15 Years of Tech Career Advice in 12 Minutes

Summary

In this reflective video, the speaker celebrates 15 years in the tech industry and shares crucial advice for their younger self. They stress the importance of valuing money and enhancing earning potential through skills, location, and leverage. The speaker recommends targeting top-tier tech companies like FAANG, emphasizing the need for technical expertise and soft skills for career progression. They also advise against company loyalty, suggesting job changes every 3-5 years to maximize earnings and experiences. Lastly, they remind viewers to enjoy life's journey, document their experiences, and prioritize health and relationships.

Takeaways

• 💼 The importance of valuing money and increasing earning capacity early in one's career.
• 🛠️ Developing a practical skill set is crucial for securing a good job, and it's not just about the degree earned from university.
• 🌍 Location plays a significant role in earning potential, with larger tech markets offering higher rewards for the same skills.
• 🔧 The concept of leverage is vital for increasing earning capacity but is more complex and requires further exploration.
• 🎯 Targeting top-tier tech companies (FANG) can provide significant career advantages, including higher pay and opportunities to work with talented individuals.
• 📚 Prioritizing technical skills and solving a large number of LeetCode problems can greatly improve one's chances of landing a job at top tech firms.
• 💡 The early years of a career are a unique time to focus on skill development without the constraints of family and other commitments.
• 🔑 Soft skills such as communication, presentation, project management, and understanding business context are essential for career progression.
• 🔄 Job-hopping every 3 to 5 years can increase earning potential and provide fresh perspectives and experiences.
• 🚫 Avoiding long-term loyalty to one company, as it may limit career growth and expose one to risks during layoffs.
• 🎉 Balancing career development with enjoying life, making memories, and maintaining personal well-being is vital for a fulfilling life journey.

Q & A

What is the speaker celebrating in June of this year?

The speaker is celebrating the 15th year anniversary of being in a Tech Career.

What is the first piece of advice the speaker would give to their 22-year-old self?

The first piece of advice is that money is very important in life and to try to increase one's earning capacity.

According to the speaker, what are the three factors that determine earning capacity?

The three factors are skill set, location, and leverage.

What does the speaker suggest as the initial step in increasing earning capacity?

The initial step is to acquire a skill set that is in demand and can command a good salary.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of moving to a location with a good job market?

Moving to a location with a good job market can significantly increase the amount of money one can make for the same skill set.

What is the speaker's view on working in 'Fang' companies?

The speaker believes that working in 'Fang' companies is very beneficial due to the high salaries, the opportunity to work with talented individuals, and the prestige it adds to one's resume.

What is the speaker's suggestion for the number of coding questions one should aim to solve to improve their chances of getting into 'Fang' companies?

The speaker suggests solving around 1,000 coding questions to become very strong in the field and improve the chances of landing a job in 'Fang' companies.

Why does the speaker advise against staying in one company for too long?

Staying in one company for too long can decrease one's ability to earn more and limit exposure to different work environments and experiences.

What is the recommended duration to stay in a company according to the speaker?

The speaker recommends staying in a company for between 3 to 5 years.

What is the final piece of advice the speaker gives to their younger self regarding life and work?

The final advice is to have fun along the journey, enjoy life, document experiences, and prioritize health and time with loved ones.