Navigating the ups and downs of a career in technology can be challenging. Reflecting on my own experiences, there are three key pieces of advice that I wish someone had shared with me earlier: be egoist with your career, you are hired because of your technical skills, and you are fired because of your (lack of) human skills. Each of these points has shaped the way I approach my professional life, and I hope sharing them will help you avoid some of the pitfalls I encountered.

1. Be Egoist with Your Career

It might sound counter intuitive, but being egoist—focused on your own needs and goals—is crucial for long-term success. This doesn't mean being selfish or ignoring the needs of others, but rather making sure that you prioritize your own career development. Too often, we get caught up in meeting the expectations of others, whether it’s colleagues, bosses, or clients, at the expense of our own growth.

To thrive, you need to continuously seek out opportunities that align with your career goals, even if it means saying no to projects or roles that don’t fit your vision. Invest in learning new skills, building a network, and taking on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. Remember, no one will care about your career as much as you do, so take charge and make decisions that serve your best interests.

2. You Are Hired Because of Your Technical Skills

In the tech industry, your technical abilities are your ticket in the door. Whether you're a developer, engineer, or data scientist, your ability to solve complex problems, write clean code, and leverage technology to create solutions is what gets you hired. Employers are looking for experts who can deliver results and add value to their teams.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that technical skills can quickly become outdated. Staying relevant means continuously improving your expertise, learning new languages, tools, and frameworks, and staying up-to-date with industry trends. Your technical skills are the foundation of your career, so make sure they are always sharp.

3. You Are Fired Because of Your (Lack of) Human Skills

While technical skills may get you hired, it's often the lack of human skills that can get you fired. Human skills—communication, collaboration, empathy, and adaptability—are critical in any work environment. No matter how technically proficient you are, if you can’t work well with others, manage conflicts, or communicate effectively, you’ll struggle to succeed in the long run.

In many cases, career setbacks are not due to a lack of technical expertise but because of poor interpersonal relationships or an inability to fit into a team. Fostering strong human skills will not only help you avoid these pitfalls but will also make you a more effective and respected professional.

Conclusion

The tech industry is demanding, and navigating it successfully requires more than just technical prowess. By being egoist with your career, continually refining your technical skills, and developing strong human skills, you can build a career that is both rewarding and resilient. Reflect on these lessons, and use them to guide your professional journey - I wish I had done so earlier.