[slimshady94]

I feel like the interviewing grind has become akin to gymming - you go to your mental gym, build up your 'muscles' by doing pointless repetitive tasks AKA algorithms you'd never use in real life (probably like how bodybuilders would never need to deadlift 125kgs in their daily life). It doesn't directly help you do your job but you know bodybuilders have higher than average fitness levels. So in the same manner, devs grinding leetcode probably have higher 'fitness' levels than devs who don't.

[SomewhatLikely]

I'm uncomfortable with the fact that you can study for a non-entry level interview . In fact, you're very likely to do better on an interview if you haven't been working recently, but have been grinding leetcode questions. It's unlikely this situation reflects the employer's actual preferences.

[jammygit]

I can spend my time learning a new skill or technology, or I can do quizzes on algorithms I will never use. Since I'd like to work for myself in 5-6 years, I resent the time I waste on quizzes.

Another analogy is jiu-jitsu: grapplers can train strength and endurance by going to the gym, but many do not. Just working on useful technique also doubles as a workout that improves endurance - for a large number of athletes, this is preferred to a gym that targets muscles in unrealistic ways and has no skill-gaining benefits.

[MRD85]

Professional competitors in the majority of physically demanding sports supplement their training with gym work. Tennis, cycling, golf, etc all do. Targetting muscles in gyms have all sorts of benefits. If you are an amateur who competes for fun then you probably don't but if your paycheck is determined by performance than it's likely you're in the gym.

[yalnix16]

I grinded a significant portion of my time on leetcode. I would rather have worked on programming projects during this time.