7 Lies That Keep Software Engineers BROKE

Summary

In this video, the speaker debunks seven common lies that keep software engineers from achieving success and wealth. Drawing from personal experience, they emphasize the importance of adaptability over mastering a specific tech stack, the futility of cold DMs, and the misguided belief in instant success through social media. The speaker shares practical insights on job interviews, indie hacking, and how prestige and connections matter more than talent. Ultimately, they argue that life-changing opportunities often arise from unexpected places and stress the need for persistence, real value creation, and patience in building a successful career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mastering a single tech stack doesn't guarantee success—adaptability and problem-solving skills are key.
• 😀 Cold messaging on social media is no longer an effective job strategy; building real relationships through in-person networking is more valuable.
• 😀 Quick motivational videos are not a shortcut to success—real change comes through commitment and perseverance.
• 😀 Job interviews are a skill that requires practice—don't just focus on technical knowledge, but also on your ability to handle interviews.
• 😀 Indie hacking is not a guaranteed way to get rich; focus on building an audience first, as distribution is more important than coding perfection.
• 😀 Talent, hard work, and skill alone won't guarantee success—attitude and networking are equally important in the tech industry.
• 😀 The game is rigged—prestige, connections, and brand names often matter more than skill, so focus on building your network.
• 😀 The golden era of big tech companies making life-changing money is over—consider looking for opportunities in startups or less obvious places.
• 😀 Don't chase a prestigious job title—focus on creating real value in the software engineering field, which will lead to long-term success.
• 😀 Building a career takes time and patience—success rarely comes overnight, and sometimes you have to play the long game before opportunities find you.

Q & A

What is the main lesson the speaker wants software engineers to learn from their journey?

The speaker emphasizes that being adaptable, focusing on problem-solving, and building strong relationships are more important than mastering specific programming languages or following trends in tech stacks.

Why does the speaker believe that mastering a single programming language or tech stack is not the key to success?

The speaker uses the analogy of a chef like Gordon Ramsay, who adapts to various cuisines. Similarly, software engineers need to be adaptable and focused on solving problems, rather than simply mastering one tech stack.

How does social media influence the way people approach their careers, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that social media is filled with 'insporation' that promotes unproductive habits like cold DMs and following the latest trends. These tactics often lead to noise and do not help software engineers stand out or succeed.

What is the speaker’s view on the effectiveness of cold DMing as a job strategy?

Cold DMing has become ineffective because it is overused. The speaker recommends networking in real life instead, as genuine relationships are built through in-person interactions.

Why does the speaker suggest that success is not based on following others' paths?

The speaker explains that success is unique to each individual, with different backgrounds and challenges. While others' experiences can inspire, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving success.

What advice does the speaker give to people preparing for job interviews?

The speaker suggests treating job interviews as a skill to be practiced. They recommend interviewing at places you're less excited about to build confidence, and if aiming for big tech, asking for a mock interview after passing initial stages.

What does the speaker reveal about the reality of indie hacking success?

The speaker highlights that only a small percentage (2%) of indie hackers make more than $10,000 per month. They stress that success in indie hacking often comes from building an audience first, rather than focusing solely on coding.

How does the speaker challenge the notion that talent and hard work are the primary factors for success?

The speaker shares an experience hiring from prestigious universities like Harvard, where the real difference was attitude. The speaker argues that brand names and networking connections often matter more than raw talent or hard work.

What is the speaker’s perspective on working for big tech companies like Google or Amazon?

While the speaker acknowledges the appeal of working for big tech, they caution that the golden era of making life-changing money in big tech is over. They suggest that chasing prestige in big tech may not lead to true wealth, and that opportunities can arise from unexpected places.

What final message does the speaker give to software engineers looking to build wealth?

The speaker advises that building wealth doesn't require chasing big tech companies or prestigious brands. Instead, engineers should focus on creating real value, networking, and staying patient in their careers.