Unfiltered Musings

Job postings, FOMO, nice guys, and the discomfort you should actually be chasing — in no particular order

I wanted to share a few recurring thoughts about the transition out of USG. No big thesis or five-step framework. Just topics I keep coming back to.

Unhelpful job reposting

Isn’t it amazing how some formers love to list job openings they have no connection to:

Oh here’s a job that would be great for any of you trying to get out. It looks like a perfect fit. Also, I don’t know anyone there. So, really, I’m just sharing it to…

What exactly? Show off an amazing ability to find open reqs? Demonstrate an understanding of how a USG skillset translates on the outside?

The whole point of connecting colleagues with opportunities is so they can have a better shot at landing one with help rather than going it alone.

Am I doing this right?

How do you know if you’re taking the right opportunity? Why does it seem like so many other people are doing more, making more, moving faster, getting better attention?

These questions seemed tough at the beginning of a USG-to-tech transition. But they haven’t gotten any easier as the post-government career continues. I just keep in mind that LinkedIn often feels like Facebook or Instagram. People post their high points, never their failures. Plus, lasting success develops over months and years, not a few hours. And it’s personal. We have our metrics.

The nice guy question

What would it be like to work for a nice guy? Does success have to come from someone who is a jerk?

So often it seems like the most driven founders and colleagues are also pushy, disrespectful, confrontational and just hard to be around. Are these traits to accept? I don’t think so. But I also don’t want to be too sensitive. I also don’t want to settle. Sort of an ongoing personal study.

Find your edge

Look for jobs where you’re constantly uncomfortable. Not working for someone who is unreasonable and overbearing, maybe this is an extension of the previous topic of nice guys vs. successful jerks.

Still, it’s wise to find out where your limits are, then push beyond them. Wouldn’t it be great to work somewhere that encouraged you to exceed your understanding and experience, to find new potential? This is how you know you’re growing.

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These are my takes, but I'm genuinely curious about yours. If you've been thinking about any of this too, drop it in the comments, send me a DM or reply directly