Recently, I came across the news that my old acquaintance secured a position at a major high-tech company with an unprecedented signing bonus. This news made me realize how different we can choose our career paths: Some choose the fast food with immediate satisfaction, while others are committed to Michelin cooking to dive deep into a field and seize this significant opportunity. Let's reflect on the different paths and analyze it so you can later choose one that works for you.
The first question is "can we wait for that long?" In the early 2000s, while we were all deeply involved in AI research. We faced numerous challenges: lacking data and very limited processing power. At the same time, other technologies like the web, search, and data engineering were rapidly advancing, which offered a lot more lucrative career possibilities. So, at that time, most yearned for a career that provided immediate satisfaction, convenience, and predictability. It's the quick and easier path, while few pursued in-depth research pursuing a Ph.D. for 5-6 years that are now highly sought-after talent but it is 20 years later!
The second question is "are you suitable for Michelin cooking?"To be honest, even I dared to take the hard path, based on my own intelligence, I was unlikely to achieve the same level of success. I found this is true to many others as well. Therefore, self-awareness and understanding of one’s strengths and limitations are crucial in career planning. Is it a deliberate and time-consuming cooking process always to create the perfect dish? The answer is it depends. Know yourself first.
The 3rd question, the long-term planning is riskier because you can't get immediate feedbacks. You never know the area you deep dive will pick up later, while fast food gives quick results so you can adjust and find the best one that works for you. Deep dive has more unknowns and is a darker path to navigate.
In summary, when considering career options, we are very likely to choose between fast food or Michelin cooking. One is fast and obvious, one takes time and requires highly trained skills and persistent hard work. Both have pros and cons. If you are making your decision now, ask yourself "Should I plan for the long run or the short term? Do I know what I am good at? Do I need follow a more predictable path? ". Hope this can be helpful for you to make your judgment and plan your career.
The first question is "can we wait for that long?" In the early 2000s, while we were all deeply involved in AI research. We faced numerous challenges: lacking data and very limited processing power. At the same time, other technologies like the web, search, and data engineering were rapidly advancing, which offered a lot more lucrative career possibilities. So, at that time, most yearned for a career that provided immediate satisfaction, convenience, and predictability. It's the quick and easier path, while few pursued in-depth research pursuing a Ph.D. for 5-6 years that are now highly sought-after talent but it is 20 years later!
The second question is "are you suitable for Michelin cooking?"To be honest, even I dared to take the hard path, based on my own intelligence, I was unlikely to achieve the same level of success. I found this is true to many others as well. Therefore, self-awareness and understanding of one’s strengths and limitations are crucial in career planning. Is it a deliberate and time-consuming cooking process always to create the perfect dish? The answer is it depends. Know yourself first.
The 3rd question, the long-term planning is riskier because you can't get immediate feedbacks. You never know the area you deep dive will pick up later, while fast food gives quick results so you can adjust and find the best one that works for you. Deep dive has more unknowns and is a darker path to navigate.
In summary, when considering career options, we are very likely to choose between fast food or Michelin cooking. One is fast and obvious, one takes time and requires highly trained skills and persistent hard work. Both have pros and cons. If you are making your decision now, ask yourself "Should I plan for the long run or the short term? Do I know what I am good at? Do I need follow a more predictable path? ". Hope this can be helpful for you to make your judgment and plan your career.