Today I came across a tweet by Saumil Tripathi, founder of GrapeVine

Tweet by Saumil, founder of GrapeVine

It has some useful pieces of advice I'd like to share with Fueler community members. Here it goes:

1. Growth is Never Linear. If it Is, You’re at the Wrong Place

Early in my career, I felt behind. Friends who jumped into startups, management consulting, or fast-growing roles like Product Management would talk about their rapid raises and big titles. I didn’t feel like I was falling behind, but I’d sometimes wonder if my slower path would pay off.

In the end, eventually, your intrinsic value catches up with your market value. If you have a high-paying job but don’t provide value that matches it, then sooner or later you will have to concede to a lower job offer.

Similarly, if you are underpaid right now but bring real skills and value to an organization, then **you are bound to achieve a great offer down the line.** So focus on adding value, money will follow.

2. Specialize, but More Broadly

In each role, I focused on understanding the business deeply, working on projects that pushed my skills, and staying updated with industry trends.

Moving to different companies at key points helped me diversify my expertise without losing depth.

Know when to stay and when to go. It's hard, but you get better with age.

3. Networking is Underrated

I realized this very late, honestly, it took me 6 years to figure this out. I made it a point to connect with mentors, those who had navigated similar paths or who excelled in areas I admired.

Those conversations don’t have to be formal; sometimes it was just a chat near the watercooler, sometimes a quick Slack message.

But those relationships brought insights and encouragement I couldn’t have found alone.

[Related: Proof of Work is the New Resume]

4. Negotiate, but also out-deliver anyone

I’m a BIGGG believer in fair negotiation; if you bring value, know your worth.

However, each pay raise or promotion felt meaningful only when I felt my contribution matched it.

The most satisfying moments weren’t just about the LPA numbers but the challenges I’d overcome and the projects I was proud of.

This is something I feel goes wrong when people glorify salary numbers but not impact on platforms like Quora, Reddit, and even Grapevine. Don’t seek validation; make your own path.

You can checkout the post here

In the grand scheme of professional growth, it's essential to remember that progress isn't always linear. By focusing on building a strong foundation of skills, networking strategically, and negotiating confidently, you can carve out a fulfilling and rewarding career path.

Remember, your intrinsic value will eventually align with your market value. So, prioritize continuous learning, seek out opportunities to add value, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The journey may be confusing and challenging sometimes, but the destination is worth it.

About Fueler:

Fueler is a career portfolio platform that helps companies find the best talents for their organization based on their proof of work.

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