A career is a long series of decisions that usually make sense looking backward, not forward.
I'm mid-journey on mine, and I'm starting to understand the hasty decisions I made in my twenties. I didn't then. The benefit of hindsight I suppose.
I wanted to share 20 learnings I've made along the way in no specific order. They probably wouldn't have made sense to me in my twenties. I hope they'll make sense to you.
- Success is subjective, temporary, and only loosely coupled with happiness.
- Work is problem-solving. Only you can decide what problems are meaningful to solve.
- The perfect job doesn't exist. Don't search it.
- Truth is a moving target. What is true for you today may not be tomorrow. Don't overthink.
- Decisions reduce uncertainty. The more you decide, the more you know.
- Tasks are transactional. Jobs are relational.
- Questions matter more than answers.
- If you don't know where you want to go, begin with where you don't want to go.
- The people you work with will impact you more than the work itself. Choose the boring job with fun people over the fun job with boring people.
- Expectations lead to disappointment. Focus on what you can control: your decisions and your actions.
- Often, it's easier to believe that we're not in control.
- Flexibility doesn't come with responsibilities. It comes with uncertainty.
- Giving tends to be more gratifying than taking.
- Working hard is egotistical. Assume it.
- 10 years from now, the only people who will remember that you worked late nights are your family and friends.
- Wanting more is not a quality. It's a liability.
- Status is an illusion. It's up to you if you want to believe in it.
- Skills can be learned. Talent needs to be discovered.
- Companies are not families.
- Individuals are awesome. Groups are tricky. Organizations suck.
Alright, it's turning into a rant. I'll stop here.