Engineering Advice You Didn't Ask For S01E09 - How fast can one move in their career ladder?
9 snips
May 17, 2022 
Louie Bacaj, an engineering leader with experience in both startups and large tech firms, shares his insights on career progression. He discusses his rapid rise at a startup and the impact of saying yes to challenging tasks. Key topics include the importance of context in promotions, the trade-offs of intense work hours, and the risks of moving up too quickly. Louie emphasizes the significance of career momentum and recognizes that personal priorities shape different growth trajectories.
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Spot Momentum And Decide Fast
- Identify momentum quickly and decide whether to "grab the bull by the horn" and push for growth.
- Accept that rapid promotion often requires sacrificing time, but you can evaluate fit within months.
Only Commit To Unsustainable Hours With Signals
- Expect intense hours during hypergrowth and only take that on if rewards or learning justify it.
- Track signs of reward and learning; stop if you burn out or the effort isn't rewarded.
Different People Want Different Paces
- Not everyone wants steep growth; many treat work as a means to an end and prefer stability.
- Companies should offer gradual promotion paths and respect different life priorities.
