Is It Smarter Not To Help Others At Work?

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[@NeetCode]

Really interesting video Steve, i agree that keeping multiple career options open is smart. Btw i really love the overall video aesthetic (pacing, music, lighting, editing style)

[@copnsteez]

Two legends collide on KZbin 💪

[@roywastaken]

THE GOAT

[@technicallychallenged]

@neetcode and @alifengineered collide?!

[@MLcatUwU]

The legend himself

[@joyceawesome1705]

The legend @Neetcode.

[@kimchi2093]

One issue I’ve found with engineers retiring early using KZbin is that…they kind of run out of things to talk about. They either switch to skits or they switch the topic they talk about entirely so that it’s no longer about working as a developer. What’s your plan for content should you decide to go into YT full time?

[@ricen0odle]

sounds like TechLead

[@jmanindahizouse]

@@ricen0odlehow to become a tech KZbinr (as a MILLIONAIRE)

[@lenk172]

To be fair, it never seems to be someone who's been in the industry that long. At least not as long as Steve has been.

[@kimchi2093]

If he quits his job, there’s a chance his information and reliability can get stale. For example, although Ali Abdaal is succeeding right now, honestly I believe his decision to quit being a doctor was a bad one since he no longer has a moat that holds him superior to other channels. He’s just another of many productivity gurus now. I truly believe that’s why his content has been switching over to business a lot more these days. But I agree, his experience is definitely one aspect that separates Steve from the rest. Still, it’s risky as there’s not a lot of precedent in the tech space that he can emulate if that makes sense. I do agree that he’s in a better position than all the other tech youtubers though.

[@Neonb88]

I feel like the biggest issue would be the hit to his salary and whatever he's passing along to his kids Plus he's such a productive engineer, seems like a waste. So few good senior engineers out there helping society, and we'd lose another But of course it's his life, and whatever he wants to do is what he'll end up doing ❤🎉

[@chaidaro]

I found mentoring is rewarding. I have made enough money, so helping a junior engineer to get to another level makes me feel good.

[@KevinNaughtonJr]

"be the world's worst criminal" that had my dying great vid Steve 😂

[@tedm8492]

I have found that teaching or helping others has greatly helped me in my career as I teaching is itself the best teacher. Also when you help others, they will be willing to help you out in the future too.

[@bobbyadamson2333]

Obviously help people. Just be a chill person and help your team. So so whack to deliberately not help unless the person/team particularly toxic. Totally agree, if the job has that culture, I'd get out of there fast.

[@AsianVideoGamer]

Ive helped everyone that asked for help, i never get promoted but i never get let go. Always got someone giving me great feedbacks on my performance. My manager trusts me and recognizes my efforts. Overall I haven't gotten backstabbed but it's not like i got rewarded either

[@StriderMKz]

Thanks for the quality content! I really appreciate how empathetic you are when answering questions.

[@theguypersondude]

I appreciate these more general conversations Steve. As an IT Support Associate working at a Robotics Site, some of these videos don't hit home yet because I still have a long way to go to reach your level of understanding, but any and all wisdom you give in these videos are certainly appreciated.

[@emudojo]

Something I've learned over the last few years, as a contractor never trust anyone, never help anyone specially former employees.... at the end of the day no one will vote you off the chopping block.... contractors are disposable, so do you best to be the very best you....

[@curiously-cinnamon]

Could you elaborate on this please? I'm curious.

[@megabyte01]

I've been both an employee and a contractor in my career. I've seen a lot of managers treat contractors like second class citizens at companies even though they work just as hard as their employee teammates and usually earn their team's trust and respect. I've also seen contractors fail at their tasks for several reasons: - the problem was intractable or even unsolvable with the institutional constraints. - the contractors were never given the same information or consideration as the employee developers. - the contractors knew they were on the chopping block from the start and their hearts just weren't in it, professionalism be damned. (A little optimism goes a long way, but there are limits)

[@johnashley41]

You really are the mentor we need. Thanks for all the help Steve!

[@3DWithLairdWT]

I've found your channel to be invaluable to becoming a more effective leader and team member at work. Thank you for taking your time to share your experience and knowledge!

[@danielbulgarelli935]

This is probably a newsletter question: You were saying how you read 1-4 hours a day… can you talk about resources that you like? Maybe answer the question with a short/medium sized list of your favorite content resources. Additionally, a systematic search for the best resources. For example, i realized that I need to dive deep into SQL to exceed at my position. How should I search for the right resources? It’s hard to know the key concepts to learn and the new trends emerging before you are an expert. How do you evaluate the expertise of content creators?

[@aznstride4325]

Hi uncle Steve, I’m an L4 in Amazon and I’m so discourage. The L5’s around me seem to be too smart and it’s intimidating to be around then during discussions. I just don’t feel I’m that smart; I’m not exploding with ideas like they are. I feel like a small fish in this big pond & everyone sees it. I think I blame my lack of intense focus, or maybe passion for the type of work I do. If I only really really loved it, I’d be as competitive as them right. (I guess that’s my excuse). All the high performing people I talked to, told me they’re highly motivated. I don’t think pure discipline works as well in intellectual endeavors - it’s hard to be creative and intelligent about something you’re not interested/curious about. Would you agree

[@chaidaro]

I totally agree. People who love what they are doing, can spend extra hours to craft their skills and knowledge daily. They will pay more attention to the details, partly because their curiosity and the fun of building things. If you don’t like what you are doing, you might want to pivot yourself to the role that is more fit to you.

[@megabyte01]

If you made it to L4, perhaps you should give yourself some credit. That took a lot of time and effort. Instead, ask yourself if you are working too hard without enough to show for it? Burnout sucks and it sneaks up on one, speaking from experience. Try learning how the L5s got their promotions. Try asking for some time off to put what the L5s tell you into motion. If you're afraid to take time off, that's a sign that you need to consider some changes.

[@JohnFarrellDev]

3:05 is interesting, I agree etically with don't lie but I think some people who are less ethically inclined could easily up make great stories and benefit their career.

[@leapnlarry]

Im retired now, looking for my encore career, but i would have loved some of this advice during my big boy career. Larry

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

" ultimately, the decision will come down to a gut feeling from the team. " This is the real truth and you could have put this quote on a repeat loop for 13 minutes.

[@vinkalmann]

The DJ comparison to work was money! Subscribed.

[@Waterbirdbob]

It's always good to teach everyone around you...that's how I got promoted everywhere I went

[@mdell-t4655]

I think there’s a balance. Give them enough help that they move forward, but not too much help that you waste your time (and maybe even your money)

[@head0fmob]

if you help your colleague make sure you note down what was the topic, how you introduce the solution to the colleague and note if they find it useful. During yearly review, bring up those point. Even better, ask your colleague to write comment to his ticket that you came in and help clarify the ticket solution. This helped me a lot. Your colleague will also then more willing to help you. Win win for everyone.

[@amochswohntet99]

I once had a very annoying coworker who sometimes would spend hours on end BSing with a friend on the phone, in an otherwise quiet workspace. She had a super friendly attitude at all times towards everyone. Towards the later months of my employment at the company she asked me for a favor, to put in a technical ticket to have the light above her cubicle fixed, her excuse for why she couldn't do it was that she was about to go on leave for two weeks and wouldn't be able to follow up with the tech guys when they arrived to change the bulb. I assumed that she thought that because she's so nice that I would do that favor. I said "sure I'll do it", and then I just never did it, and when she asked me about it two weeks later I said "oh shoot, I forgot, sorry". The moral of this story is that, sometimes people who are nice are actually just manipulative and will try to get you to help them on THEIR work and THEIR problems.

[@Ultravenom1]

I like helping people when it the help improves both our skills or allows me to breathe air i havent in a while.

[@moart87]

You should be helpful, but it should be transparent and you need to get the credit for it.

[@anangryasian]

Does the traditional wisdom of switching companies every 2 years still apply to FAANG comanies if you want to optmize salary (especially for hardware engineering)? For example where else would a hardware engineer at Apple go? Other than a brief blip during the pandemic, Apple already pays more than all other hardware divisions at companies such as Google, Meta, Snap, Microsoft, etc.

[@askeladd709]

Hey Steve! Just dropping some mad respect for your content--and even more your resilience in reading all the comments!

[@barbarosozturk]

In terms of monetary value, Steve's videos are provided for free with substantial value-add. Thanks for sharing!

[@john_doe_2231]

Always love listening to your wisdom , Steve .

[@aaronscirocco5967]

A question for the next video: Is there a point where technical ability is no longer the bottleneck?

[@ZM-dm3jg]

That's such a naive and easy question.. of course that's the case. Anything above mid-level developer is no longer about technical ability, it's primarily about people-skills, leadership, managing a team, mentorship, relationships with stakeholders, understanding the big-picture of the business context and so on and so on.

[@samgould8567]

⁠​⁠@@ZM-dm3jgThe most competent and hardcore engineers constantly seek out more difficult technical challenges that force them to improve their hard skills. Most people are not interested in maintaining such a lifestyle for their entire career and instead use their accumulated knowledge and wisdom (or their ability to convince others of such traits) to become managers. Nothing wrong with either choice but to say that technical ability as a bottleneck completely vanishes at some point really depends on the person and situation. In my role, both soft skills and hard skills are required, but people only listen to me because I keep up with bleeding edge tech that is difficult to learn and use.

[@veliaguethe3613]

I have two questions as follows: 1. after good two hours and half interview do you send a email to thank then? how long should i wait? 2. what does it mean what they says " I will call you back in a couple days"?

[@muhammedmahmood6045]

Uncle Steve you had me dying with your onlyfans joke XD did not expect that

[@Stella-se1lg]

This vid is dope🎉congratulations for making the Q&A video haha. I can definitely relate to many of the questions. 😊

[@jhors7777]

Thanks so much Steve for your work and fabulous channel!!

[@JasonGoodison]

Great vid as always!

[@fullmastrinio]

I was always wondering what was your agenda, because no one truly shares content for free without expecting something in return. Was expecting the course drop at some point, which happened now. I don't mean this in a negative way, I am verbalising my thought that everyone has an agenda and this reminds me that everyone has the potentiall to develop a skill that can help them outside of their main job to improve their life or the life of others. Looking forward to your new program, it better be good.

[@DLlovefood]

Great advice Steve! if the company's culture is toxic, just get another job. Don't compromise your integrity for a company; otherwise, you will start to lose more and more of yourself. Also, being able to show that your are knowledgeable and be able to help or tutor other people is a trait of a good leader. Management eventually will recognize that and promotion may come.

[@TheCreatorsAttorney]

Yes I have smart clients. You might be the most brilliant and witty one. Or at least the world’s worst criminal. That is so good! *chef’s kiss*

[@TheMoMoEdits]

The fact that this video has to be made is really just an indication of how people act in bad faith at many companies, Amazon included. Now you have to talk about it to prove to bad faith devs that they’re not that smart at optimizing their career or output.

[@Neonb88]

Steve always has so many ideas. Easy to see why he's come so far in his life already. His jokes are 🔥, too Also, unfortunately people do lose jobs over asking for more. Not usually, but it DEFINITELY helps to have at least 2 offers in hand before negotiating like that. But generally, asking for more is good

[@Dxeus]

Hello, As a Senior Solutions Architect (band 9) in a major tech firm, I manage a portfolio of Fortune 100 clients, solving a wide array of challenges without tech stack constraints. The demands of this role have been wearing on me for the past couple of years. I'm contemplating handing in a two-week notice to seek a less taxing position. I'd appreciate any advice you could offer. Thanks,

[@shazmimain8293]

Hi steve may I know what mic you're using? it sounds rly good

[@birthtoolbox]

Hey Steve, It was great to connect with you at VidSummit today. Maybe we should work on a Seattle KZbinr meetup! Alice (the doula)

[@muizzy]

Ok, I was _not_ prepared for that acting jab. Nearly sprayed my keyboard with juice!

[@N221985]

Hi Steve, if you have been for a long time at your company and have had decent growth, but want to get an idea of your current market worth, is interviewing with other companies a good way to learn where you stand in the market ?

[@caracallaavg]

Thank you my uncle from another set of grandparents!

[@AdrianNaps]

From the perspective of an engineer, what makes a great product or project manager?

[@diegogomez87108]

I haven’t watched the video, but of course not. Be with others like you would like them to be with you

[@pedrocunha4322]

i agree but theres individuals that what they look for is not a help but you doing the job for them, and the more you do the more this slackers lay back and do nothing. but i agree you should help your team mates

[@modolief]

predatory capitalism so eloquently and amorally explained thanks

[@egor.okhterov]

Something feels wrong about all of that. Can't find the right words but I would expect a government or maybe a law firm to operate this cold :)

[@LasparkOficial]

Is it my end or the mic sounds... like chippy? I don't really like it, but the content is awesome

[@FreedomFinanceFun]

Great advice for any industry

[@darthnegativehunter8659]

i work remotely. i self promote myself. because when i get better i work faster. this i end up working for less time.

[@AnonYmous-yu6hv]

I got fired multiple times now, I think the common reason was my behavior toward my superiors mostly. What can I do to prevent that in the future? And also how can I reapply again without showing red flags?

[@curiously-cinnamon]

As a fresher who was just laid off from my first company, maybe kiss their ass?

[@AnonYmous-yu6hv]

@@curiously-cinnamon it's really not me... And especially if they're annoying and micro manage

[@itsdannyftw]

What was your behaviour like, what exactly did you do

[@Neonb88]

​​@@AnonYmous-yu6hvYeah bud I think if it's happened multiple times, it's unfortunately your fault But if you take an honest look at your behavior and make a plan for remedying it, I believe you can turn it around!! Many many engineers I know have been in the same boat, especially early in their careers

[@AnonYmous-yu6hv]

@@itsdannyftw it's too much for a comment in KZbin but I guess I was annoying and I argued a lot.

[@TRoss-ru6sg]

Did not expect 5:49 🤣

[@chaidaro]

😂

[@leapnlarry]

What the hell is barista-fire? I will have to look that one up, haha.

[@i_am_acai]

Whats ur mic setup?

[@GnomeEU]

It's all about perception. I've had companies respect me from day one. And for some you're never good enough. If someone doesn't respect you after a year or two its time for a change, they will dangle the carrot in front of you forever. Remember you can also make 100 bucks an hour coding pascal in home office. One company with tell you your pull requests are not tidy enough so you have to skip the promotion this time. And in the next company everyone posts memes and fart jokes in their commit messages.

[@Memorax]

that thumbnail has no business going that stupid HARD

[@IL_Bgentyl]

For promotions I always bring up I have no issue getting work done right if they are willing to pay. I’m going to be a Indian unless you pay me to be a chief. I hate when jobs want you to be both. Can I? Sure. Will I? No. People need to learn to let the leader lead. Let them sink the boat or get compensated for steering the ship.

[@redpilljesus]

Don't ask for more AFTER getting what you already wanted! Ask for more FIRST! Ask for 10% more than you would be satisfied with. See what happens.

[@DanHartwigMusic]

Why not Livestream your bedroom DJ sets?

[@tHebUm18]

5:43 Based on your income video, get out of here with that "lean FIRE or barista FIRE existence." Using the 4% rule, you probably are already set for a healthy retirement unless you live a far less down to earth lifestyle than the vibes you give off.

[@montyi8]

The video title seems to suggest the opposite!

[@silverhairs]

Uncle Steve's onlyfans would be fire 🔥

[@andrewcliffe4753]

Problem is, a percentage of those who you help will use it to lever themselves above you

[@megabyte01]

Too true. I trained someone who later pounced on me for an oversight I made in a stakeholder meeting. The bastard still had the gall to thank me for helping him onboard even when I was being fired.

[@zelytics]

This video was almost l33t

[@kelvinabambora9]

+1 for the OnlyFans content 🤣

[@spencerfunk]

Take option 6: only fans, but only if you wear the watches bruh

[@foosball2861]

bro brought up OF 😂

[@rob9756]

why does this need to be explained?

[@torvic99]

If you don’t make it visible then no.

[@foxdog9332]

👎

[@ALifeEngineered]

🎉 Sign up to get 20% off a year of Brilliant Premium → brilliant.org/alifeengineered 🚀 Transform your tech career with my free weekly newsletter - newsletter.alifeengineered.com/general 💥 Continue the conversation on my Discord server with like-minded viewers. The advice section is **chef's kiss** - discord.gg/HFVMbQgRJJ 💥 My KZbin content will always be free of charge but if you'd like to support the channel, I'd be honored if you supported me on Patreon - www.patreon.com/ALifeEngineered

[@paktra6629]

A couple of the links didn't work.

[@shpluk]

Stop giving yourself nicknames it's a bit pathetic. Thank you for the advice, much appreciated 👍

[@Slow_Hand_Path]

You're right about your career options not being mutually exclusive and you could potentially become the first Senior Principal Engineer OnlyFans model in the world. Which could be a highly profitable niche market. Good luck!

[@andressantana]

Maybe not OnlyFans but OnlyFAANG

[@ALifeEngineered]

That’s good I’m going to steal that.

[@valsh6181]

+1 to onlyfans