Reflecting on My Journey and What's Next

Yesterday, I turned 30—a milestone that brings with it a whirlwind of emotions, questions, and a heavy dose of introspection. I spent the day alone, allowing myself the space to think about one fundamental question: Do I want the next 30 years to look like the last 30?

This blog post is a reflection on my journey so far, the lessons I've learned, and the challenges I've faced as a software engineer. I hope it resonates with those who might find themselves asking similar questions or feeling stuck in their own journey.

For more insights, check out my YouTube video where I share this reflection in a personal and candid way.

My Journey So Far

Born and raised in Germany, I took what many might consider a "traditional" path. After finishing school, I went straight into college, studying electrical engineering. Mathematics and physics fascinated me, and I excelled at working with numbers. By 21, I was already a software engineer at a reputable company, and by 24, I was promoted to senior software engineer.

I worked in cutting-edge fields, including autonomous driving, and even spent time in Silicon Valley, witnessing innovations like Waymo's early prototypes. These experiences were thrilling and deeply rewarding. Yet, as my career progressed, I began to feel a disconnect between my work and my true aspirations.

The Highs and Lows of Corporate Life

Working in the tech industry comes with its own set of challenges. While I had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest minds and working on innovative projects, there were aspects of the corporate world that didn’t align with my values and preferences.

Here’s what stood out:

What I Loved

The Work Itself: Tackling complex engineering problems and being part of cutting-edge innovation was immensely fulfilling.
The People: I worked alongside talented, driven, and intelligent colleagues who pushed me to grow and improve.

What I Struggled With

Meeting Culture: Endless meetings often felt more like a performance than actual problem-solving.
Limited Impact: In a large organization, it’s hard to feel like your work truly makes a difference. You might contribute to big projects, but personal recognition or direct impact is rare.
Career Progression: In Germany, career growth often feels tied to time rather than merit. Waiting years for promotions or salary increases can be frustrating, especially when you’re ambitious.
Office Life: Remote work was a game-changer for me. The thought of returning to a traditional office setting, especially in uninspiring environments, felt stifling.

Why I Wanted Something More

The turning point came when I realized that my passion wasn’t just about building software—it was about solving problems for people in a tangible, meaningful way. Whether through creating small tools, consulting, or even sharing my experiences through videos like this one, I wanted to make a direct, positive impact on others.

Corporate life, for all its perks, often felt restrictive. The idea of being dependent on a single employer or navigating the politics of large organizations didn’t sit well with me. I craved independence, creativity, and the ability to chart my own path.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Don’t Wait to Pursue Your Passion: Life is too short to stay stuck in a career or lifestyle that doesn’t fulfill you. If you have a dream, start working on it today.
Success Isn’t Always Linear: My journey included highs like Silicon Valley and lows like indie hacking projects that didn’t pan out. But every step taught me something valuable.
Define Your Own Metrics: Success isn’t just about promotions or paychecks. For me, it’s about impact, freedom, and doing work that feels meaningful.

What's Next?

The truth is, I’m not entirely sure. This milestone has made me realize that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Maybe I’ll take a break, explore new career paths, or double down on content creation and indie projects.

What I do know is that I’ll continue to trust in my ability to adapt, learn, and grow. And through this blog and my YouTube channel, I hope to inspire others to take control of their own journeys.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. Reflecting on the past 30 years has been a deeply personal process, but sharing it with you makes it all the more meaningful.

If you’re at a crossroads in your career or life, know that you’re not alone. It’s never too late to make a change, pursue a passion, or reimagine your path.

What’s your story? I’d love to hear about your journey and what motivates you to keep moving forward. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments or over on YouTube.

Here’s to the next chapter—whatever it may bring.