• How to make career decisions?

  • Sources:

    Here are some insights and advice from various episodes of The Lunar Society podcast with Dwarkesh Patel on making career decisions:

    1. Working with Live Players:

      • Advice: Seek out and work with smart, agentic individuals who align with your ethical vision of the world. Your main goal should be to be as useful as possible to them.
      • Why: Working with such "live players" tends to lead to winning outcomes and high compensation.
      • Source: 1.
    2. Pursuing Passion over Balance:

      • Advice: In your 20s, focus on going all-in on your pursuits rather than seeking a balanced life. Find what you love and pour your energy into it.
      • Why: Early career dedication is crucial for excelling in your field.
      • Source: 2.
    3. Writing Down Plans:

    4. Long-Term Ambitions over Short-Term Gains:

      • Advice: Focus on long-term ambitions and don't get distracted by short-term financial gains.
      • Why: Investing in high-quality projects and building skills will pay off more in the long run.
      • Source: 4.
    5. Mentorship and High Standards:

      • Advice: Seek environments where you can learn the highest standards and problem selection from mentors.
      • Why: Experience in high-standard environments elevates your work quality and professional growth.
      • Source: 5.
    6. Generic, Long-Lasting Skills:

      • Advice: In early life, invest in skills that are generic and long-lasting, such as writing, speaking, and social coordination.
      • Why: These skills provide a foundation that can be used across your entire career.
      • Source: 6.
    7. Skills Complementary to Technology:

      • Advice: Get education and skills in sectors that complement technology, such as data science, machine learning, and design.
      • Why: These skills will be increasingly valuable as the amount of data grows and technology evolves.
      • Source: 7.

    By incorporating these pieces of advice into your career strategy, you can align your efforts with long-term success and continuous personal growth.

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