| > 1) Take copious notes (in whatever format works for you). Documentation is always key. And notes about experiences is also important. Check on this one. > 2) Confirm managers decisions with a recap email (especially when you disagree with them). This is always important. I discussed a lot to with people in higher ranks than me to find for the perfect fit for a project. Check on this one. > 3) Understand that while you may not like politics (I don't) knowing how the game is played allows you to mostly stay out of it. Yeah I stay in the mainstream part, and just vote if there is something to vote on. But it is just a decade where keeping up with politics will just drive you nuts. > 4) Work time is work time, learn to be productive and then go home and switch off. That's something I really need to learn. For me it is really hard to switch off my head. > 5) Work friends are NOT friends. Always true. I mean you can meet with them for lunch etc., but it will always be about work. > 6) Learn to say 'No' in a way that doesn't ruffle feathers but does result in the no case. Also know your weaknesses and don't lie about them. This will save a lot of nerves. > 7) If something seems interesting, go for it - all the best experiences in my working life have resulted from stepping outside my comfort zone. Also something I need to learn. For me it is really hard to step out of my comfort zone. |
Find a hobby that requires focus but isn't your day job.
If you are focussing on rebuilding a motorcycle you aren't worrying about that project that is going to go late because the stakeholder is MIA or is present and their intelligence is MIA.
For me it's Motorcycles, Cycling, Chess and Reading but for you it could be painting, woodwork whatever - if you are a developer try to pick something away from a screen or that has screen work be the ancillary part - there is a therapy in sitting outside on a sunny day working on a bike that I can't find anywhere else.