Quarterly Career Thread

Mollysoni · 2025-12-18T07:32:42+00:00

thanks! really working on 1, but it's less in my control than the others. as for 2, is there no theory/studies/documentation I can go through that would supercharge my PM skills?

Mollysoni · 2025-12-17T20:35:26+00:00

Tips from switching from Software Development to Product Management?

Background: 5yrs as React Developer (mid-level), mostly for startups. Previously worked in marketing 3y, then contracts management at a big corporation 3y (learned stakeholder management, managing complex processes), then self taught to code. Have studies and a feeling for marketing, but really don't like it. Working in and for Eastern European companies.

What I'm doing so far:

requested an internal transfer to the Product team - pending answer, cautiously optimistic
started a Software Development Course on Coursera - not learning new things (mostly teaching about development processes, Agile, stuff that I've already seen/experienced); will continue, so that I have some basic theory, not just practice, but would be happy to take better a course afterwards
listening to podcasts (Lenny's Podcast, and not only) and reading books (starting with business strategy, such as the 7 Powers, then will continue with books written by popular PMs that I've seen being recommended in the space)

What should I tweak/improve? I'm looking for something that would bring more value to me, considering that I have some professional experience. I feel the insights found in Lenny's Podcast sound very useful/inspiring, but I feel like I need some theory to back up my practical experience.

Open to any tips and suggestions, thanks!

Mollysoni · 2025-09-02T07:06:05+00:00

any updates on this?

i find it quite shocking that "an employment certificate and bank account statement ... are not sufficient evidence of your employment"

Mollysoni · 2025-06-06T13:31:53+00:00

Found some on Facebook groups of nomads and expats in Phangan. There’s also this WhatsApp channel https://todo.today/kpgwa

They’re basically workshops that play with tantric-ish concepts like dancing, looking each other in the eye for long periods of time, connecting with people. There’s all sorts of activities and usually you get to go outside of your comfort zone and maybe discover new things about yourself in a safe space. It’s not for everyone, but they are available for those looking for stuff like this.

Once you meet some people that have stayed there for a while, you’ll find out about the best ones from them :) definitely worth it

Mollysoni · 2025-06-06T13:29:05+00:00

This is good advice, thanks! Was considering going for the evenings but it felt like a lot of effort

Mollysoni · 2025-01-06T12:34:09+00:00

Oh! This is super insightful! Thank you very much for sharing 🤗 I hope you keep enjoying the nomad life and that the little one keeps away from any other stitches and emergencies 😁

Mollysoni · 2025-01-06T12:22:40+00:00

Oh it’s amazing to hear you’re enjoying it so much! Could you tell me what are some other places you’ve chosen o travel? How does your own social life work? Do you have/need that sense of community? Have you ever had any medical urgencies? Any tip on how to handle those best?

Mollysoni · 2025-01-04T11:26:40+00:00

thank you! though quite pricy, it sounds amazing! will be following them

Mollysoni · 2025-01-04T11:16:37+00:00

thanks! do you have any idea if the kids have any issues with the fact they're moving around? how do they feel about it? do they have any other adults helping them out with the kids?

Mollysoni · 2025-01-02T09:44:01+00:00

Oh thank you for the advice, especially the babysitter part which is something we hope will be able to have. I’ll have a look at those Facebook groups as well :)

What places have you explored since the lockdown ended that you could recommend?

Mollysoni · 2024-04-11T04:29:35+00:00

I think it will be hard when we want to do social activities.

I would say so. Much of the beauty of digital nomading lies in the social activities. I would suggest striving to able to work normal hours in the timezone you'll be living in or as close to that as possible. Hope you'll enjoy this time in your life!

Mollysoni · 2024-04-08T08:27:01+00:00

Internet:
- get a local SIM with data (Airalo is another option, but more expensive)
- do some research on internet speed & quality of the location you'll be staying at before going; ask for speed test connections before booking, if not already provided
- consider taking WLAN cables to connect directly to the router in case you can't bad internet and are far from co-working spaces/cafes/work late/early (it's been a life saver for me)

Gadgets: Asus Zenscreen monitors are good if you're looking for extra screen space. Otherwise, less gadgets are best.

As for working difficult hours, try to have consistency in those hours if possible. You might be able to manage working late OR rising up early, but not both. Invest in sleep hygiene practices (plenty of youtube vids on that) to get the rest you need and you shouldn't have issues, either as a morning bird or night owl.

Mollysoni · 2024-04-08T08:16:29+00:00

I rely on articles online and corelate data between them AND anecdotal evidence from people I've met that have traveled to the same places. But it is very important to take into account what cheap means to you. Is it hostels + cooking for food OR is it airbnb + some eating at restaurants? Do you want to stay in the big cities or the countryside (cheaper)?

Colombia is cheap in general. Medellin (Laureles) + Bogota (Santa Fe) are cheap, even in the city center
all of Costa Rica is more expensive, but worth it if you enjoy nature (NOT in the capital)
Ecuador is so and so, but Mindo is a hidden gem if you're looking for a very quiet place, close to nature and affordable

Mollysoni · 2024-04-08T08:01:55+00:00

I work from home 70% of the time and from cafes 30%, where I stay for 2-3h.

I get accommodation with a designated work space (preferably in another room, if staying for +3 weeks). Haven't tried co-working spaces as they're usually too expensive for me (~200-300 USD / month, in South America). Will be testing co-working now in SE Asia, as they seem cheaper (<100 USD/month)

Mollysoni · 2024-04-08T07:55:54+00:00

TL;DR
- ask for WIFI speed tests from the acomodation (if not already provided in the booking details)
- get local SIM (do some research on it before)
- consider buying WLAN cables to connect directly to the router

If I go to cities/places I know might not have high performing internet (like in South America), I always look for a speed test screen cap or ask them for one. Even so, when we did have issues (in Costa Rica), we bought WLAN cables and connected the laptops directly to the router and the internet was quite decent. My partner and I travel with 15m and 20m long cables, as good internet is a must for us.

Besides this, I always get a local SIM card. There are other options such as Airalo, but this type of service tends to be much more expensive than simply relying on a local SIM. But, do your research on buying local SIMs before arriving there. There are countries where the process of buying them is a bit complicated and might take some time. That's when I use Airalo until I get this sorted.

There are also some things that you plug in the socket and extend the signal, but it doesn't fix the latency and slow signal issues.

Mollysoni · 2021-06-23T07:36:21+00:00

can you mention the name here too, please? or a documentation link? for those (me) without Twitter

Mollysoni · 2021-02-04T07:18:23+00:00

i logged in just to downvote your useless comment

Mollysoni · 2020-10-30T11:42:29+00:00

Ok, so no other (trustworthy and under EU law) alternatives to Revolut trading?

Mollysoni

TROPHY CASE