Career & Money Lessons I Wish I Knew as a Software Engineer in My 20s

How to get promoted at work and how to make more money? What business to start, what products to sell, how to stay motivated? Those are the questions I asked myself in my 20s, and these are the my career and money lessons I learned.
Follow me on instagram: @withmarko
=== Links ===
☕️ My Notion Template:
links.withmarko.com/notion-te...
☕️ My new LED cube clock:
links.withmarko.com/led-matri...
divoom.com/marko (code MARKO)
☕️ My Free Window Manager:
links.withmarko.com/one-menu
☕️ My Productivity Mouse:
links.withmarko.com/mx-master-3s
☕️ My Productivity Keyboard:
links.withmarko.com/productiv...
☕️ My Headphones:
links.withmarko.com/headphones
☕️ My Backpack
links.withmarko.com/backpack
=== Business Inquiries ===
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: @withmarko
=== Affiliate Disclaimer ===
I might earn a small commission at no cost to you, if you click on the product links above.

[@vikikashi786]

'Family' or 'loyalty' is a lie in the job. Companies will say this only to keep you there. They will fire their employees first thing if they think their profit will be less than previous quarter. So if you find a better opportunity, go for it.

[@cestlavieeee]

very hard to balance the risk of exiting and entering a new company when you have kids and family to take care of

[@druzhukov876]

0:33 Be a Squeaky Wheel 1:34 Practise Communication 2:10 Don't stay in One Place 3:02 Ignore The Naysayers 3:43 Insist on Getting Paid 5:09 What to sell 6:39 Don't Start a Consultancy 7:19 Challenge Yourself

[@paulfunigga]

bro, are you really trying to learn stuff from these vids? 😂😂😂

[@clackety_]

@@paulfunigga Laughing at someone else's grind is pathetic bro.

[@stephanekatende6178]

@@paulfunigga Laughing at someone trying to improve is pathetic bro, go work on your insecurities.

[@PeterBurke-wv8dt]

Thanks Marko, I’m 40 year old in Ireland trying to learn to become a software engineer and make a career change, it’s hard but hope it will be worth it, love your videos

[@stefanm578]

wish you good luck, it will be worth it:)

[@withmarko]

Hey guys, thanks for the comments, yes it’s totally worth it, because if you like tinkering and making things it’s literally the only career where you can make something out of thin air 😃

[@Noulvari]

Man I thought I was the only one starting at 40

[@PeterBurke-wv8dt]

@@withmarko Thanks Marko, would you do a video on how you started? Would you have any opinions on going the self-taught route? I'm teaching myself while being self-employed (nothing to do with computers in any way) and working long hours and my goal is to break into tech for the rest of my career. 🙏😁

[@PeterBurke-wv8dt]

@@Noulvari So I'm not alone either,😁😅 wish you all the best in your journey.

[@cmatt7]

Happy birthday, Marko! Love to see the progress with your channel. I, personally, am amazed with you sharing the knowledge

[@benbee747]

I just started my career as a software developer in a start up company, I hope that fortunes favor my leap of faith. I originally came from the I.T infrastructure support career. Your videos helps me to be motivated, learn and strategize my next steps in this career. I'm 28yrs old right now I think it's a bit late but I don't want to give up and I really wanted to grow. More power to you Marko and always take care bro. BTW belated happy birthday to you!

[@applefan132]

Fantastic video with great advice! I'm in my 5th year of software development and couldn't agree more with you! Thanks Marko and happy birthday!

[@ALLINONE-ko6sv]

Happiest Birthday Marko, I'm a 21-year-old boy struggling between my software engineering career. Watching your videos makes me confidential. I love your content.. Applying soon in Khoot!

[@TheLeoKing23]

Hi Marko! A hug directly from Brazil to you! Congratulations on 30 years of age! I accompany you since "Day in Life of a Software Engineer (Ep.4)" and I want to say that you are an inspiration to me. At the beginning of the year I plucked up the courage to study programming and today I'm taking a course in the area. Thank you for sharing your routines and insights as I know it inspires many people besides me. Please never stop! A hug and, once again, congratulations to you!

[@withmarko]

Hey thank you Leonardo, I'm so happy to hear you are doing well on your journey and I'm excited to see where you will go from here! Best of luck 😃

[@vpena]

Happy birthday, bud! Software Agency is a hard business model. It's more about finding the right type of project that fits your company's culture than trying to do everything right. If you are a more process-oriented person, you may find success in building great automations, closing fix-bid projects and getting your cut there. If you are a good people person and have sales skills, following a time and materials model should suit you better.

[@jesusdominguez420]

Thanks dude! Sharing by experience is the most trustable information people should always follow. Btw, I like all your videos and I am from South America. Just letting you know that your videos are impacting my life so positively in the other side of the planet! ✌

[@aesthetic3810]

Thanks for this Marco! Im 21 from PH. "Learn from other people's mistake!". I hope my career path i chose will follow.

[@pythonuser8402]

Happy Birthday Marko! Thank you for what you are doing - great job!

[@samueliuele4992]

Hi Marko could you make a video explaining how have you made yourself noticed by companies, what you did to become a software engineer and what a teen should do if he would like to enter in this world? Thank you!

[@rebertwalog7815]

Happy birthday Marko. You make me realize I have so much to dream of by watching your videos. I wish someday I can say "This is the best version of myself" love from the Philippines☺

[@michaelchow8298]

Hey! Marko, happy birthday to you from Hong Kong. Wish you have a great time for celebration! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Yes, I really do agree with your opinion at work. I also faced such bad boss last year too. The manager would say you are good contribution when you are in needs at that moment. Then, one day he will say your performance is not good and fire you suddenly when you are not valued. So, I only can say to young guys that protect yourself at first in working. Don’t trust in anything from your boss no matter how he praises you or anything. They like to lie to you! 😂😂😂

[@mberriost]

Happy birthday Marko 🥳🎉 Thank you for your videos. You motivate me to keep improving and aspire to better positions

[@LuisCastillo-qh8wm]

Actually this was a really good video. I was tired of the same advices or the generic ones. But your advices and your personal examples were the thing I need it. Thanks a lot!

[@AungBaw]

Happy Birthday Marko!! I am in early 30s and trying to switch other stacks. Love your videos always applicable, short to the point & Cheer mate.

[@jellewijma988]

Hey Marko, first time seeing your content. As a software developer, this video was really helpful, not only in terms of software development and the workspace around it, but also in terms of the way of thinking. Keep it up.👍

[@jvdmcsgo]

Main lesson i learnt (2y software engineer). Some times its ok to go work somewhere with lower salary if you are being misserable at your current company

[@MinaAcsente]

This is extremely helpful for someone like me who is just starting on learning to code to know what to expect.

[@Bvack]

The "What to sell" advice is probably the most accurate and usefull that I have heard (for free) in any youtube tech video. Congrats.

[@_jb5261]

All great advice. Especially the part about not trying to sell products to individuals in that same area

[@staredsystemized]

Happy Birthday Marko! I know it sound cliche but you're big inspiration of mine! been watching you from the very start. Although I'm not particularly in software engineer fields but I really do enjoy the vlog and the vibe you portrays. Keep Going!!!

[@Porkductions]

You are an inspiration my guy. Really appreciate these tips. Happy birthday to you!

[@shaheermannan7540]

One of your best video, it was full of wisdom!!! Keep doing the gr8 work and motivating the Software Devs 👍

[@robf2210]

Great video! You gave some really valuable advice about career and business. It was inspiring to hear your story and I'm sure it will help many people.

[@CAnth03]

Happy Birthday for this week Marko! Great video as always. Videos like this are really helpful for people like myself - I am a computer science undergraduate, so your tips are very valuable. Keep up the good work!

[@withmarko]

Hey thank you! 😊

[@AlexanderNielsen1]

Hey Marko, Happy Birthday from Denmark!! have seen your progress for a long time and I only see improvements love your videos Cheers Alexander

[@user-bl5ey8nl5p]

This is so valuable, Marko. This content is amazing !

[@05jessejames]

Happy birthday to the man himself! Keep putting out the great content!

[@emilianodev]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARKO! 🥳

[@marcoadev]

Thanks for the advices Marko! You are the best!

[@tube96000]

Amazing content, I can second several of these things just from my experience. Keep it up Marko and have fun!

[@mahdiaghaei8154]

We would love to hear more about your experiences as a developer

[@BJVS1]

thanks for all Marko, im from peru and you inspire me everyday

[@zongranmo7752]

I’m following you just because you are going against odds and provide content in the already saturated field

[@honestfxpredator7903]

Really love the challenge yourself point, motivated me.

[@sablja4621]

I enjoy your content, especially the ambient I get from your coding in coffee shops or at the office! Samo nastavi, pozdrav iz Hr :D

[@SlashofFate]

Thank you for the video, Marko! There are some really useful tips shown.

[@PJ-zi9ox]

Hi, Marko. I just discovered your channel a few seconds ago and I can't stop binge watching every video you have. I am just starting my career as a UX Researcher and I'm happy I found your channel. I know I'm going to learn a lot from you. Lastly, your videos are so calming, I really enjoy watching it.

[@looksmatteronly]

What do u study as a UX researcher

[@polokghosh983]

Happy Birthday Marko!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Keep blessing us with your content

[@withmarko]

Hey thank you!

[@martinsoppa]

Very good tips you have given us! I follow your channel and watch your videos because they are just great and you never gave up and presented us more and more entertaining videos and now you do such educational updates like: "what to know when..." and I like it too! Students at a young age need more inspiration, especially in IT, because it's not that easy to program! Marko, thank you very much! You are really doing the right thing! :D AND we are excited to see what comes next :D

[@Kim-mz3kl]

Happy Birthday Marko!! I am a 16 year old who was inspired to begin coding because of watching your vlogs. Thank you for inspiring me and sharing this amazing advice!

[@Will_g06]

been here since 10k subs !! youve grown suppper fast! proud of you man

[@emanahmed4394]

You gave some really valuable advice about career and business. It was inspiring

[@techbyalby5572]

Thanks a lot Marko! Your tips are very helpful.

[@pomposul]

Happy birthday, Marko!

[@maryyamahsan6804]

Happy Birthday Marko

[@True_Ulatim]

TY for your advices, some of them I take for myself.

[@szvetlin]

Another great video Marko! Happy to be here! :)

[@GermanAviationguy]

Awesome Video again Marco, thank you!

[@markjackson3459]

Happy Birthday! Hope you have a good one.

[@TheeKariuki-vy4ub]

Thanks Marko am 19 years living in Kenya planning to start software engineering in July

[@alexradu22]

Love your content bro! Super interesting

[@lavrishko]

I’m not a software engineer, and I’ve had my 20s far away but anyway, thanks for the tips, and congrats on your +1 subscriber.

[@robinrpr]

That is amazing, thank you for sharing!

[@alexfirthmusic]

Have a great birthday Marko!

[@mr.erikchun5863]

I love your channel. Keep giving us footage of the outside world

[@georgeomara]

Hi Marko, love your videos. I was wondering if you could do a 10 year in the life of a software engineer. Your journey into software development career.

[@Andrei_Calazans]

Nice one! +1 on not running a consultancy! I liked the suggestion of not making products in the same line of work of your target audience. As for not taking stocks that might only be interesting when the pay is already at top percentile and the stocks are bonuses, but I understand how early in your career you still don’t have the financial stability to make these high risk investments so it definitely depends. Thanks for sharing these Marko

[@LinPorcelain]

I love your videos. Do you maybe have tips on how to become a self taught software dev like what to learn or a roadmap or something?

[@parmodgoswami4650]

Happy Birthday Marko in advance 😀

[@ionitaserghei2416]

Hit not only subscribe, but push the like button also. Marko is a master! Keep listening. He is really right in 80% cases! Follow and support! We support you and wish the best and luck!!!

[@EduardoHenrique-nd1ro]

Hello, Marko! Thanks for sharing another amazing video! Wish you a happy birthday in advance! May all your dreams and goals come true! Cheers from Brazil!

[@withmarko]

Hey Eduardo, thank you so much my friend 😊 I wish you the best too! 😊

[@luka7626]

Thank you Marko!

[@pemessh]

Damn !! This was good. Loved these points: - Ask for that promotion/raise. If you do not ask, the answer is always NO. Don't go into auto-pilot. - Get paid in today's money.

[@nicolasesteban699]

Super interesting content, Marko. Thanks!

[@jasonchen-alienroid]

It's funny how relatable most experienced sw engineers find on this topic. Thanks for sharing

[@charseo]

Thank you for the great advices. Sad but I'm again realising that stalling existing employee is unspoken culture in corporates which sucks the most. Even I like the job and what I'm doing but as you said, it ends up dragging you back from achieving your career goal. I think it is simple logic that a good performer will cost more when departed but why not recognises as they deserved

[@damirbajramovic292]

This is so great. Thank you.

[@jackwatt6075]

Awesome video Marko, thank you for the tips!

[@withmarko]

Thanks 😃

[@erezgonculer9279]

Great video! I'd love to see more content like this.🙏

[@dionbooij4923]

Thanks for the video it is helpfull as an first year network and system engineering.

[@lidarman2]

looking at the Porsche is fun with the volume down.

[@lasithawijenayake7606]

Happy birthday and Thanks for the video brother!

[@Aman-mt2kr]

I've been a developer for one startup after they made it they cut me off but I happy that the application is doing good and I feel better when I see that it's like my baby

[@iamsathora]

Amazing video! Unfortunately, I didn’t have such obvious situations, but last summer I made my server in GTA5, but unfortunately, due to lack of finance, everything was closed (but I’m only 16, so everything is ahead :) Thanks for the video, Marco!

[@duiliosotelo1005]

It’s not a lesson, but I want to thank you for your content, my first language is the Spanish, and with your content I can practice my listening

[@sourabhkulariya]

I like that your video doesn't say - top 10 lessons, top 15 tips, etc. Just saying the lessons you learned seem so genuine and not fake click bait stuff. Might seem small to some but it matters.

[@adarshmore998]

i just loved that "Sell a fitness app to a developer and a time tracker to a real estate agent" , I'll keep this advice

[@mateofranciulli8224]

I love this type of videos. Im studying software engineering and this videos help a lot, I wonder how’s the vacation and the freedom to travel for a software engineer.

[@mustafabaki275]

Thank you! It was very informative and motivating! I'll start my KZbin, which I was postponing right away!

[@winstonzendejas]

Great video man! you got a subscriber

[@gabrielflach8619]

ok, this video helps a lot in my decision, i gonna start on youtube as you do. I relly like your content :)

[@sar_1869]

Happy birthday marko your vlogs are really amazing and inspiring to people like me who are aspiring software devolopers(though I’m still in my engineering). Lots of love from india brother✨🫂

[@danielmazan2461]

Amazing video! Just what I needed right now. Thanks a lot for all the tips :)

[@withmarko]

Hey thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@arilsonjrr]

Hey man, very nice video (content and recording). Subscribed 👊

[@nithikajayarathne2977]

Hey Marko , Great Vedio , Lot of things to learn from you as a Software Engineer , Curious about which Vedio is up next ..... Can't wait for another Vedio

[@mohaktrivedi9591]

Very insightful video. Thanks

[@albertusdwi4502]

Thankyou Marko. So Inspiring ❤

[@withmarko]

Glad you like it 😊

[@ogi4435]

Hey Marko, I am a physics student from Serbia and really admire your videos and have learned a lot from them. I started coding as a side hustle and hope that one day I could become a software engineer as well. Pozdrav iz Beograda :)

[@withmarko]

Hej pozdrav! 😃 To je jako zanimljivo, zato sto sam ja kao prvu zelju u srednjoj imao da studiram fiziku 😃 Ali onda sam pred kraj srednje poceo sa programiranjem kao side hustle i posle toga ipak izabrao elektronski faks u Nisu 🤓

[@gdurso]

Hei Marko. Great tips and insights, especially since I'm somewhat at the beginning of my career as a software developer. Very inspiring. It's also nice seeing a creator here from Oslo! Just followed you / subscribed to your channel. :) And by the way, good job on the quality of the video as well.

[@shelldonryan7148]

Hi Marko 😀, I'm starting in this university of the software Engineering, I'm coursing Computer science, and the format of this video in especially, it's amazing. ah... I talk from Brazil.

[@raigeki2k605]

thanks for the tips!

[@richardliu8843]

Happy birthday Marko！New 30，new journey～🎂

[@withmarko]

Hey thank you 😊🙌🙌

[@lanceqt]

Pumping out the videos!

[@shouviksutar5632]

That demotivation you mention about creating a KZbin channel is very bad. I've also faced similar kind of demotivations :)

[@lovemakerbgo5394]

It is just interesting how people can live in Oslo, it looks so depresing city from the video, rainy always, almost no sun, cold...

[@lennardships]

Oh, wow! The shots look so good. The colors remind me of the great Chai's I had.

[@withmarko]

Hey thanks 😃😃

[@cody_codes_youtube]

I legit thought the same thing watching this. Beautiful video