Tech moves fast and is ever evolving. But career worries remain constant and can weigh heavily. In this second Skip podcast, Nikhyl Singhal highlights what he calls “career frequently asked questions”: common concerns people share with him, and how you might approach these concerns to reach the best results for your own professional life. Building a career framework is important, but assessing the complexities branching off of it is vital as well. And he’s hoping you will keep the questions coming! 

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Full Show Notes:

• [0:00] Welcome to The Skip!
• [1:00] The concept of “the double jump”
• [1:30] “If you look through most people's LinkedIn, you'll see there are multiple paragraphs because it'll be “I started in this role and then I went to the second role” and sometimes it's because things weren't working out, but most of the time it's because the company was growing and there was a new need. Companies aren't static, and in fact, if they are, that's probably not the best company to join.”
• [5:30] “Boring” jobs and the perception of long-tenure VS. short-tenure for a hiring manager
• [9:00] “Boring roles can be very career additive.”
• [10:00] “I'm more agnostic to the type of company I'm going to work for in terms of the product, and I'm more trying to make sure that the work I do is career additive, the culture, the people, the values, the speed in which I've seen… that matters a lot.”
• [15:30] How much time should you dedicate to personal professional development?
• [16:30] Sometimes, the best value an opportunity will bring you is the people that it connects you with
• [21:30] Nikhyl’s first startup experience
• [24:30] The size of the company can often dictate your ability to grow and develop professionally
• [25:30] Review and conclusion:
• Consider the double-jump, because the best roles aren’t often available to outsiders.
• Long tenures at your current company can be good to ensure that you are showing grit and learning.
• Boring is not a bug, it might be the most career additive.
• Your professional life should be more than your day job (lower pace might be smart).
• Meet the people you work with and stay in touch with them.
• Consider the talent band and ensure you are intentional about where you fit.

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The Skip podcast helps tech professionals get ahead in their career. It’s hosted by Nikhyl Singhal, a successful founder, head of product, and executive. He coaches more than 100 executives, managers, and rising stars navigate important career decisions, management challenges, and personal crossroads to maximize their happiness and professional life.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theskip.substack.com