How To Stop Wasting Your Life (Avoid These 5 Mistakes)

Summary

In this reflective video, the speaker shares the biggest mistakes they made on their journey from high school graduation to securing a six-figure tech job. Key missteps include taking unnecessary time off after high school, failing to research the job market, assuming that a degree alone would be enough, and not pursuing IT certifications or early job opportunities sooner. Through humor and self-awareness, they highlight the importance of taking proactive steps in one's career, whether by acquiring relevant skills, gaining job experience, or networking. Ultimately, the speaker encourages others to avoid wasting time and to take charge of their future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't take too much time off after high school to 'figure things out.' Start taking action early, whether it's through community college, certifications, or job opportunities.
• 😀 Don't focus only on the 'what' you want (e.g., a six-figure salary). Understand the 'how' (the skills and expertise required) and 'why' (why those jobs pay that much).
• 😀 A degree alone is not enough. You need practical experience, certifications, and networking to stand out in the competitive job market.
• 😀 Make sure you're truly interested in your chosen field before committing to a long-term path. Don't just pick a major or career because it sounds appealing.
• 😀 Starting your career in IT doesn't require a degree or advanced skills—basic certifications like A+ can open doors to entry-level roles in tech.
• 😀 It's easy to get distracted by personal interests (like video games) and waste time, but real progress comes from putting in the effort to learn and gain experience.
• 😀 Don't assume that waiting for the perfect job or degree will make everything fall into place. The earlier you start working in the field, the better.
• 😀 Networking, building projects, and collecting certifications can give you an edge in the job market, even if you're not a perfect fit on paper.
• 😀 Stop wasting time thinking about what you want broadly; focus on actionable steps and career paths that match your current interests and skill set.
• 😀 Learn from your mistakes and failures—they're part of the process. The sooner you acknowledge and adapt from them, the faster you'll progress.

Q & A

What is the first mistake the speaker made after high school?

The speaker's first mistake was taking time off after high school to 'figure out' what they wanted to do, without actively working towards any concrete goals or career plans. They spent 18 months without serious thought or research about their future.

Why does the speaker consider taking time off as a mistake?

The speaker considers taking time off a mistake because instead of actively planning or pursuing opportunities, they wasted time without gaining any clarity about their career path. They also missed out on free educational opportunities, such as community college.

What is the significance of 'certifications' in the speaker's journey?

Certifications are emphasized as a key to gaining expertise and opening doors to job opportunities, particularly in tech fields. The speaker regrets not pursuing certifications earlier, as they could have helped them gain the necessary skills and qualifications.

What does the speaker learn from Simon Sinek's 'Golden Circle Theory'?

The speaker reflects that understanding the 'Golden Circle Theory' would have helped them focus on the 'how' and 'why' behind high-paying jobs, rather than just the 'what.' This approach would have guided them in acquiring the right expertise to succeed in the corporate world.

Why does the speaker regret choosing a computer science degree?

The speaker regrets pursuing a computer science degree because they did not truly understand what the job entailed. They were naive about the daily responsibilities of software engineers and the level of expertise required. Additionally, they did not engage deeply enough with the subject, leading to difficulties in their studies.

What was the mistake the speaker made in their college approach?

The speaker made the mistake of assuming that earning a degree was enough to land a high-paying job. They did not put in the necessary work to develop skills, build projects, or gain real-world experience that would have made them more competitive in the job market.

How did the speaker's approach to coding classes impact their career?

The speaker's lack of interest and engagement in their coding classes led to poor performance and a lack of foundational knowledge. This contributed to their eventual decision to quit their computer science degree twice, missing opportunities to build expertise in a critical field.

What lesson did the speaker learn about the importance of networking and extra effort during college?

The speaker learned that merely obtaining a degree without additional efforts like networking, studying outside the curriculum, or building relevant projects significantly reduced their chances of landing a good job. They emphasize the importance of going beyond the bare minimum to create a competitive resume.

What was the speaker's biggest mistake in terms of job search?

The biggest mistake was not pursuing IT jobs sooner. The speaker spent several years in blue-collar and retail work when they could have started in IT positions, gaining valuable experience earlier and building the expertise needed for a tech career.

What advice does the speaker give about career choices and preparation?

The speaker advises that individuals should not waste time and should start building relevant skills, gaining certifications, and pursuing job opportunities as soon as possible, rather than waiting for the 'perfect' career path to reveal itself. Proactive engagement is key to success.