just try to enjoy all the different parts and not stress about the craziness. Any annoyances that pop up can be turned into solvable problems. Many client-related issues can be turned into a great opportunity for education (on both sides).
This concludes my Self-Help Seminar for Web Developers. Now let's all hug.