The hottest Career development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

in-office work > remote work

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. In-person work helps teams connect better and communicate more effectively. Many important interactions happen non-verbally, which can be lost in remote settings.
  2. Working in an office allows for quick collaboration and faster problem solving. Teams can discuss ideas and make decisions on the spot, speeding up project timelines.
  3. Remote work may suit experienced professionals or those prioritizing personal life. However, junior developers may benefit more from in-office environments to grow their careers.

A reflection on my journey to LinkedIn Top Voice [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 778 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Sharing your work and thoughts on platforms like LinkedIn can have a positive impact on your career by positioning you as a reliable source of high-quality information.
  2. Approach building your presence on different social media platforms individually as each has its own nuances and strategies for success.
  3. Reflect on your experiences and learnings regularly to adapt and refine your approach to maximizing your presence on platforms like LinkedIn.

Podcast notes

Off to Lunch • 648 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. The episode features an interview with Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou discussing building easyJet and facing competition.
  2. Zuber Issa may offload his stake in Asda, UK companies anticipate increasing prices despite inflation easing, and Sir Tim Clark criticizes Boeing.
  3. A piece on executive coaches for business leaders and an article from 1985 about laptop computers not becoming popular offers insights on technology trends.

How To Earn From Your Skills In 2024

Day One • 519 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Quality is greater than quantity when building skills. Focus on depth and excellence in one area before branching out.
  2. Practice and sharing are crucial for skill development. Don't let fear or ego hinder you from showcasing your work and seeking feedback.
  3. Transitioning to high-demand sectors like blockchain or AI requires understanding the sector's culture and history. Put in the work to adapt and excel.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

5 Ways To Say No, Elegantly and Effectively

Push to Prod • 19 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. It's important to set boundaries and learn to say no to extra work or distractions. This can help you stay focused on your own goals.
  2. Using clear and direct phrases when saying no can make it easier for others to understand your limits. This helps avoid long discussions about why you can't help.
  3. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad teammate. It's about prioritizing your tasks to be more effective and contributing to your own success.

What price are you willing to pay?

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Understanding the effort needed for success can help you avoid disappointment. It's important to know what you're getting into before committing to a new venture.
  2. Trial and error are essential when exploring new hobbies or career paths. Try different things with low commitment to see what fits you best.
  3. Pursuing your goals requires a realistic view of the effort and resources involved. Being aware of what it takes can help you make smarter decisions.

Leaving Google Cloud

Cloud Irregular • 4878 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Leaving a familiar job for the unknown can be both challenging and exhilarating.
  2. At times, there may not be a clear, traditional career path to follow, and you might need to create your own unique journey.
  3. Prioritizing creating things that bring joy to people can drive your career decisions and future goals.

A Software Engineer's Guide to Reading Research Papers

Confessions of a Code Addict • 1467 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Research papers are important for software engineers to keep up with new technologies and fill knowledge gaps. It helps to stay current with developments in your field, like time series analysis.
  2. Many people find reading research papers hard because they can be dense and technical. A lack of a research background can make it seem even more intimidating.
  3. With time and practice, anyone can learn to read and understand research papers. Finding a personal approach or framework can make the process easier.

A Job at Microsoft: Getting and Passing the Interview

Rod’s Blog • 575 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Finding the right opportunity at Microsoft can be about letting things unfold naturally, embracing roles that align with your skills while leaving room for growth.
  2. Getting an interview at Microsoft often depends on having a strong advocate within the company willing to support and recommend you.
  3. During the interview process at Microsoft, showcasing a willingness to learn, sharing real-world experiences, and being prepared to discuss inclusivity can make a positive impact.

5 Lessons I learned the hard way from 10+ years as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1462 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Always learn from your mistakes, as they can teach valuable lessons for your career. Embracing failure can help you grow and improve.
  2. Networking is important; make connections in your industry. Relationships often open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
  3. Keep your skills updated and be open to new technologies. The tech field is constantly evolving, and staying current helps you stay relevant.

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Understanding communication styles is key to being effective as an engineer. Knowing how to adapt your message can help get your point across better.
  2. Influence is about more than just speaking well; it's also about building relationships. Strong connections can lead to better collaboration and teamwork.
  3. Mastering executive communication can help you lead better and get your ideas heard. It's important to practice and refine these skills regularly.

Spotify Technology Career Steps

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. At Spotify, career growth is flexible and based on your interests. You can explore different roles and skills without being stuck on a strict path.
  2. Career steps at Spotify focus on teamwork and impact. Employees are encouraged to prioritize team success and think about how their work affects the business.
  3. Promotions at Spotify depend on consistently showing a higher level of impact and behavior. They aren't tied to a specific timeline, so discussions with managers are key.

The curse of conscientiousness

Optima & Outliers • 219 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Being very organized and responsible can sometimes be a hindrance, especially if it makes you stick to a job that isn't right for you. It's important to know when to quit and move on.
  2. Young people should be open to exploring different jobs instead of sticking to one path just because it's familiar. Trying new roles can lead to greater happiness and success.
  3. It's better to think of your career like a scientist experiments: test a job for a while and see if it fits you. If not, don't feel bad about quitting and finding something that works better.

3 Mistakes to avoid when writing your performance review

High Growth Engineer • 866 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Don’t start writing your performance review from scratch. Create a separate document summarizing your work to help you organize your thoughts and provide a clear overview.
  2. Avoid assuming that everyone knows the details of your work. Write your review in a way that any reader, even a senior leader, can easily understand the impact of your contributions.
  3. Use specific numbers and clear statements to show your impact. Instead of vague phrases, quantify your achievements and relate them to team goals for better clarity.

From Runway to Career Capital: A Framework for Evaluating Startup Jobs

Optima & Outliers • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. When considering a startup job, focus on how it will help your career instead of just picking a 'winner'. Think about your long-term goals and how the role aligns with them.
  2. Do your homework before joining a startup. This means asking about the company's funding, goals, and speaking with people who know the founders to understand their track record.
  3. Look for opportunities to learn and build connections in a startup. These experiences can boost your resume and help you grow your professional network.

Don't just apply, opt-in

Creating Value from Nothing • 662 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Candidates can experience the company culture firsthand by attending events like the Super Weekend. This allows them to see what working there is really like.
  2. Meeting actual customers and solving real-world problems helps potential hires understand the company's mission and approach better.
  3. The company commits to hosting regular Super Weekends to attract talented individuals and let them see how great the team is. It's a chance for candidates to really opt-in rather than just applying.

Are You Considering a Career Pivot into the Security of AI?

Rod’s Blog • 357 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Considering a career pivot into the security of AI can be a valuable choice to make a positive impact on society.
  2. Having an interest in technology's implications, experience in various tech projects, and awareness of technology's consequences are good reasons to pursue AI security.
  3. Opportunities in AI security offer potential for career growth, impact, and contribution to shaping a safer, ethical, and beneficial AI future.

Frameworks for Managing Up as a Software Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 624 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Building trust with your manager is essential. Focus on being sincere, reliable, caring, and competent in your work.
  2. You need to speak your manager's language. Understand their goals and priorities to communicate effectively and prevent misunderstandings.
  3. Regular updates matter. Create a system for updates that keeps your manager informed without overwhelming them, ensuring that every communication is valuable.

The D.I.E. Triad - Applied to your Career (and Life)

Resilient Cyber • 279 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Building a strong network is important for career resilience. It's not just about who you know, but who knows you and what you bring to the table.
  2. Some core values and work ethics should remain unchanged throughout your career. These qualities, like determination and discipline, help you stay successful as roles and technologies change.
  3. You should treat your personal and professional growth like a product that needs constant improvement. Embrace change and ask for feedback to keep evolving.

Building a technical career path at Spotify

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. Spotify emphasizes that career paths should fit the company's culture. Using a framework from another company often doesn't work well.
  2. Creating a career path framework should happen after seeing a real need for it, rather than forcing it too early in a company's growth.
  3. The Spotify model focuses on team success and personal growth, not just climbing a ladder. It encourages diverse development without penalizing role changes.

Everything is Risk (+Radiant Capital)

DeFi Education • 759 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💼 Business Career development
  1. Risk-taking is essential for growth and success. If you don’t take risks, you might miss out on big opportunities.
  2. Real-life experiences with risk help you learn and get better at decision-making. It’s important to face challenges to achieve greatness.
  3. In sports and investing, the biggest rewards come from taking calculated risks. Embracing these chances can lead to significant achievements.

Practical Almanac for Technical Program Managers

Building Rome(s) • 11 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💼 Business Career development
  1. Clarity is the foundation: name goals, constraints, and what “done” means early, use writing to force decisions, and revisit assumptions before they become hidden problems.
  2. Make ownership explicit and real: assign clear accountability and give matching authority so decisions get made and escalations don’t become the default.
  3. Execution is social and continuous: watch handoffs and weak signals at the edges, build structure to avoid heroics, and reinforce decisions and timing so surprises don’t erode trust.

Celebrating An Anniversary: Three Years of Writing About Analytics - Issue 154

Data Analysis Journal • 452 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Career development
  1. The author reflects on three years of writing a newsletter about analytics, thanking supporters and subscribers.
  2. The author's newsletter aims to document their journey, bridge the gap between academics and industry, and encourage classic data analysis.
  3. The author shares insights on their writing strategy, the power of being small and independent, and future plans for the newsletter.

Business Relationships

In My Tribe • 607 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Your job should be seen like a relationship that you can move on from, not as a marriage. It’s okay to leave a job when you’ve learned what you can and want to grow elsewhere.
  2. Selling a business can feel like watching your child grow up and become independent. You may feel lost afterward, but it’s a chance to explore new passions.
  3. Consider what you enjoy outside of work. If your job isn’t your true passion, find ways to express those interests in your free time instead.

Creating a Laboratory for Work 🧪

Game of One • 216 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Reframe work as a series of experiments rather than a predetermined job trajectory
  2. There are three common narratives of success: early commitment, late bloomer, and mastery through uncertainty and career changes
  3. Experimentation with work is crucial, but modern work structures often make it difficult to explore new opportunities

From Average To Exceptional: 5 Skills To Help You Become The Data Expert Everyone Wants To Work With

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 494 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Career development
  1. Always focus on the real problem behind a request, not just what is being asked. This helps you deliver better solutions that actually meet the business needs.
  2. Using clear frameworks can help organize your thoughts and make complex investigations easier. A structured approach leads to clearer communication and better results.
  3. Keep your communication simple and focused on what matters to your stakeholders. This helps everyone stay on the same page and reduces confusion.

Asked And Answered: A New Advice Column

Original Jurisdiction • 259 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🚌 Education Career development
  1. Consider clerking after law school if you're planning to go into litigation - it's a valuable learning experience, helps build relationships, and is prestigious.
  2. If you plan to do multiple clerkships, consider clerking for different types of courts to gain varied experiences.
  3. Clerking might be less valuable if you're aiming to be a transactional lawyer, but clerking at the Delaware Court of Chancery could be more relevant to your career.

The annual post: 2023 edition

Nonlinear • 235 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🚌 Education Career development
  1. If you're serious about something, the universe works quietly to make it happen.
  2. Have faith in yourself and the world, opportunities and luck will guide you through.
  3. In 2024, prioritize writing, reading, health, and relationships, and embrace intentional lifestyle design.

It’s Not About Me — That’s The Point

moontower: a stoner dad explains options trading to his kids • 235 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Focus on being altruistic and a positive presence in the world, putting in the work and solving real problems.
  2. Believe in yourself to become the best version of yourself, even when faced with doubts.
  3. In a competitive investment landscape, understanding the job's challenges and rewards can help determine if it's the right fit for you.

From 9-to-5 to Building a Career Portfolio: How One Consulting Project Changed My Life

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Career development
  1. Building a solid skill set is crucial early in your career. Try out different skills and projects to find what you enjoy and what works for you.
  2. Seizing opportunities is key. Say yes to things that can help you grow, and be proactive about creating your own chances.
  3. Think of your career like building an investment portfolio. Every skill, project, and connection adds value, so keep investing in yourself and your network.

Behind the Scenes of DRI Your Career

Tech and Tea • 32 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🚌 Education Career development
  1. A long friendship and two years of iterative work produced a course the creators actually wanted to take, emphasizing creativity, care, and usefulness instead of rushing to ship.
  2. Career choices should come from clarity about what you truly care about instead of automatically chasing the next promotion, because motivation and alignment with meaningful problems drive better work.
  3. The program is fully asynchronous and built for busy introverts, using personal stories and coaching exercises to help people step back and move forward intentionally; it runs eight weeks starting January 15, 2026 with early-bird pricing through December 31.