Exploring 20s, shifting careers, personal branding & more!
Read time: 5 minutes
We Cover:
Trends: How to shift careers, personal branding for professionals, mistakes I made, and more.
My Takeaway from "The Art of thinking clearly "
Podcast with MK Raina
My Weekly Explorations 👀
Mistakes in your 20s
“What is one mistake you made in your 20s that you regret?” I read this in an email I received a few days ago, and honestly, there are quite a few when I look back.
But the major one would be not taking enough risks playing it safe, and going for MNCs when I could have joined startups.
So to anyone in their 20s reading this, remember that this is a time to jump into the unknown, to explore, to learn, and to grow. The experiences you gain during this time will shape you in ways that a safe job in a big company simply can’t.
And if it doesn’t work out? You’ll still have learned more than you ever would have by staying in your comfort zone. Because the actual growth happens when you step out and take that chance.
Are you shifting careers? Follow this 💻
50% of people end up switching careers at least once? And it's actually a bold move, in this ever-changing job market. But here's a simple, no-BS approach that can make the process easier:
→ 40% Overlap: When eyeing a new role, make sure at least 40% of what you do now matches up. If you’re a business analyst aiming for management consulting, find the common ground, like using data to shape strategies. That overlap gives you a solid footing as you step into the unknown.
→ 30% Skill Boost: Next, focus on the skills you need to level up. What can you quickly pick up to close the gap? If you've been handling the numbers behind the scenes but now need to lead, start sharpening those communication skills. This is where you grind to make yourself the obvious choice.
→ 20% Growth Potential: Finally, think about the stretch, what will this new role give you that your current one can’t? If there's no clear room for growth, maybe it's not the right move. But if the growth potential is there, go for it.
Also if there’s no overlap or quick skills to pick up, be ready to start lower or take a pay cut. That’s just reality.
Why is Personal Branding important for working professionals?🧑💼
If you think personal branding is only for people chasing tons of followers, let me tell you a story that might change your mind.
I know a guy with fewer than 600 followers, but his content was powerful, insightful, and straight from the heart, exactly what he was passionate about.
One day, a top industry leader saw his work and boom—he got a job offer from a major company. All because the right person saw the value in what he was sharing.
When you consistently share your knowledge and insights, you’re not just building a following; you’re building credibility, making connections, and opening doors. It’s how opportunities find you, instead of you having to chase them.
In my own journey, focusing on personal branding has opened doors to opportunities and connections I never would have imagined.
So, share what you know and love because you never know who’s watching and what opportunities might come your way
The Art of thinking clearly 📚
A friend of mine recently recommended a book that had changed the way he thinks: "The Art of Thinking Clearly" by Rolf Dobelli. He was so pumped about how it had helped him make better decisions that I figured I had to give it a try.
As I read, I found myself questioning some of my thought processes, noticing where those biases might have been affecting my decisions, even when I thought I was being rational. It was like a reminder that there’s always room to sharpen how we think.
Honestly, this is one of the best self-help books I’ve come across in a long time. It not only gave me new insights, but also made me reflect on my mindset and how I can continue to grow, both personally and professionally.
Half way through it, and completely recommend it.
Do give it a read.
Podcast with MK Raina 🎙️
If you love Bollywood, you’ve probably seen Tamasha - and if you’ve seen Tamasha, you definitely know MK Raina. He’s the dad who brought that calm, wise vibe to the movie, balancing out all the craziness with just a look. Well, guess what? I got to chat with him!
We talked about his amazing career, what really goes on in the Bollywood industry, and some cool behind-the-scenes stories only he could share.
Honestly, it was so much fun! So, if you’re into movies and love talking about cinema, you’ve got to check out this chat. It’s one of those conversations that makes you see Bollywood in a whole new way.
Job Opportunities Tracker
I have recently started updating the job sheet, which includes details about current job openings. My team and I will continue to keep it updated. Please feel free to take a look and share it with anyone who might find it helpful.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16W074AytyfocPIlBTuufoxhvZ93b_MltPOjBbbFGQ9w/edit?usp=sharing
I hope these thoughts and insights resonate with you as much as they did with me. Life’s a journey, and it’s the little moments and reflections that make it meaningful. Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, keep being you.
Also, if you know someone who might like this newsletter, forward this to them.
Please write to shashank@salaried.club if there’s anything you’d like to share with us.
See you next week :)
Regards,
Shashank Srivastava