It's been 7 years since I started my journey in tech — from working at small startups, moving to larger companies, to building my own side projects. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot — not just about code, but also about mindset, habits, and personal growth.
Here are the 7 most meaningful lessons I’ve learned in the past 7 years.
1. Technology Always Changes
Frameworks come and go. New tools show up every month. If you try to chase everything, you'll burn out quickly. What matters more is learning how to learn — developing adaptability, understanding core concepts, and having the habit of exploring.
“It’s not about knowing everything — it’s about knowing how to find out.”
2. Soft Skills Are Superpowers
Early on, I thought coding was everything. But over time, I realized communication, listening, and teamwork often make the real difference. Many successful projects happened not because of perfect code — but because of clear collaboration.
3. Imposter Syndrome Is Normal
Feeling like you’re not smart enough, like everyone else knows more — that’s something I’ve felt many times, even now. But that feeling is not a reason to stop. In fact, it often pushes us to keep learning and stay humble.
4. Build a Digital Footprint Early
When I started consistently sharing progress, writing insights, and uploading projects to GitHub, new connections started to appear. People began to recognize what I could do. Opportunities followed — freelance gigs, communities, even job offers.
“If you don’t talk about your work, no one will know what you’re capable of.”
5. Focus Beats Busy
I used to take pride in working late into the night. But eventually, I realized that being busy doesn’t mean being productive. What matters is knowing what to prioritize — and making space to rest.
6. Learn to Ask the Right Questions
Many people stay stuck not because they don’t have answers, but because they don’t know what to ask. Being able to ask clear, focused questions is a powerful skill. It's one of the keys to becoming a good problem solver.
7. This Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
It's tempting to always go full speed — take every course, build side projects, constantly push yourself. But if you burn out, everything stops. Managing your energy is crucial. Getting enough sleep, making time to rest — that’s not laziness. That’s sustainability.
Final Thoughts
This is just a snapshot of the stories and lessons I’ve gathered over the years. Maybe some of these lessons resonate with you. Or maybe you have your own versions.
If you have time, feel free to check out my newly updated portfolio at hellotoms.com — I’ve gathered my projects, writings, and documentation there as part of this journey.
Thanks for reading 🙌
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