Career advice from a failure.
1. Do not choose salary increase/brand over growth. I was on the way to Senior Staff in Qualcomm, but left for Microsoft slightly higher salary but at a lower position of Engineer 2(62). The team I joined was dead and full of old timers with no growth opportunities. Wasted a decade there. 2. Do not waste your time. I’m in my 40s now. Time really is precious, especially the young years when fewer things demand your time. Either grow in your career or study. Put in the effort to better yourself. 3. If you want kids, have them early so that you are more free in your peak performing years. If you decide to have kids late then use early years wisely in studying, enjoying life and growth. 4. Invest time in health and relationships - especially 2 or 3 good friends. 5. Choose your partner very carefully, sex gets humdrum even with the hottest partner. What you will have for a lifetime is a human being. If your partner is a poor personality, you will suffer long - long terrible life. 6. Buy at least one home early on and invest regularly in Index funds. This has been my one saving grace that is keeping my sanity alive. US laws are pro home ownership. Good tax benefits and by the way the population and economy is going, renters will be at a disadvantage. I failed in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 but had decent success in 6. I am now trying to rebuild myself, but it is very difficult with a toddler and difficult spouse. TC: 325,000 YOE: 20 NW: 1M
While it may look like things are rough for you now, you seem to have a lot of wisdom. That toddler of yours will likely be very lucky to have you and be successful with your guidance.
Doing #6 is key. Buy anything, small starter, condo, whatever. Once you have a wife, kids, need to worry about schools, etc., it gets a lot harder to find something to buy.
US laws are pro home ownership. Good tax benefits and by the way the population and economy is going, renters will be at a disadvantage.
House hacking was the best financial decision I've ever made. I bought a duplex when real estate was still inexpensive, lived in one unit and rented out the other.
How do you like your role in Apple? Do you think it is an old company like Microsoft.
I like it. The managers are tough but the discipline has been good for me. It is invigorating to work with high performers. The manager is brutally honest about my flaws but encouraging when she sees improvements. I will stay here for a few years to better myself then see if I can move for promotion.
#1 but what if currently you are in a service based company and want to move to a product based company - that's money + learning growth right?
Focus on growth. If growth comes with money - awesome.
Why do u think number 5 is crucial. Are you fine with a sexless marriage and a partner with better personality?
Wise! Wish someone shared or provided such information when I was younger.
One of the most quality post in blind. Thanks for sharing
Ok I did these mistakes already. Can we talk about how you are rebuilding?
Accept that I have been wrong. Let go of ego and start learning from team and managers even if they are younger than me. Find a good source for inner growth - Socrates, Plato, Zino, Gita, or whatever appeals to you. There is no shortcut- build strong foundation. Example: For me: 1. Time distribution daily to catch up on emails, slack and bugs 2. Study C++ and algorithms practice daily on Leetcode 3. Study Python, Data Science and math behind AI 4. Get up early at 6. 5. Reduce masturbation. 6. Don’t buy into stupid ideas like a. all people are evil b. Everyone is out to get me c. Only assholes succeed 7. There is a lot of good in the world
I'll add a few more as I am on similar journey 1) Be courageous, personally and professionally 2) Don't take things personally. 3) Go back to basics. Curiosity and selective blindness towards "what will others think" helped me be successful so far. "I know everything" and "my failure will make me look bad in front of my peers/partner" are the some of the reasons of not taking risks and consequent, career slowdown 4) it is okay to be unreasonable with unreasonable people. 5) Play for long term. Have mindset of a tortoise not of a hare. 6) you won't get everything. You need to prioritize. I am with you on health and relationship 7) Have trust in karma. Hard work with courage and right intention never go waste.
Appreciate your advice. What do you recommend about buying homes to someone who plans to FIRE and live in Europe? Do you still suggest to buy a home or just keep renting?
Yes, strictly from investment point of view, real estate is favoured by the government. If you are disciplined, invest regularly in index, otherwise buying your primary residence kind of forces you to build your savings and profits from selling are not taxed up to $500k
I’m in the similar situation and similar age