1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,700 As time goes on, your career will evolve. 2 00:00:03,700 --> 00:00:07,310 But perhaps not as much as how you evolve as a person. 3 00:00:07,310 --> 00:00:10,990 Most of us can expect to be working for years to come, 4 00:00:10,990 --> 00:00:15,829 and, over that time, not only will our industry change. So will we. 5 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:20,630 Our family, living arrangements, and our location may all change. 6 00:00:20,630 --> 00:00:24,670 But trends, attitudes, and passions will come and go. 7 00:00:24,670 --> 00:00:27,820 And you may find yourself in search of a new challenge. 8 00:00:27,820 --> 00:00:30,070 Or many of them. 9 00:00:30,070 --> 00:00:35,570 Your career should include a continual series of self assessment and evaluation. 10 00:00:35,570 --> 00:00:39,620 Because while taking pride in accomplishments and milestones is important, 11 00:00:39,620 --> 00:00:43,570 looking inward can let you know if you're truly on the right path. 12 00:00:43,570 --> 00:00:47,230 >>You know, I would say you find that one thing that you're really passionate about 13 00:00:47,230 --> 00:00:50,730 that you want to do. You find your skills that you're really good at. 14 00:00:50,730 --> 00:00:53,660 And then I mentioned this, you find that thing that when you're doing it, 15 00:00:53,660 --> 00:00:57,850 you lose track of time. That's when you know that that's what you're supposed to do. 16 00:00:57,850 --> 00:01:02,660 And what I would say is if you don't have anybody paying you to do that, 17 00:01:02,660 --> 00:01:04,870 sort of do it for yourself. 18 00:01:04,870 --> 00:01:07,460 And put it out there and show people what you're capable of. 19 00:01:07,460 --> 00:01:10,060 And show people what it is you care about. 20 00:01:10,060 --> 00:01:14,420 It could be there's a not-for-profit. It could be a guy with a hotdog stand. 21 00:01:14,420 --> 00:01:17,680 It could be whatever, but find something that's real enough 22 00:01:17,680 --> 00:01:20,630 that it touches somebody else, because the big issue I think a lot of people have 23 00:01:20,630 --> 00:01:23,770 is they build something for themselves, and they keep the energy trapped. 24 00:01:23,770 --> 00:01:27,720 It has to go out and touch somebody else, so that they are like suddenly 25 00:01:27,720 --> 00:01:32,430 your ambassador, saying wow, he is awesome at designing identities, 26 00:01:32,430 --> 00:01:35,980 and that's what he loves to do. Look at what he did with his hotdog cart. 27 00:01:35,980 --> 00:01:38,530 You know, whatever it is, however silly it might feel, 28 00:01:38,530 --> 00:01:41,450 just work at what it is you love 29 00:01:41,450 --> 00:01:43,450 and make sure that it touches somebody else. 30 00:01:43,450 --> 00:01:48,660 >>And it's bizarre ending up in technology, because I didn't—and also that I'm an entrepreneur. 31 00:01:48,660 --> 00:01:52,270 I didn't have lemonade stands when I was little or, you know, I didn't 32 00:01:52,270 --> 00:01:55,390 sell candy to kids on the playground or anything like that. 33 00:01:55,390 --> 00:02:01,960 So I've ended up being an entrepreneur, I think, and that wasn't something I planned. 34 00:02:01,960 --> 00:02:04,460 But it's thankfully the thing I'm most happy with. 35 00:02:04,460 --> 00:02:10,270 I think now running a company and—which is really about creating something— 36 00:02:10,270 --> 00:02:13,630 at its very core, what we're doing is we're creating something. 37 00:02:13,630 --> 00:02:19,220 And that creation affects other people's lives and makes them better. 38 00:02:19,220 --> 00:02:22,510 This is my dream job. 39 00:02:22,510 --> 00:02:26,390 I'm going to feel lucky that I've basically fallen into it. 40 00:02:26,390 --> 00:02:31,810 >>In the end, it's important to be honest with yourself about your goals. 41 00:02:31,810 --> 00:02:33,840 Passions can change. 42 00:02:33,840 --> 00:02:36,850 Ask yourself if you want to keep doing something, 43 00:02:36,850 --> 00:02:39,780 and if the response is not a resounding yes, 44 00:02:39,780 --> 00:02:42,480 then perhaps it's time to make a change. 45 00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:46,710 If you can continually improve your professional situation 46 00:02:46,710 --> 00:02:52,240 through self-assessment, training, practice, branding, and networking, 47 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:54,840 you should find yourself looking ahead, 48 00:02:54,840 --> 00:02:57,680 armed with a great deal of knowledge of the industry, 49 00:02:57,680 --> 00:03:02,810 experience, trying new things, and a professional and personal network 50 00:03:02,810 --> 00:03:05,480 you can reach out to at a moment's notice. 51 00:03:05,480 --> 00:03:09,970 Regardless of the industry, leaders aren't merely successful 52 00:03:09,970 --> 00:03:12,240 because they're smart or fast. 53 00:03:12,240 --> 00:03:17,510 Many have a great base of supporters and friends, family, and colleagues. 54 00:03:17,510 --> 00:03:20,510 Don't underestimate networking. 55 00:03:20,510 --> 00:03:25,030 Knowing that even one other person out there is facing the same challenges you are 56 00:03:25,030 --> 00:03:27,740 can be enough to compel someone to push forward. 57 00:03:27,740 --> 00:03:31,620 It should also tell you that you don't have to go it alone. 58 00:03:32,900 --> 00:03:36,720 Also, always remain professional and positive. 59 00:03:36,720 --> 00:03:39,490 There may be tough times ahead for some of you, 60 00:03:39,490 --> 00:03:43,340 especially when making a change, quitting a job, starting a new one. 61 00:03:43,340 --> 00:03:48,220 Many of the challenges we face moving forward are impossible to anticipate. 62 00:03:48,220 --> 00:03:51,740 But we must remain nimble and open to change. 63 00:03:51,740 --> 00:03:55,870 Now at the same time, try to face the future with a smile. 64 00:03:55,870 --> 00:03:58,880 And always remember that the interactions you have with others 65 00:03:58,880 --> 00:04:02,480 in the industry may reflect upon the company you work for 66 00:04:02,480 --> 00:04:04,880 or the colleagues you work with. 67 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:07,550 And once again, never stop learning. 68 00:04:07,550 --> 00:04:12,340 The fact you are here watching these videos means you want to learn more. 69 00:04:12,340 --> 00:04:15,260 To better yourself and accomplish personal goals. 70 00:04:15,260 --> 00:04:18,370 Seek out more opportunities like this. 71 00:04:18,370 --> 00:04:20,769 And pass on what you've learned to others, 72 00:04:20,769 --> 00:04:24,900 including the next generation of designers and developers. 73 00:04:24,900 --> 00:04:27,550 They'll be looking to you for help and guidance. 74 00:04:27,550 --> 00:04:31,990 So from all of us at Treehouse, thanks for watching. 75 00:04:31,990 --> 00:04:35,990 And best of luck with your career.