Why Developers Kiss Deadlines, Not Frogs

Originally a thread on X/Twitter:

1/6: It seems to be a trend that’s hit peak levels during the pandemic, but people in the #startup ecosystem are throwing themselves into their jobs to the detriment of everything else in their lives. It reminds me of a funny story.

2/6: One day, a startup developer was walking down a road when a frog crossed his path. The frog hopped around to get his attention. The developer stopped out of curiosity and was amazed when the frog spoke. “If you kiss me, I will turn into a beautiful princess.”

3/6: The developer picked up the frog and placed it in his pocket. The frog was confused and assumed the message wasn’t heard. So the frog went one step further. “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess and we can go out on the town and have fun together.”

4/6: The developer took the frog from his pocket, smiled at it, then put it back into his pocket. The frog had no idea what was happening and stepped it up again. “If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you forever!”

5/6: The developer took the frog from his pocket, smiled, and put it back. Finally, the frog cried, “What’s the matter? I told you that I’m a beautiful princess and if you kiss me we’ll go out on the town, have fun, and I’ll stay with you forever!”

6/6: The developer took the frog from his pocket and said, “Look, I’m a developer and have some serious deadlines to hit. I have no time for a girlfriend, but I have to admit a talking frog is cool!”