Proactively build and nurture relationships before you need them, creating a robust network that can serve as an invaluable ‘insurance policy’ during times of career or personal need, rather than trying to build connections in a crisis.
Approach networking with a mindset of helping others as much as possible, without being attached to getting anything in return, as this builds a strong, reciprocal foundation and a positive reputation.
Avoid keeping score in relationships, as it poisons the well and leads to feeling resentful; only consider it if you genuinely feel you are being taken advantage of.
Recognize that work and rest are two sides of the same coin; prioritize adequate rest, including engaging in hobbies that refresh your mind, to avoid burnout and bring fresh ideas and sustained productivity to your work.
Insulate yourself from ‘hustle culture’ content and its deceptive, disingenuous message that you are never enough, as it relies on temporary, ineffective motivation and is inherently bad for your well-being.
View your career path as a meandering hike rather than a rigid railroad track, allowing yourself to pivot and explore different interests without the pressure of making a lifelong decision, which prevents burnout and opens new opportunities.
To earn a raise, proactively seek out projects or tasks in other departments, even after hours with your boss’s permission, that add significant, quantifiable value (e.g., automating tasks to save hours), then present the value you’ve created when asking for compensation.
Asking someone for advice not only provides you with guidance but also leverages the ‘Benjamin Franklin effect,’ making them psychologically invested in your success because they’ve helped you.
Consistently nurture and expand your network over decades, as sustained effort in relationship building can ultimately create a wider and deeper network than inherited privilege alone.
When engaging with people, especially friends, always choose the most intimate method of communication available (e.g., text, phone call, in-person visit) over public social media interactions like likes or comments, to foster deeper and more memorable connections.
Before meeting someone you want to connect with, create a ‘dossier’ by researching their work, recent activities, and personal interests (e.g., hobbies like squash) to find common ground and initiate a more personal, memorable interaction.
Every weekday, send a personalized text message to four people you haven’t connected with in a while, including your name, a brief update about yourself (e.g., kids, location), and an open-ended question about what they’re up to, without pressuring for an immediate reply.
Once or twice a day, open your email, type a random combination of letters, and if an interesting contact autocompletes, send them a quick check-in note to stay top-of-mind and foster connections.
Instead of strictly ‘following your passion,’ bring your passion and full focus to whatever work you are doing, even if it’s not your ideal job, to excel and gain valuable experience without committing to it long-term.
Put down your emotional shield and be vulnerable by sharing your struggles and past mistakes, as this fosters deeper connections, helps others feel understood, and encourages them to open up to you.
Learn to filter people into different buckets, especially those who know, like, and trust you, to ensure they have your best interests in mind and avoid negative influences.
When navigating complex systems like creating a custom degree, seek out and ask for introductions to people who have successfully done it before, then learn from their presentation strategies and insights.
When possible, design your own academic or career path by selecting courses or projects you are genuinely interested in, then create a coherent narrative and a compelling name for it to stand out.
Be generous in helping others, but ensure the assistance you provide does not derail your own ability to do your work, as this approach offers doses of joy and positive reinforcement without personal cost.