This article summarizes a discussion about the tech industry, covering topics ranging from a new "vibe coding" workshop to navigating layoffs and finding career satisfaction. The conversation includes practical advice and personal anecdotes about career experiences.
Vibe Coding Workshop
Introduction to Vibe Coding
Mike from The Coding Pro is sponsoring this episode. He's introducing a "vibe coding" workshop aimed at individuals with little to no coding or AI experience. This workshop addresses the demand for accessible AI tools.
Workshop Details
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Target Audience: Newbies without coding experience can learn vibe coding.
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Goal: Empower individuals to create desktop applications or web tools using AI, even without prior programming knowledge.
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Tools: The workshop utilizes easy-to-use tools requiring minimal technical expertise.
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Focus: The curriculum emphasizes thinking and logic to help participants ask AI the right questions and obtain accurate answers.
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Registration: A link is provided with a discount of NT$800, offering access to the live broadcast and 30 free Javascript videos.
Navigating Layoffs and Company Culture
The Reality of Layoffs
The hosts discuss the prevalence of layoffs in the tech industry, triggered by company performance issues or cost-cutting measures. This includes stories of mass firings and the impact on employees.
Understanding Taiwan's Labor Laws
Taiwan's labor laws offer some form of compensation for employees who are laid off. This is similar to severance packages, which depend on the annual salary and length of employment. Some companies may try to avoid these payments using various tactics.
Personal Experiences with Firings
One of the hosts shares a story of being fired, highlighting the emotional impact of feeling undervalued and unfairly treated. This experience involved conflicts with management, unreasonable expectations, and ultimately, being dismissed despite successful project completion.
Key takeaways
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The first firing was especially difficult, causing self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.
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The host felt targeted by a supervisor who created a hostile work environment.
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Despite achieving significant results on a VR project, the host was ultimately fired based on subjective performance reviews.
Career Progression and Job Hopping
The Stigma of Job Hopping
Changing jobs frequently can be perceived negatively by potential employers, raising concerns about loyalty and stability. Some companies may prefer candidates with a longer tenure at previous positions.
The Benefits of Diverse Experience
Despite the stigma, frequent job changes can expose individuals to different company cultures, technologies, and problem-solving approaches. This can lead to a broader skillset and adaptability. The host mentions that, in the past, most positions required him to build completely new platforms and services from scratch.
Negotiating Salary
Negotiating salary when changing jobs often involves leveraging previous earnings. However, some companies may resist significant increases, preferring to offer incremental raises based on existing pay. The idea of engineers who get the fastest raises are the ones who switch jobs often.
Career Growth and Salary Progression
The host outlines their salary progression across nine different companies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with each transition. The increase in the sixth company broke a million directly.
Overcoming Obstacles
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Educational limitations: Some companies may have strict salary caps based on education level, hindering earning potential.
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Company loyalty: Staying at a single company for too long can limit exposure to new technologies and ways of thinking.
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Value proposition: The host's unique skills often involved developing new platforms, which, while valuable, weren't always appreciated by employers seeking long-term maintenance experience.
Key takeaways
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Each move provided experience in building platforms.
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Experience teaching Vue helped him gain respect in the field and sometimes, jobs.
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Over time, he learned to separate his work and personal life.
Workplace Dynamics and Advice for Newcomers
Identifying Red Flags
The hosts discuss identifying toxic work environments, including companies that pressure employees to work overtime or exhibit unethical behavior. Recognizing these red flags is crucial for protecting one's well-being and career.
Advice for Job Seekers
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Protect yourself: Don't reveal too much personal information during interviews and be cautious about criticizing former employers.
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Know your value: Assess your skills and marketability to make informed decisions about job opportunities.
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Seek alignment: Look for companies that align with your values and offer opportunities for growth and development.
Prioritizing Well-being
Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and finding a job that aligns with one's values and goals. While career success is important, it should not come at the expense of happiness and fulfillment.
Separating Work and Personal Life
It's important to not blindly follow any one individual and prioritize a healthy separation between work and personal life. If you feel something is truly wrong, run away. This is the best way to work to a company's choice of talent use.