The Most Important Career and Business Lessons I Learned in My 20s as a Software Engineer

🚀Promotions are often negotiated, so be proactive in stating your goals and holding your managers accountable for helping you achieve them.

🗣️Don't be afraid to ask for what you want in your career. Timing is crucial, so find the right moment to make your case for promotion or discuss your compensation.

🔍Selling products directly related to the buyer's profession can be challenging. Consider selling products to a different target audience to avoid being excessively scrutinized.

💵Insist on being paid appropriately for your work in the present. Delayed compensation, such as stock options, may not provide the desired financial stability.

🎥Challenge yourself to do things you initially believe you cannot do. Take risks and push past your comfort zone to discover new capabilities and opportunities.

How can I improve my chances of getting promoted at work?

—Clearly communicate your goals to your managers and hold them accountable for helping you achieve them. Keep track of your achievements and use them to make a case for promotion.

When should I ask for a raise or negotiate my compensation?

—Timing is crucial when asking for a raise or negotiating your compensation. Look for the right moment, and be prepared with evidence of your performance and achievements.

What are some strategies for successful product selling?

—Avoid selling products directly to buyers who are experts in the same field. Instead, target audiences outside their profession to find success in selling your products.

Is it better to receive immediate pay or opt for delayed compensation like stock options?

—Insist on being paid fairly in the present for your work. Delayed compensation, such as stock options, may not provide the financial stability you need in the short term.

How can I overcome self-doubt and challenge myself?

—Believe in your potential and challenge yourself to do things you initially believe you cannot do. Take risks and step out of your comfort zone to discover new capabilities and opportunities.

00:00Introduction to the video and the speaker's experience as a software engineer for 10 years.

00:38The importance of negotiating promotions and setting goals with managers. Keeping track of achievements is crucial in making a case for advancement.

02:56The speaker shares that most people get a raise only when switching companies and emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking better opportunities.

05:30The speaker discusses the challenges of selling products directly related to the buyer's profession and suggests targeting different audiences for successful sales.

06:56The speaker shares a personal story about compensation delays and advises insisting on being paid appropriately in the present rather than relying on future compensation.

07:52The speaker encourages viewers to challenge themselves and pursue things they believe they cannot do. Taking risks and pushing past comfort zones can lead to new opportunities.

08:40Closing remarks and call to action for viewers to share their own lessons and ask questions.