Skip to the end

Take a more direct path to your dream role

In many aspects of life, we are often advised to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination. While this philosophy has its merits, there are times when skipping to the end can be the most rewarding approach. This idea is especially relevant in career planning, particularly in fast-paced environments like startups.

I recently spoke with someone who was planning to become a forward-deployed engineer at a startup, with the long-term goal of transitioning into product management as the company scaled. Rather than seeing the engineering role as a necessary pre-requisite, I suggested he ask for the PM position while temporarily covering the engineering duties. This approach ensures he doesn't get pigeonholed in a role that doesn't align with his ultimate career goals.

In startups, there are often limited seats at the table. Joining a promising company in any capacity can be valuable. However, being clear and explicit about your career goals from the outset is essential. If you don't articulate what you want, you risk being stuck in roles based on immediate needs rather than your long-term objectives. Founders and CEOs are typically focused on driving the company forward. They may not always consider individual career aspirations unless those goals are clearly communicated.

The same principle applies to starting a company. I've always aspired to start my own company but kept putting it off, thinking my role as a product manager would naturally lead to that path. However, working closely with founders doesn't equate to understanding the full journey of a founder. I realized that to truly grasp what it means to be a founder, I will need to skip to the end and dive directly into starting a company.

While intermediate steps can offer valuable experiences, they shouldn't be seen as mandatory detours if they don't align with your end goals. By clearly defining and communicating your career aspirations, you can reach your desired destination faster. Skip to the end.