Exploring Career Paths and Personal Growth: A Discussion with Yang
This article summarizes a conversation about career choices, personal development, and the realities of working in the tech industry, particularly in North America. The discussion covers topics ranging from machine learning and data science to the challenges of being a full-time parent and the nuances of sales and interpersonal relationships.
From Machine Learning Enthusiast to Full-Time Dad
The conversation begins with Yang, who reminisces about his early enthusiasm for machine learning. He recalls how he pursued it during his studies in the US, believing it to be a transformative field. While he still appreciates the technology, his interests have shifted towards applying it in various domains. This shift was driven by the realization that domain expertise is crucial for successful application of machine learning.
Yang shares his career journey, starting from Trulia, a real estate search company, and later moving to Tubi TV, a streaming service. He emphasizes his desire to work on applications and be closer to the end-user, which led him to choose smaller companies over larger tech giants, even when the financial rewards were greater in the latter. Currently, he is a full-time dad, an experience he describes as a valuable gift.
The Allure of 副业 (Side Hustles): More Than Just Money
The discussion touches upon the topic of 副业 (side hustles) and their importance. Yang believes that pursuing side projects should be less about immediate financial gain and more about exploring the world and gaining new skills. He contrasts this with the prevailing mindset in Silicon Valley, where people are often driven by a fear of missing out and a desire to compare themselves to others.
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He emphasizes the importance of understanding people and developing sales skills.
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He says these skills have broad applications, impacting relationships with colleagues, spouses, and even bosses.
The Shift in Perspective: From Engineer to Empath
Yang shares that his experiences as a full-time parent and his foray into consulting have changed his perspective. He realized that success in many areas of life, especially in career advancement, depends on understanding and connecting with people on a personal level. This contrasts with the typical engineer mindset, which tends to focus on logic and technical skills.
He points out that the key to advancement isn't just technical expertise, but also building trust and showing genuine care for superiors. This requires understanding their needs, anxieties, and aspirations, and finding ways to contribute to their success.
Sales and Understanding Human Nature
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the importance of sales skills and understanding human nature. Yang shares that he received systematic sales training as part of his consulting work and that it challenged many of his previous assumptions about communication and persuasion. He emphasizes that people make decisions based on emotion first, and then use logic to justify them. This realization has transformed how he interacts with others, both professionally and personally.
- Key takeaway: Focus on building relationships and understanding people's needs, rather than just presenting facts and figures.
The Paradox of Happiness in Silicon Valley
The discussion explores the pervasive anxiety and constant comparison that characterize the Silicon Valley mindset. Despite achieving financial success, many individuals remain unhappy because they are constantly chasing the next milestone and comparing themselves to others. This creates a cycle of dissatisfaction and a fear of missing out. Yang suggests that people should focus on finding a level of financial comfort and then pursuing activities they genuinely enjoy.
The Full-Time Dad Experience: A Unique Perspective
Yang describes his experience as a full-time dad as transformative, offering him a unique perspective on life and relationships. He contrasts the pure joy and unconditional love he experiences with his children with the more transactional and performance-driven interactions that often dominate the professional world.
Addressing Concerns about Career Interruption
The conversation tackles the common concern that taking time off to be a stay-at-home parent will negatively impact one's career. Yang acknowledges that this is a valid concern, but also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal fulfillment and family. He suggests that people should focus on what they truly want in life, rather than being driven by external pressures or societal expectations.
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