Career with swyx // Metamuse podcast episode 53

• https://www.swyx.io/create-luck/Think... See more

16:45 - Intro to Shawn's book “The Coding Career Handbook.” Definition of Career by Mark McGranaghan: “The course and consequences of your professional endeavors.” And that it is more non-linear than in the past. Definition of Career by Shawn Wang: “Career is the story that you retroactively tell after we do the things that we’ve done. It becomes a... See more

29:33 - Do the minimum to plug the "leaks in your game" (poker term). Because you won’t be a better player by only plugging leaks, you need to focus on your strengths.

8:05 - Building a public presence. Learning something. And then turning around and sharing that is learning in public. Essentially blogging got Shawn the job he has today… And also helped him transition from a front-end career to back-end. Became known for this essay: https://www.swyx.io/learn-in-public/

About Cal Newport's book, “So Good They Can’t Ignore You.” (Cal debunks the long-held belief that “follow your passion” is good advice.) Career capital is the accumulation of specialization and skills, as well as reputation, network, and people who know you and your work well. Kevin Kwok, a tech investor applies a compelling P/E ratio analogy to ca... See more

Career advise from July Evans: Write a “brag” document. It’s useful in negotiation, in annual review & promo conversations, and when you least expect it. Why: you can’t expect your manager to know everything you’ve done. Plus you need to combat your own human cognitive issues (memory, recency bias, self depreciation, etc). What to do: maintain ... See more

38:13 - A point about "intentionality" and "taking agency" in your career path. And how we can square that with the reality of randomness and luck. Expand your "luck surface area" • https://www.codusoperandi.com/posts/increasing-your-luck-surface-area

36:50 - It's critical to speak with people 5, 10 years ahead of you.

0:00 - People are drawn to you for your specific skillset that only you can fill. There’s a U-shaped hole in the universe. And you created that gravitational pull that people find you. And I think as far as careers go, the more unique you are, the more un-subsitutable you are, the better compensated you will be. And the more you enjoy your job.

Write about the most interesting problem in your domain. Problems are inherently more attractive than solutions. Inherently more timeless.