10+ Years of Coding and I Learnt This !
Some 'non-technical' tips for you all from my 10 Years of Coding Experience
I want to share with you five important lessons I've learned throughout my eight-year journey in software development. These lessons may not seem obvious when you're in college or trying to break into the tech industry, but they have profoundly impacted my perspective on life and career choices. Let’s delve into each lesson.
1. Zer0-Sum-Game and Abundance Mindset
One crucial lesson I've learned is to adopt an abundance mindset rather than succumb to a zero-sum game mentality. To illustrate this, I'll share a story I once heard about crab sellers. The story describes how Indian crabs, unlike Russian and Chinese crabs, don't escape from an open bucket. Instead, they pull each other down. This metaphor reflects a common attitude among Indians—an inclination to view life as a zero-sum game, where someone else's success diminishes our own opportunities.
However, embracing an abundance mindset opens up a world of possibilities. Instead of feeling threatened by someone else's success, we can celebrate and learn from them. By supporting others and fostering a collaborative environment, we create more value collectively.
2. Be the Dumbest Person in the Room
Contrary to the common desire to be the smartest person in the room, I've learned that it's more beneficial to be the dumbest. By surrounding ourselves with individuals who are more knowledgeable or experienced, we open ourselves up to incredible opportunities for growth. This lesson applies to both personal and professional settings.
3. Tech Over Brick and Mortar
When deciding between a career in the tech industry or a brick-and-mortar profession, I've come to realize that choosing tech, even if it initially pays less, can offer greater long-term benefits.
By staying in the ever-changing field of technology, we position ourselves to adapt to disruptive advancements like AI. While brick-and-mortar businesses may provide immediate financial rewards, the rapid evolution of technology often leads to greater opportunities and personal growth.
4. The Phoenix Analogy
The Phoenix analogy is something that resonates closely with me and is quite common in the tech industry. It draws inspiration from the mythological bird, the Phoenix, which periodically burns itself down to ashes and then rises anew to build a better future. This analogy reflects my experiences in the tech field, particularly during significant transitions.
The first instance was when I landed my first job as an unemployed college student, earning a substantial salary. It felt like I had burned down the old and embarked on a new phase of life. Another pivotal moment came when I started consulting and realized the potential for higher income. It made me question why I had settled for less before.
Most recently, I felt a strong conviction to explore low latency systems and decided to pursue a new phase in my career. These moments, where it feels like a fresh start, occur rapidly in the tech industry. While the field can induce anxiety, especially when comparing oneself to others, it's important to persevere and embrace the transformative opportunities that await. By hustling and staying committed, these moments of reinvention will come, leading to a sense of fulfillment and growth.
5. Tech is Anxiety inducing ?
Check out the video to know about this point and my-Solutions to tackle this!