If only I had known...
summary
Concrete career moves and measurable heuristics matter: set three to five years goals and break them into tiny SMART steps, prioritize building skills and a network before chasing pay, and be wary of the “switch every 18 months” pay-bump tradeoff. Check tenure on LinkedIn—if nobody lasts five years, run—and follow the money to learn why your code exists. Track energy to avoid burnout (one example: five months out and antidepressants), cultivate core skills, and keep a non-screen hobby like building guitars.
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chapters (23)
- 0:00Introduction
- 1:10Why this talk matters
- 2:57Industry challenges
- 4:00Career advice
- 8:18Impostor syndrome
- 10:46Mentors and reflection
- 12:09Passion in career
- 14:17Employer vs personal goals
- 16:02Avoiding burnout
- 18:11Burnout experience
- 21:27Mental health awareness
- 21:47Rethinking compensation
- 24:20Skills over salary
- 25:44Professional growth
- 27:51Company culture
- 28:35Career setbacks
- 30:01Needs vs wants
- 31:51Business impact
- 34:01Tech vs role understanding
- 35:27Focus on the 'why'
- 36:50Core skills matter
- 38:36Helping others grow
- 40:24Enjoy the journey
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