It’s Actually Pretty Easy To Get Ahead of 99% of Software Engineers

Summary

In this video, Bago shares a simple yet effective strategy for software engineers to outpace 99% of their peers. By dedicating just 30 minutes a day to creating solutions to real-life problems, one can significantly advance their career. Bago's personal journey from a six-figure job to running a successful consulting firm underscores the power of daily creation and the principle of compounding interest in skill development.

Takeaways

• 🕒 **Commitment to Daily Learning**: Invest just 30 minutes a day in learning to drastically improve your skills and get ahead.
• 🚀 **Differentiate Yourself**: Stand out by doing what most are unwilling to do, which is to go beyond the minimum requirements.
• 💼 **Early Career Success**: The speaker landed a six-figure job during university by being proactive and differentiating himself.
• 🌟 **Leverage Your Time**: Use spare time effectively instead of wasting it on non-productive activities like social media.
• 💡 **Create Solutions**: Spend your dedicated time creating solutions to real problems, which can set you apart in the job market.
• 📈 **Compounding Effect**: Understand the power of compounding interest in personal growth, similar to how Albert Einstein described it.
• 🛠️ **Practical Application**: Apply your learnings by creating practical solutions that can be showcased in interviews or on your portfolio.
• 💼 **Entrepreneurial Mindset**: Transition to entrepreneurship as a natural progression to gain an advantage over others in the field.
• 🌱 **Consistent Growth**: Consistency in daily creation and learning is key to leveling up and tackling bigger problems over time.
• 📚 **Lifelong Learning**: Continue learning and creating as you progress in your career to maintain a competitive edge.

Q & A

What is the main message the video aims to convey?

The main message is that by dedicating just 30 minutes a day to learning or creating solutions, one can significantly outperform 99% of software engineers.

Who is Bago and what is his background?

Bago is an entrepreneur who landed a six-figure software engineering job during his junior year of university and now owns a B2B consulting firm generating 7 figures in annual recurring revenue.

What does Bago suggest as the core concept to differentiate oneself from the majority of software engineers?

Bago suggests that the core concept is to do what the majority are not willing to do, which involves going beyond the bare minimum and investing time in personal growth and skill development.

How does Bago describe the typical routine of most people in the software engineering field?

Bago describes the typical routine as attending daily standups, pushing code, and then wasting time on social media or watching TV instead of focusing on personal growth and skill development.

What is the analogy Bago uses to illustrate how easy it is to get ahead in the software engineering field?

Bago uses the analogy of a state-of-the-art gym available 24/7 that only one person uses, while others waste their time, to show how easy it is to get ahead by taking advantage of available resources for growth.

What does Bago quote Albert Einstein as saying about compound interest?

Bago quotes Einstein as saying that compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world, emphasizing the power of consistent, small efforts over time.

What specific action did Bago take to stand out from other software engineers during his job applications?

Bago spent 30 minutes a day creating solutions to his own problems, such as sending personalized Loom videos and creating a business card with a QR code linking to his website.

How did Bago's approach to problem-solving help him secure a six-figure job while still in university?

By spending 30 minutes daily creating solutions to problems, Bago was able to present hypothetical solutions or minimum viable products during interviews, which helped him stand out and secure a high-paying job.

What did Bago realize was the next step to truly gain an advantage over other software engineers?

Bago realized that the entrepreneurial route was the next step to gain an advantage, as it was something that most software engineers were not consistently pursuing.

What advice does Bago give for using software engineering skills to become a business owner?

Bago advises dedicating 30 minutes a day to creation, specifically creating solutions to problems, which can lead to business opportunities and growth as one's skills and understanding deepen.

What is the one thing Bago wants viewers to take away from the video?

The one thing Bago wants viewers to take away is to dedicate 30 minutes a day to creation, focusing on solving problems, which can lead to significant rewards over time.