Where is the drive?

From my point of view, a concerning trend has emerged within the IT and tech community, a visible decline in self-drive and initiative among newer IT professionals. In an industry defined by its constant evolution and rapid pace, I wonder: where has the hunger gone?

The changing face of IT

The IT industry has always been demanding. From its early days, professionals were required to continuously push the envelope, learning new technologies, and adapting to always changing landscapes. Those technologies were not less complex but currently regards as basic knowledge. Those entering the field understood that the technology you mastered today could be obsolete tomorrow. The excitement of discovery and the drive to constantly learn were at the heart of every IT professional’s DNA.

Fast forward to today, and things seem different. The rise of automation, the growing popularity of no-code and low-code solutions, and the availability of abundant online resources have created an environment where it’s easier than ever to rely on pre-packaged solutions rather than developing a deep understanding of the tools at hand. This has led to a generation of note even script kiddies but “click engineers” who often take the path of least resistance, executing commands without questioning the underlying principles or architecture.

But what’s even more concerning is the declining mindset of being part of a larger team or company. Where there once was a strong sense of loyalty to the organization, today’s professionals often see themselves as individuals first, neglecting the bigger picture.

The erosion of loyalty: An individual over team mindset

Historically, IT professionals spent longer stretches at companies, growing with them, sharing in their successes, and contributing to their long term vision. There was a sense of belonging and a commitment not only to personal development but also to the collective advancement of the company.

Today, however, many see their job as a stepping stone or a temporary gig before moving on to the next opportunity. The focus is on building a personal portfolio rather than investing in the growth and success of the organization. While career growth is important, this individualistic mindset erodes the trust, collaboration and long term company cultures.

Why is this shift in mindset problematic?

Lack of ownership

When you view yourself as just an individual working within a company, rather than part of the company itself, it’s easy to fall into a “not my problem” mentality. This can lead to lower accountability and less initiative to go beyond basic tasks.

Erosion of teamwork and culture

A strong company culture is built when employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. When individuals focus solely on their personal goals, it weakens the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within teams.

Why selfdrive is more important than ever

While working, both selfdrive and a sense of belonging to the company are essential. While automation and simplified platforms have undeniably made IT more accessible, they have also contributed to a worrying level of detachment from the organization. In a world where cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated by the day, and where cloud infrastructures are both massive and intricate, the ability to deeply understand, troubleshoot, and optimize systems is crucial. This is true not just for individual success, but for the collective success of the company.

So, why is selfdrive and company commitment so essential?

Staying competitive

The IT and tech industry is evolving faster than ever, and those who aren’t pushing themselves to stay ahead of the curve risk being left behind. You can look at it as en self repelling stairs that you walk in the opposite direktion. Self-drive isn’t just a desirable trait; it’s a necessity for survival in an industry where stagnation leads to obsolescence. However, if you can align your growth with the goals of your company, it’s a win-win.

Fostering a Long-Term Mindset

When you consider yourself part of the company, you start thinking about long-term strategies and solutions. You’re not just looking for quick fixes; you want to contribute to the lasting success of the organization.

Where has the drive gone?

I think there are several factors that seems to contribute to the apparent lack of drive and loyalty in the new generation of IT professionals:

Instant gratification culture

Today, instant gratification is the norm. Not just in IT but in the society at large. When people are accustomed to having answers at their fingertips, there’s less incentive to dig deeper or spend time mastering a concept. Why spend hours in a terminal when you can just Google or ChatGPT the answer?

Overreliance on tools

Automation and tools like Kubernetes, Terraform, and cloud-native services have abstracted many complexities, making it easy to become detached from the underlying infrastructure and processes. While these tools are powerful and necessary, they can lull professionals into a false sense of competency.

How IT can rediscover its drive and commitment

If the IT professionals is to keep up with the rapid changes in technology and the growing threats, it is vital to reignite not only the selfdrive but also the sense of commitment and belonging to the company. Here are my take on how to take it:

Cultivate a learning and ownership mindset

Emphasize continuous learning and personal ownership as key components of any IT professionals career. When employees feel a sense of responsibility not just for their tasks but for the companys success, they perform better. Encourage mentorship programs where seasoned professionals pass on not only technical knowledge but also the value of loyalty and ownership.

Encourage deepdives and long term projects

Teach newcomers that there’s more to IT than just getting something to work. Mastery comes in understanding how and why it works. Encourage them to invest time in long-term projects that not only develop their skills but also benefit the company.

Redefine education and company culture

Companies need to rethink how they teach and foster a sense of belonging. Moving beyond certifications and short-term incentives, organizations should focus on building a company culture where employees feel valued and invested in the long term success of the business.

The future of IT depends on self drive and loyalty

To me it feels like the IT industry is one of the most exciting and fast-paced fields in the world, but it requires a particular kind of mindset to thrive. As automation continues to handle the rote tasks, what will set professionals apart is their depth of understanding, creativity, and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Companies grow more reliant on long term stability, commitment to the organization is as crucial as individual success.

It’s time to ask ourselves: are we nurturing a culture of innovators and loyal team members, or are we becoming complacent? If the new IT community wants to keep up, it needs to rediscover both its drive and its sense of belonging, and leaders have a vital role in making that happen.