Some Career Advice — For My Future Self

Earlier this week, my company announced another round of mass layoffs — the biggest since 2022 — just days before reporting strong quarterly earnings. Some of my colleagues were affected. I feel deeply for them.

This post isn’t meant to advise others, but to remind my future self of a few things I’ve learned.


1. You Are Expendable

No matter how loyal or hardworking you are, remember: the company doesn’t care about you as a person. It’s not personal — it’s business.
Even the best companies ultimately serve shareholder value. That’s the system we live in. Recognize it, accept it, and plan your life accordingly.


2. Be Mission-Driven, Not Promotion-Driven

Money and titles are tools — not the destination.
Find what truly drives you, what makes you feel alive, and let that be your compass. Balancing passion and livelihood is hard, but once you know what you love, you’re less likely to lose your way.


3. Family Is Yours

You’ll never look back and wish you’d worked more overtime.
But you certainly would regret not spending enough time with the people you love.
Prioritize what truly matters — your family, your relationships, your life outside of work. That’s the part that’s yours.


Companies will rise and fall, roles will come and go, but your sense of purpose and the people you care about — those are what endure.

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