Don’t rely on your passions — instead, look further out to identify big waves to surf. Join a growth area to improve the trajectory of your career and learnings.
What if passions tend to be big waves? I’m currently working at Microsoft on folding phones [Surface Duo] and part of the reason why I call my work passion is that ever since I was a kid from a middle class family I wanted to work on computers and emerging tech. No matter if my day was bad or okish; reading every piece of tech write up since 3rd grade gave me a sense of peace within that someday I’ll work on cool stuff. Now that I was recently onboarded I feel a sense of happiness waking up everyday working on this piece of tech that could possibly touch a billion lives.
Also, how does one understand if a wave is big enough or just a hype? It’s risky and challenging in a way but I like it.
Thanks for sharing your story, Mehul. Sounds like you’re living out your dream!
My proposition here is that if you want to grow the fastest, a big wave is your best option. If, however, you have already found an area you’re excited about and want to continue to work on, then continue working in that area!
The definition of a wave is also subjective. I can’t tell you if Surface Duo is a wave, only you can. To differentiate hype from wave, look for the pieces I mentioned at the end: research, money flow, superstar talent and the ability to reinvent.
Very clearly put. Thanks!
Glad to hear it, Ajit!
Another great read, Will! Thanks for using such a simple analogy, definitely allow me to grasp the idea easier!
Oh btw, I’d like to know what tool/s do you use to construct your curve visualization?
Glad it was helpful!
Normally, I use Keynote for the visuals. But this week, I found this template for powerpoint: https://www.templateswise.com/product-life-cycle-diagram-powerpoint/
What if passions tend to be big waves? I’m currently working at Microsoft on folding phones [Surface Duo] and part of the reason why I call my work passion is that ever since I was a kid from a middle class family I wanted to work on computers and emerging tech. No matter if my day was bad or okish; reading every piece of tech write up since 3rd grade gave me a sense of peace within that someday I’ll work on cool stuff. Now that I was recently onboarded I feel a sense of happiness waking up everyday working on this piece of tech that could possibly touch a billion lives.
Also, how does one understand if a wave is big enough or just a hype? It’s risky and challenging in a way but I like it.
Thanks for sharing your story, Mehul. Sounds like you’re living out your dream!
My proposition here is that if you want to grow the fastest, a big wave is your best option. If, however, you have already found an area you’re excited about and want to continue to work on, then continue working in that area!
The definition of a wave is also subjective. I can’t tell you if Surface Duo is a wave, only you can. To differentiate hype from wave, look for the pieces I mentioned at the end: research, money flow, superstar talent and the ability to reinvent.
Amazing read Will!
Loved this so much, Will! It reminded me of one of my favourite quotes in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar:
"There is a tide in the affairs of men.
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves,
Or lose our ventures."
Those big waves you spoke about are the same tides that Shakespeare (through Brutus) was referring to.
Thanks for sharing this one, Arinze. Really resonates.