[itamarst]

Here are some things I've learned the hard way:

1. Negotiate your salary. That means doing research up front about what you can get, and then making sure you ask for it, and making sure you don't let previous salary set baseline for what you get. Read this before you start looking for a job: http://valerieaurora.org/howto_salary/

2. If you really aren't happy at work, or if there's layoffs, start looking for a new job. Don't hang around hoping it'll get better. It might, but it might not, and better to look for new job while you're still employed then after you've left (voluntarily or otherwise).

3. Some companies will want you to work long hours. This is total bullshit and counter-productive and you should avoid such companies (https://codewithoutrules.com/2016/08/18/productive-programme...). Find out during the interview process (tactfully and carefully!) and walk away (politely and without mentioning the reason!).

(You can get the full stories of the many and varied career and software mistakes I've made over the years over at https://softwareclown.com).