Chapter 1: The Unexpected Advice

Recently, a family friend of my father, Robert, came to visit me for some signatures on a survey form. Before diving into the details of our conversation, let me introduce Robert. Though not quite old, he has an abundance of energy and a penchant for offering advice whenever we meet.

On a Saturday, Robert stopped by to get his documents signed, and our discussion quickly turned to my future.

Robert asked, “What do you do for a living?” I replied proudly, “I’m a developer.” He followed up, “That’s wonderful! But what’s your long-term plan?” I hesitated, “I don’t have a concrete long-term plan right now; I prefer to go with the flow.”

Robert’s response was direct, “You should definitely have a long-term plan. What if things go south in your career?”

This made me reconsider my future. Deep down, I cherish programming, and even if a wealthy friend advised me to quit, my passion for being a developer remains intact. The thought of planning my future is daunting.

Despite knowing I should adopt a more proactive mindset, uncertainty looms over me. No matter how meticulously I outline my goals for the next decade, unforeseen events could derail my plans. Ultimately, I am the one responsible for navigating these challenges, as no one else will step in to assist me.

What should my approach be?

Instead of a long-term plan, perhaps I should consider setting mid-term goals. This concept may sound novel, but I believe it could be beneficial. I propose a two-year goal framework, which strikes a balance between being too short or too lengthy.

I excel at establishing quarterly objectives—three-month plans—but a ten-year blueprint feels overwhelming. Instead, I’ll sketch out a basic vision for the next decade, breaking it down into manageable one- to two-year goals that guide my progress.

What comes next?

I’m uncertain. If everything aligns, I’ll feel accomplished. However, if challenges arise, I’ll reassess my two-year goals and push myself further. Disrupting my comfort zone doesn’t deter me; I’m committed to achieving my objectives.

To be candid, the results we attain are mere by-products of our dedication and effort. It’s essential to concentrate on putting forth our best efforts, regardless of the outcome. Weekends can be a time for rejuvenation, but weekdays should be dedicated to striving for excellence. Ultimately, it’s a matter of you versus yourself.

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Chapter 2: Reflections on Career Choices

In this video, "Our Viral Post That Changed EVERYTHING," the creator explores the unexpected impact of a viral post on their career path, offering valuable insights into navigating professional shifts.

The second video, "I Quit My Software Engineering Job. Here's Why," delves into the reasons behind leaving a stable job, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own career choices and aspirations.