Reading this thread, and having been around a while, I agree with most of what’s being said. If I could go back and coach my younger self through the mess of work life (promotions, burnout, undervaluation), I’d hand over three books that ended up being practical maps more than just philosophy.
Some valuable insights from thee books are:
Sun Tzu: The Art of War
Success often comes from preparation and positioning, not effort alone. Promotions tend to go to people who made themselves hard to ignore before opportunities opened up. Don’t fight every battle, pick the ones that matter.
Marcus Aurelius: Meditations
Focus on what you can control. Most stress comes from chasing recognition or reacting to things you can’t change.
Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Being technically strong isn’t enough. Careers are shaped by relationships. Listening, being likable, and helping others shine often creates more traction than pushing your own brilliance.
If I had started with these mindsets earlier, I probably would’ve saved a few years of frustration.
Good luck to everyone dealing with these issues.
Some valuable insights from thee books are:
Sun Tzu: The Art of War Success often comes from preparation and positioning, not effort alone. Promotions tend to go to people who made themselves hard to ignore before opportunities opened up. Don’t fight every battle, pick the ones that matter.
Marcus Aurelius: Meditations Focus on what you can control. Most stress comes from chasing recognition or reacting to things you can’t change.
Dale Carnegie: How to Win Friends and Influence People Being technically strong isn’t enough. Careers are shaped by relationships. Listening, being likable, and helping others shine often creates more traction than pushing your own brilliance.
If I had started with these mindsets earlier, I probably would’ve saved a few years of frustration. Good luck to everyone dealing with these issues.