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As time goes on, your career will evolve, but perhaps not as much as how you evolve as a person. Your career should include a continual series of self-assessment and evaluation, because while taking pride in accomplishments and milestones is important, looking inward can let you know if you’re truly on the right path.
As time goes on, your career will evolve.
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But perhaps not as much as how you evolve as a person.
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Most of us can expect to be working for years to come,
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and, over that time, not only will our industry change. So will we.
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Our family, living arrangements, and our location may all change.
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But trends, attitudes, and passions will come and go.
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And you may find yourself in search of a new challenge.
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Or many of them.
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Your career should include a continual series of self assessment and evaluation.
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Because while taking pride in accomplishments and milestones is important,
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looking inward can let you know if you're truly on the right path.
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>>You know, I would say you find that one thing that you're really passionate about
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that you want to do. You find your skills that you're really good at.
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And then I mentioned this, you find that thing that when you're doing it,
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you lose track of time. That's when you know that that's what you're supposed to do.
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And what I would say is if you don't have anybody paying you to do that,
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sort of do it for yourself.
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And put it out there and show people what you're capable of.
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And show people what it is you care about.
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It could be there's a not-for-profit. It could be a guy with a hotdog stand.
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It could be whatever, but find something that's real enough
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that it touches somebody else, because the big issue I think a lot of people have
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is they build something for themselves, and they keep the energy trapped.
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It has to go out and touch somebody else, so that they are like suddenly
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your ambassador, saying wow, he is awesome at designing identities,
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and that's what he loves to do. Look at what he did with his hotdog cart.
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You know, whatever it is, however silly it might feel,
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just work at what it is you love
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and make sure that it touches somebody else.
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>>And it's bizarre ending up in technology, because I didn't—and also that I'm an entrepreneur.
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I didn't have lemonade stands when I was little or, you know, I didn't
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sell candy to kids on the playground or anything like that.
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So I've ended up being an entrepreneur, I think, and that wasn't something I planned.
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But it's thankfully the thing I'm most happy with.
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I think now running a company and—which is really about creating something—
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at its very core, what we're doing is we're creating something.
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And that creation affects other people's lives and makes them better.
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This is my dream job.
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I'm going to feel lucky that I've basically fallen into it.
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>>In the end, it's important to be honest with yourself about your goals.
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Passions can change.
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Ask yourself if you want to keep doing something,
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and if the response is not a resounding yes,
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then perhaps it's time to make a change.
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If you can continually improve your professional situation
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through self-assessment, training, practice, branding, and networking,
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you should find yourself looking ahead,
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armed with a great deal of knowledge of the industry,
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experience, trying new things, and a professional and personal network
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you can reach out to at a moment's notice.
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Regardless of the industry, leaders aren't merely successful
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because they're smart or fast.
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Many have a great base of supporters and friends, family, and colleagues.
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Don't underestimate networking.
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Knowing that even one other person out there is facing the same challenges you are
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can be enough to compel someone to push forward.
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It should also tell you that you don't have to go it alone.
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Also, always remain professional and positive.
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There may be tough times ahead for some of you,
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especially when making a change, quitting a job, starting a new one.
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Many of the challenges we face moving forward are impossible to anticipate.
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But we must remain nimble and open to change.
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Now at the same time, try to face the future with a smile.
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And always remember that the interactions you have with others
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in the industry may reflect upon the company you work for
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or the colleagues you work with.
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And once again, never stop learning.
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The fact you are here watching these videos means you want to learn more.
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To better yourself and accomplish personal goals.
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Seek out more opportunities like this.
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And pass on what you've learned to others,
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including the next generation of designers and developers.
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They'll be looking to you for help and guidance.
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So from all of us at Treehouse, thanks for watching.
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And best of luck with your career.
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