Dear me from the past

I have been meaning to write blogs for years now. Each time I go to my GitHub-- I create a repository init some code and then give up. So I thought I should start blogging here and then move on to my own platform.

As my first blog post I would like to write down some advice I would give myself in different stages of my career. Actually I am going to start a bit before my career because I was a nerd.

Hello World Imti

Hey man great job! You started learning Python, setup a Linux box and you are really on the right track. I am impressed!

But you know what? You can slow down. There is no race going on contrary to what your guardians might have given you the impression of. Learn some other things as well.

I know school sucks but the topics there are interesting as well and you may never know which of those you many need later on in your career. Maybe you will need maths-- so practice some maths.

And I know you like to keep to yourself but you should also try to socialize a bit. Friendship you build now would last a lifetime so focus on them as well.

First Year Imti

Great! You know enough Python to look into Django. Since Classes do not make sense to you maybe you should try investing some time in figuring those out? Did you know there is something called design patterns?

I know you are itching to build great websites but before jumping ships to JavaScript maybe you should invest a little more time building your Backend knowledge. SQL may look boring, but trust me man-- it is going to be so useful in so many ways that you will thank me later.

By this time you must have already realised that you are not into academia. Courses are not comprehensive enough and your peers are not as excited about the same things as you are. You are wasting a lot of your parents money. Money that they actually do not have. Either stick to it or give up now.

Startup Imtiaz

It is great that you are having a lot of fun building your first production React application. But please understand this is not a playground. Your employers hired you to build out their dream. They might not know as much as you would expect them to. But instead of dismissing everything they say-- start working with them to solve the actual problems.

Money is great but you are at a point in your career where you can do without it. Focus on opportunities, lasting relationships and growth.

Maybe you should start a blog?

Stable Imtiaz

I really understand how everything in the software industry might seem interesting. But instead of just ogling at all these great things-- maybe start a really simple project and just finish it?

I know you do not like routines but it is going to be very important for you to start being a little more disciplined. Building out good habits would really change things for you.

I understand building out features is awesome-- but exceptionally well written documentation and very comprehensive test cases is more awesome.

Listen to people! They might not have the breadth of knowledge you think you have-- but they might have the depth that you never knew existed.

Finally! Invest in yourself. Be smart about your money and think a little bit about the future before jumping in.