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Are you asking because you are looking for answers? Either way, yes.
No, that's not my question. It's only the title of this text. ;)
I have a problem with this: I'm extremely curious and I wind up going down long paths to find the ultimate solution to problems, when I could have just asked someone about it. I do it because I learn + remember better, and because the "How" is important to me. My problem is that wanting to know the "How" is often at odds with getting stuff done very quickly, and that being someone who gets stuff done quickly often becomes your personal brand - something that you are known for. So tradeoffs between the two aren't encouraged in the workplace- it's often one or another.

Thoughts?

Sometimes it's worth asking because researching it yourself brings little value compared to a honest exchange with a knowledgeable person. This exchange is a two-way process and a worthwhile path to travel along in itself, to which asking is only the entry point. Core to the hacker ethos and at the heart of the Internet, Unix, open-source and free software is that exchanging ideas increments both persons knowledge. The key lies in the way and the intent with which you ask: don't ask to receive, but ask to build yourself.

(I can't seem to write something about the workplace without getting personal and it wouldn't be wise currently)

cool story, bro