10 ideas that changed our careers
Our favorite list of 10 ideas changed our careers (and may change yours).
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Q: Why do some people’s careers skyrocket while others stay stuck for years?
Glassdoor found that 65% of the 3,400 professionals surveyed recently said they feel stuck in their current role. It’s not just the competition—it’s the fear of stepping out into a crowded market where AI-generated resumes and stiff competition make standing out harder than ever.
Friends,
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right—working hard, following the rules, checking all the boxes—yet still not getting ahead, you’re not alone.
I spent hours studying career shifts across industries, and one thing became clear: those who adapt fast, build leverage, and take strategic risks always come out ahead.
It’s not about luck or talent.
It’s about knowing which ideas, frameworks, and mindset shifts actually move the needle.
When I was talking to a few people about career shifts, I realized that most people wait for career growth but don’t know how to engineer it.
Well, think about it: The job market today is completely different from even five years ago.
60% of jobs today didn’t exist a decade ago.
By 2030, 85 million jobs may go unfilled due to skill gaps (McKinsey).
Only 14% of professionals feel “very confident” they are on the right career path (Gallup).
The old formula of working hard, staying loyal, and climbing the ladder isn’t going to cut it anymore. The people making the biggest moves today are the ones rethinking how they approach their careers.
That’s what this newsletter is about.
I wanted to curate the best unconventional career strategies, job search hacks, and things I wish I knew earlier & write them down for you in this newsletter!
This is not going to be about “work harder” or “network more”. But I’ll share
The 10 career-changing ideas
A list of tools to optimize your LinkedIn
Career pitfalls to avoid
So, let’s dive in.
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The 10 career-changing ideas
I talked to a few founders & CEOs to get these strategies. From hiring and promotions to pivots and leadership, they’ve seen firsthand what separates those who accelerate their careers from those who stay stuck.
Here I’m sharing them with you ⬇️
1. Apply the 80/20 rule to your work
Remember Not all tasks are created equal. In fact, 20% of what you do drives 80% of your career impact.
The problem? Most people waste time on low-value tasks—endless meetings, emails, busy work—while neglecting the few key actions that actually move them forward.
How to apply 80/20 rule?
Audit: Track where your time goes.
Spend a week writing down what you work on.
Identify what’s taking too much time vs. what’s driving real results.
Identify: Find your high-impact tasks.
What work actually gets you noticed?
What tasks lead to promotions, recognition, or major progress? (Hint: It’s usually deep work, networking, and strategic projects.)
Eliminate: Drop or delegate low-value tasks.
Cut meetings you don’t need to be in.
Automate repetitive work.
Say no to tasks that don’t contribute to your long-term career growth.
2. First impressions happen on LinkedIn
It’s wild how many people ignore their LinkedIn profile—when it’s literally shaping everyone’s first professional opinion of you. Before they meet you. Before they talk to you.
Here’s the deal:
Everyone will Google you before interviews, client meetings, networking events, or even casual interactions. And guess where your LinkedIn profile always shows up first?
Your LinkedIn is your first impression—and it should make people think, “I can’t wait to meet this person.”
Your profile shouldn’t just be a résumé—it should tell a story that gets people excited about what you bring to the table.
Here’s a list of tools that can help you optimize your LinkedIn profile ⬇️
3. The old rules of careers are dead
Twenty years ago, you needed credentials, degrees, and gatekeepers’ approval to enter a field. Not anymore.
Today, the only thing stopping you is waiting for permission instead of just doing the work. Here are proven frameworks:
Want to be a writer? Write a thoughtful essay every week and share it. Build your presence on Substack or Medium & use it as your portfolio.
Software developer? Build a side-project with ChatGPT.
Designer? Sign up on Upwork or Fiverr, land a small gig at a lower rate, and start building your portfolio.
My friend Amber is proof. She was a sales rep with zero design background. She self-taught UX design using free YouTube tutorials built a small portfolio with side gigs, and landed an $85K UX role in just six months. No bootcamps. No expensive degrees. No permission needed. But how?
The new playbook is simple: