The Myth of Obsession and the Privilege of "Extra Time": Rethinking Career Advancement in Tech
Ever heard "obsess over your career to get ahead"? Well, I've got some real talk about why this isn't for everyone. 🤔 🎯 Obsession over passion? Not sustainable. 💼 Extra time for skill-building? That's a privilege, y'all.
We've all heard the advice: dedicate your nights and weekends to learning new skills, obsess over a particular technology, and assume nothing until the offer letter is signed. While this advice may work for some, it's essential to question its practicality and inclusivity. In full transparency (member-only perk ðŸ¤), this is my still ever-dissenting response to a recent article I read here while perusing resources for my mentees.
The Unhealthy Emphasis on Obsession
It's often said that to excel in your career, you should become "obsessed" with your field or a particular skill set. While passion is undoubtedly important, the idea of obsession creates an unhealthy mindset. It makes work the focal point of existence, which isn't sustainable long-term or during volatile economic times. It's possible to be deeply engaged in your job while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Work should not be your entire life; you're more than your job title.
The Privilege of "Extra Time"
The idea that everyone should dedicate their free time to career development is steeped in privilege. Not everyone has the luxury of extra time, especially when you consider the demands of family, second jobs, or caregiving responsibilities. This advice indirectly opposes the push for more diversity in tech. If we want an inclusive environment that welcomes people from all walks of life, we must acknowledge the limitations that many people face.
Alternatives to Obsession and Overwork
Skill Integration: Instead of learning entirely new skills in your free time, find ways to integrate learning into your current job where possible.
Work-Life Balance: Prioritize tasks effectively, maintain boundaries, and know when to unplug. A balanced life helps in long-term career sustainability.
Community Involvement: Networking doesn't have to be about 'what you know.' Sometimes, 'who you know' can open doors, and this doesn't require coding till 3 AM.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on doing your job well rather than spreading yourself thin by trying to learn every new technology that emerges. Specialization has its merits.
The Reality of Job Offers
While it's true you shouldn't count your chickens before they hatch, adopting a highly skeptical approach to job offers can also be mentally exhausting. It's okay to be cautiously optimistic. And remember, interviews are not just for the company to evaluate you but also for you to evaluate the company.
Conclusion
The path to career advancement in tech—or any field—shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. The focus should be on creating a more flexible, sustainable, and inclusive approach to professional growth. We must rethink the grind culture that currently pervades the tech industry, as it does more harm than good in the long run.