Why big tech careers aren't ALL that (5 things I wish I knew)

I’ve worked at Meta, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

These insights might've saved me from a few late-night spirals or could've helped me navigate my career a bit more strategically.

They also gave me the courage to leave behind my $300,000-a-year job and build a multi-six-figure business on my terms once I learned them.

Here are five pieces of advice I wish I could've told my younger self.

☝🏼 Job hopping isn’t quitting.

Switching roles often leads to to leaps in salary, growth, and opportunity (especially during market shake-ups, like mass layoffs, which unfortunately are still happening).

If you're still employed and apply, it sends a loud message: "I'm confident, I'm valuable, and I'm here to make a difference.”

If anything, job hopping led to me 6x-ing my salary in a couple of years. See my full salary evolution here. 

✌🏼 Build your personal brand before you ‘need’ it.

People crave authentic stories. This is how you attract your tribe (and yes, you can do it with a 9-5), like becoming a Business Insider contributor and getting accepted to speak at SXSW!

My personal brand resulted in brand sponsors, clients, new friendships and amplified my impact.

🤟🏼 Your early career is about exploring.

Experimenting with different roles helps you find what lights you up.

By taking on roles in Sales, Customer Success, and Operations, I found that my zone of genius was in Program Management and indexed on this strength.

Here’s how to know if Program Management is RIGHT for you vs. other PM roles like Product or Project Management. 

✌🏼 Your manager matters more than you think.

Your boss plays a bigger role in your happiness and growth > company logo on your resume.

Don’t just evaluate the company. Evaluate the PEOPLE you’ll work with.

Here are questions to ask yourself if you’re in the right place:

1. Am I learning & growing?

2. Do I feel like I can make an impact?

3. Do I align with the values of the company?

4. Am I being valued & recognized for my work?

5. Do I enjoy working with my team and my boss?

And 10 questions to ask your FUTURE boss.

🖐🏼 There are no ‘dream jobs.’

This is why I really harp on finding “healthy” workplaces because it’s completely fine for a job to be a JOB.

Even the “perfect” role has challenges; sometimes, it’s normal to feel disconnected.

Don’t chase perfection. Instead, chase alignment with your values and long-term goals.

You can find the full article on Business Insider.

P.S. I’ve relaunched my PM Accelerator to help you land your next Program Manager role so you can be richer, happier, and thrive on the job

To say it's a transformational experience is an understatement 😉.

Don’t believe me?

Check out these video testimonials from Irene, a solopreneur who landed a full-time PM role in 6 weeks.

Nick, who went from lacking clarity to now gaining confidence, owning his value, and landing dream interviews (and crushing them!)

And here are several other student wins 🎊

If you want to be my next success story, ✅ Apply now (and chat with my team!)

*Note: you must be based in the US and Canada and have 2+ years of transferable experience. 

P.P.S. My incredible friend Lorraine Lee launched her book Unforgettable Presence to help ambitious workers who feel overlooked or unseen take charge of their careers and become truly unforgettable. The Next Big Idea Club also picked it up as an April 2025 Must-Read title. (I’m so proud of her!)

🔥 Grab your copy now and join the excitement! You’ll also unlock $500+ in exclusive pre-order bonuses. I can’t wait to read mine!

I’m going to Korea for two weeks and will be off the grid, enjoying quality time with my family.

If you’ve been there, reply with your favorite food or activity recommendations 🙏🏼