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I think this is an insightful post that is equally applicable to people in their 20s (such as myself). I've been asking myself the same question of what do I w

by canistr 14y ago

I think this is an insightful post that is equally applicable to people in their 20s (such as myself). I've been asking myself the same question of what do I want to do in the next couple of years of post-graduation. But I'm at odds with myself over the prospect of maintaining a steady lifestyle and income by seeking well-paying jobs in the tech industry, jumping head-first into the startup world, or just chasing down other lifelong dreams that have nothing to do with the world of tech or engineering. Ultimately, it's a matter of what job gives you those three benefits (mastery, autonomy, and purpose as the article points out). Will working at Google after graduation satisfy that point? I'm not sure. Will doing a startup? I can't say as I haven't done one. Will working in some other industry do that? I struggle to figure out what to do with the next couple of years of my life. So I'm keen to listen to what folks have to say about what they plan to do in the long-term (15-30 years out), as well as the short-to-middle term (6 months, 2 years, 5 years, etc).

kingycd 14y ago
I totally agree with you, as I am in the same situation. I am however slightly ahead of you in the process (end of 20s). Right after graduation I chose the first option you said ("maintaining a steady lifestyle and income by seeking well-paying jobs in the tech industry"), but beside getting better at programming (mastery) the latter two benefits (autonomy and purpose) are not fulfilled. So I quit my job just two months ago with no immediate plans, hoping to enter the startup world, or pursue other dreams outside programming. I am as clueless as you are at this point, but one thing I can tell you is that seeking a well-paying job to begin with post-graduation is not all bad. You are young and you have time, and money in the bank helps A LOT when you are in my shoes. Having to worry about your account/juggle part-time jobs/living with your parents is no fun. On the other hand, I would also like to hear what people ahead of me have to say as well. Should joining a startup be the first thing to do post-graduation? What did you do when you were not quite sure where your purpose was?

by canistr 14y ago

kingycd 14y ago

I totally agree with you, as I am in the same situation. I am however slightly ahead of you in the process (end of 20s). Right after graduation I chose the first option you said ("maintaining a steady lifestyle and income by seeking well-paying jobs in the tech industry"), but beside getting better at programming (mastery) the latter two benefits (autonomy and purpose) are not fulfilled. So I quit my job just two months ago with no immediate plans, hoping to enter the startup world, or pursue other dreams outside programming. I am as clueless as you are at this point, but one thing I can tell you is that seeking a well-paying job to begin with post-graduation is not all bad. You are young and you have time, and money in the bank helps A LOT when you are in my shoes. Having to worry about your account/juggle part-time jobs/living with your parents is no fun. On the other hand, I would also like to hear what people ahead of me have to say as well. Should joining a startup be the first thing to do post-graduation? What did you do when you were not quite sure where your purpose was?