HS051: Things I Wish I’d Known Back When

Oft-asked question that doesn’t have a right answer. We discuss non-conventional answers that career coaches or self-help twaddle won’t give you. NOTE: this was one of the first shows we recorded. You may notice that the discussion between Johna and Greg shows how we are changing over the last two years.

We discuss several important aspects of the technology industry and career choices. We emphasizes the need to stay updated with industry trends and not solely focus on specific tasks. highlight the importance of understanding the business value of technology and effectively pitching ideas to managers, emphasizing emotional intelligence. Greg advises against being loyal to one employer and encourages quitting jobs more often to seek better opportunities while Johna also emphasizes the value of diverse job history and the importance of explaining career choices. Lastly, Greg emphasizes the need for flexibility, non-attachment to work, and finding a balance between work and personal life.

Quote Pulls

Greg, 00:07:19, “I wish I had quit more often.”

Greg, 00:12:33, “Be aware that you are worth more than you think and you’re certainly worth more than an executive who has no skills other than to sign bits of paper and to take responsibility for some things.”

Greg, 00:21:36, “Just relax, it’s just a job.”

Sections:

Track the industry, not just the task [00:01:56]
Importance of staying updated with industry trends and shifts to avoid being stuck in a dead-end job.

Translate technology into business value [00:04:43]
Emphasizing the need to present technology solutions in terms of their benefits to the users and the company.

Quit more often [00:07:19]
Encouragement to change jobs more frequently to increase financial security, gain better choices, and understand that companies prioritize their own interests.

The importance of effective pitching [00:09:54]
The speaker shares a personal experience about the importance of showing rather than telling when pitching a project or idea.

Recognizing your worth in the technology industry [00:11:37]
The speaker discusses how technology workers often undervalue themselves and emphasizes the unique skills and value they bring to their employers.

Avoiding being rude or offensive in the workplace [00:14:31]
The speaker advises against being rude or offensive in the workplace, highlighting the negative impact it can have on relationships and professional growth.

Architecture is not everything [00:18:17]
Speaker discusses the importance of not getting emotionally attached to the architecture and being willing to adapt to what the client wants.

Value of architecture in the workplace [00:19:07]
Speaker emphasizes the importance of working in a place that understands and values the architecture and suggests leaving if it is not the case.

Graciousness under criticism [00:20:41]
Speaker advises being gracious in the face of criticism and not letting it affect one’s well-being, as it is just a job.