FAQ: I can’t get into [the most impactful job/s that I’m aiming for] and this frustrates me
A:
1. How I see a typical EA software career is (inspired by 80k and I agree), vaguely split into 2:
In the first “half”, gain skill.
In the second “half”, have direct impact.
The subtext is: Most of your impact will come from the second “half”.
2. If you agree, then—in the first half I wouldn’t optimize for as-high-impact-as-possible, I’d optimize for building skill, and I’d assume that building skill is the most effective way to have long-term-impact (by reaching the second “half” early). If that seems true for you, see Plan B. Building skill, having fun, and making money—can often go together in software, and I think this is what many people should aim for.
3. When to move to work directly?
It’s hard for most of us to estimate our own skill, so what I recommend is “apply to high impact jobs sometimes (every 6⁄12 months?)”. See if you’re accepted. If you are, it’s time for Plan A. If not, keep having fun with Plan B. The point of applying isn’t “getting accepted”, it’s more about “having the habit of applying sometimes so you don’t ‘waste’ years of having direct impact by building skill that you already have” (this is a common mistake EA devs make, and this habit-of-applying-sometimes is my current best idea for how to solve it).
Part of the reason I think this is a good idea: If you know you’re not “missing your chance” of doing something really high impact (because you’re applying sometimes) - then I think it’s easier to go “all in” to a job that is focused on skill building (and fun and probably money).
“Applying” dozens of jobs in less than an hour (combined!)
TL;DR: Post in social media that you’re looking for a job.
What I’d write:
1-2 lines on what you’re looking for
1-2 lines on what you’re able to do (not to be confused with what you’re looking for)
Optionally: 1-2 lines on what you don’t want people to contact you about at all. For example, “I only want to start working in 2 months, so please only invite me to interview if that’s ok”
A link to your CV/linkedin/something-else
Ask to share with relevant people/orgs that might want to hire you
This trick doesn’t work for everyone, but it seems super cost effective if it does fit your situation
FAQ: I can’t get into [the most impactful job/s that I’m aiming for] and this frustrates me
A:
1. How I see a typical EA software career is (inspired by 80k and I agree), vaguely split into 2:
In the first “half”, gain skill.
In the second “half”, have direct impact.
The subtext is: Most of your impact will come from the second “half”.
2. If you agree, then—in the first half I wouldn’t optimize for as-high-impact-as-possible, I’d optimize for building skill, and I’d assume that building skill is the most effective way to have long-term-impact (by reaching the second “half” early). If that seems true for you, see Plan B. Building skill, having fun, and making money—can often go together in software, and I think this is what many people should aim for.
3. When to move to work directly?
It’s hard for most of us to estimate our own skill, so what I recommend is “apply to high impact jobs sometimes (every 6⁄12 months?)”. See if you’re accepted. If you are, it’s time for Plan A. If not, keep having fun with Plan B. The point of applying isn’t “getting accepted”, it’s more about “having the habit of applying sometimes so you don’t ‘waste’ years of having direct impact by building skill that you already have” (this is a common mistake EA devs make, and this habit-of-applying-sometimes is my current best idea for how to solve it).
Part of the reason I think this is a good idea: If you know you’re not “missing your chance” of doing something really high impact (because you’re applying sometimes) - then I think it’s easier to go “all in” to a job that is focused on skill building (and fun and probably money).
“Applying” dozens of jobs in less than an hour (combined!)
TL;DR: Post in social media that you’re looking for a job.
What I’d write:
1-2 lines on what you’re looking for
1-2 lines on what you’re able to do (not to be confused with what you’re looking for)
Optionally: 1-2 lines on what you don’t want people to contact you about at all. For example, “I only want to start working in 2 months, so please only invite me to interview if that’s ok”
A link to your CV/linkedin/something-else
Ask to share with relevant people/orgs that might want to hire you
This trick doesn’t work for everyone, but it seems super cost effective if it does fit your situation