Hacker News Reader

Comment by burtonator | Hacker News Reader

> How can a company go from closing almost all their stores, to reversing that decision in a week. How was that initial decision made in the first place?

... and did he even think of the people working there?

What about the MASSIVE investment they've made in that space?

So you're an employee working at these locations and you're comfortable with your job security? I don't think so!

View on HN

Elon has never cared about his employees. Not ever.

Here's my take: He has committed himself to a goal that he views as essential to the survival of humanity. Thus in his zealousness, he will sacrifice anything, especially actual humans, to accomplish his "goal".

There was a time when I believed in his goal, but I've long since seen that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. He's happy to let Tesla factory workers injure and overwork themselves without fair representation. He views working at Tesla as analogous to "being in the special forces" (translation: sacrifice your life without fair compensation, then get thrown away when it suits him).

The inability of Tesla to remove Musk from power merely confirms the obvious fact that he stacked the board with yes-men. I have nothing but disgust for the army of Tesla fanboys who claim any valid criticism is really just FUD spread by shorts.

[/rant]

> Thus in his zealousness, he will sacrifice anything, especially actual humans, to accomplish his "goal".

A bit hyperbolic, though the fact remains that he should consider strongly handing off the reins to a capable and trusted lieutenant (take a look at SpaceX - probably closer to his heart but run competently by Shotwell).

I understand he made a possibly illegal tweet to show off to his girlfriend, about and whilst on drugs, to the detriment of his company and his interests in it.

That doesn't exactly smack of "sacrifice anything" - although you could modify your theory to some kind of cult leader-type complex, willing to sacrifice anyone else to the cause whilst having a good time themselves and it might fit quite well.

>he made a possibly illegal tweet to show off to his girlfriend, about and whilst on drugs

citation? what are you referring to here?

The $420/share financing tweet that spurred the SEC sanctions.

what suggests he was on drugs?

From his performance on Joe Rogan's podcast, it seems he doesn't really even know how to smoke marijuana.

From his performance on Pewdiepie meme review with Justin Royland is quite the memestar.

Shades of John Delorean?

>Here's my take: He has committed himself to a goal that he views as essential to the survival of humanity.

How about: he has committed himself to his ego, and his image as modern day industrialist/playboy Tony Stark?

Yes, I agree. But you must remember the ego always masks its actions as part of some higher purpose.

So, from _his ego's perspective_, what he is doing is for the salvation of humanity. And thus any sacrifice is warranted.

> to a goal that he views as essential to the survival of humanity

Can we have a take that doesn't start with "Elon is the messiah"?

If Elon views himself as the messiah, then that is the right way to analyze his motivations. You don't have to agree that he is or can be the messiah to use it as a tool for understanding his behavior.

> _that he views_

Isn't it obvious that I don't share his way of thinking? (At least anymore)

I suspect employees also have the option of not working there if so inclined.

Elon's goals are fairly well publicised.

If you do not agree with them you're not being forced to work or continue working there.

I for one whole heartedly support his approach to change....if not for Musk then who? I suspect it wouldn't be hard to make the case that if not for Tesla the electric car space would be years behind where it is today.

Tesla is making a huge gamble reinventing how cars are made. It's a risky, experimental, turbulent, uncertain, difficult endeavor. There's no way any Tesla employee should have ever expected job security.

If you want job security, work for a more traditional company that makes money doing something a little more mundane.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com