So, today I thought I'd write about some different kinds of work. It's just something that was on my mind this morning, and I thought I'd explore it here.
First, there is the kind of work that you just slog through. This includes things like mowing a lawn, or implementing simple code. It is often something you have done hundreds of times, and know you will do hundreds more. You just have to get it done, and your brain isn't entirely needed. It is fairly easy to estimate time required for this kind of work. Previous experience can reduce the time here, because you know the tricks to get things done more efficiently or more quickly, but it still takes time.
Then there is just hard physical labor. This is one I sometimes overlook (since I try to avoid it). It actually requires mental fortitude to force yourself to keep doing it, since your body doesn't like it. This is related to the first kind above, but different in that it is hard enough that you have to focus. After doing it for a while, things here can move into category one above, but until it becomes easier, it is... well, hard.
Next, there is the research kind of work. This takes mental focus, and can be exhausting and frustrating, because there are so many dead ends you will probably encounter on your path. In most cases, it requires an indeterminate amount of time. It could be the first thing you try that works, and then you move on... or it could be something that is un-implementable, and you have to learn enough about the subject matter in order to figure this out. Foreknowledge of the topic can reduce this time because your field of research is narrowed, but it can still be a big fat question mark as to how long it will take.
Finally related to research, but subtly different, is the thinking kind of work. This can be tricky, because it is generally involved when you create something entirely new. It involves understanding of the subject matter, but also deep thought about it. Sometimes, thinking about it, focusing hard, and trying to force results can make things worse. Sometimes, just percolating the idea while you shower (or while doing something from the first kind of work above), will allow your subconscious to mull it over, and the idea will just come to you. This is also nearly impossible to guess how much time it will take, but can also be the most rewarding kind of project. Things that truly advance humanity generally fall into this category.
To some extent, I think all of these are required in any serious profession, be it software engineering, medical doctor, CEO, or teacher.
