5 Essential Lessons I Learned Before Working in Silicon Valley

Discover key insights from Jean Kang’s decade-long journey in Silicon Valley

5 Essential Lessons I Learned Before Working in Silicon Valley
5 Essential Lessons I Learned Before Working in Silicon Valley

San Francisco: Jean Kang spent ten years in various roles across Silicon Valley. She learned that there are no “dream jobs” and that job-hopping can actually boost your career.

When she graduated in 2014, she was thrilled to land a job in Silicon Valley. But after nearly a decade at companies like Meta and LinkedIn, she realized her early views were a bit too optimistic.

Silicon Valley taught her a lot and helped her salary soar, but she wishes someone had shared some crucial insights with her back then. These lessons could have saved her from late-night worries and helped her navigate her career more strategically.

Here are five things she wishes she could tell her younger self.

First, job-hopping isn’t the same as quitting. In her early 20s, she thought staying loyal to one company was the best route. But in reality, switching jobs often led to better pay and opportunities, especially during tough times.

Second, building a personal brand is important. Jean initially thought it was just fluff, but when she started sharing her career experiences on LinkedIn, she gained a huge following. This personal brand opened doors for her and helped her negotiate better offers.

Third, exploring different roles early in your career is beneficial. Jean tried various positions, which gave her a broader understanding of how companies work and helped her find her true passion.

Fourth, your manager is crucial. She learned that a supportive manager can make a huge difference in your job satisfaction and growth.

Lastly, there are no “dream jobs.” Even the most exciting companies can become mundane. Realizing this helped her feel more at peace with her career choices.

Jean doesn’t regret her time in Silicon Valley. It taught her valuable lessons and helped her start her own business. Now, as a career coach, she encourages others to enter the tech world with realistic expectations.

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