Why did I start this newsletter?
Let the Merriness of Christmas Unveil Life's Hidden Wonders: The Curious Soul's Corner.
👋 Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts, professionals, and wanderers of the digital realm! 🚀
I am Gourav. I write about Engineering, Productivity, Thought Leadership, and the Mysteries of the mind!
I am engrossed in the festive spirit of Christmas - a celebration of joy, warmth, and reflection. In the spirit of this occasion, I've chosen to delve into a topic that resonates with life philosophies centered around happiness and holistic prosperity. Today, I unveil the story behind the inception of this newsletter—a journey rooted in the pursuit of understanding and sharing insights on the profound aspects of life.
Before I start, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
May this festival be a symphony of laughter and your heart be wrapped in the magic of the season!
I am a tenured and experienced software engineer. (Current title if that matters at all, as of 2023, is Staff Software Engineer). Having spent more than a decade in this area of expertise, I could have started a newsletter just about Software Engineering.
I do think that is an essential, value-providing newsletter topic. On top of that, those are specific niches that are very important for a newsletter to have.
So, why did I start with a weirdly named (“The Curious Soul’s Corner) newsletter, which is beyond the specifics of software engineering?
Don’t get it wrong, the newsletter covers Software Engineering Career Excellence and Leadership as well, but it’s one of the aspects of it.
I would like to share with you all - why I started this newsletter, how is it different, and what value I tend to provide in its releases?
Life is beyond….just a career…
When it comes to life, career is just one aspect. As software professionals while progressing in our lives - we transition through many different phases:
graduating from college and getting our first big job - the joy of earning and spending the inaugural substantial paycheck, a sweet reward for our endeavors;
career grinds - a relentless grind where we channel our energies into giving it all to writing tons of code, solving issues, and bugs - a period of "productionalizing" our career, etching our mark in the tech landscape;
starting to make good money - we transition into a phase where we (hopefully) cracked the code of high-income jobs or have a successful startup; start enjoying material life - from travel lust to buying “things” - be it the first car or first home;
start a family - a juncture where we seek companionship, find a life partner, or embrace the joys of parenthood;
building financial freedom forte - as the sands of time cascade, the pursuit of financial autonomy takes center stage, cultivating thought leadership, adeptly managing wealth, and wielding time as a cherished resource;
focus on physical and mental health - an awakening to the symbiosis of physical and mental health, an epiphany spurred by the realization that we had perhaps neglected these facets in our earlier pursuits :)
siren song of ‘Early Retirement’…because…umm…."We just hate work” …we traverse the chronological spectrum, prompting a quest for the essence of life, a foray into mindfulness, spirituality, or the pursuit of a profound calling beckons.
Through all these phases, a few problems are common…
the omnipresent stress and anxiety, shadows cast by the relentless pursuit of success.
making mistakes….a lot of mistakes…which could have been avoided.
a deficit in knowledge or education, a formidable obstacle in the art of navigating life with efficacy and efficiency.
constant churn due to the lack of focus, productivity, and goals in life
We all go through this never-ending chase for happiness!!!
As one aspiration is attained, the hunger for another awakens. Life unfolds in the relentless hustle, where the outcome remains uncertain, leaving us in perpetual anticipation of the journey ahead.
…and so it raises two important questions:
Is there a superior path to navigate life or cultivate fulfilment, one that transcends the confines of the clichéd phases outlined above?
Can we glean wisdom from the experiences of others, ensuring we sidestep their missteps? Is there a life manual that illuminates the art of sustained happiness, steering us away from fleeting pleasures?
Let this gap be bridged…
As I was following this trajectory of life, one day I came across this quote:
“At the end of the day, we know how much money we have in the bank, but have no idea how much time we are left with…”
I wondered how can I not live my life like a rat? How could I excel in my software career as well as my personal life so that I could live “happily” in the present moment, and be an overachiever with just the right, targeted efforts?
After reading tons of books, listening to and working with leaders, and following thousands of leads to understand why life is so difficult, I found that the biggest root cause is the lack of mentorship around a well-balanced life. Skills like career coaching; money & wealth management, financial freedom; soft skills like emotional quotient, effective communication and thought leadership; mindfulness, and the need for physical and mental well-being — are not taught in schools.
Motivated by this revelation, I initiated this newsletter—a conduit to satiate your curiosity and propel your software or product career, so that I can share valuable insights to help you not only become a compassionate Leader but also an Effective Human balancing Financial Growth, Relationships, and Mindfulness. Striving for meaning and impact, my newsletter encapsulates actionable insights within an 8-minute read. Each release is a curated blend of knowledge, practical tips, and rationale, crafted to empower your journey.
The value that I tend to provide to the subscribers
Whether you're a seasoned pro reflecting on the journey or a newbie gearing up, this newsletter provides you actionable insights in under 8 minutes about:
Fast-Tracking Your Career Growth: Benefit from the firsthand experience of seasoned professionals who have treaded the path you're on. Unlock strategies to fast-track your software career growth, learn how to stand out, propel yourself to new heights in the tech industry, and ultimately become the leader, you always wanted.
Financial Mastery Beyond the Cubicle: Discover how to make yourself indispensable, explore open avenues and personal brand startup bootstrapping for long-term financial freedom. This isn't just about making money—it's about accumulating a wealth of time and self-sustainability.
Holistic Personal Growth: Beyond tech skills, embark on a journey of holistic growth. Spark your curious soul, that drives personal development to help you evolve as a true leader via thought leadership.
Balancing Career and Relationships: Balance personal and career relationships effectively—from cherishing moments with your partner to not missing key milestones in your kids' lives. Master the art of winning in both arenas.
Mind Management for Stress-Free Living: Embrace the power of your mind. Explore mindfulness, kindness, and spiritual well-being. Master the art of stress-free mind, empowering you to conquer challenges and lead a fulfilling life.
Before I wind up, I would like to clarify two points:
Firstly, I named the newsletter, "The Curious Soul’s Corner," with the purpose, of aiming to serve as an inviting haven where inquisitive minds can explore, reflect, and glean valuable insights for their journey.
Secondly, while the career emphasis of the newsletter lies on Software Engineering career guidance, it's crucial to underscore that the newsletter extends its relevance to encompass any professional expedition.
That’s it for today.
And here's a friendly reminder: if you're ever feeling the weight of workplace stress or simply want to succeed while maintaining your sanity in life, check out my other posts on my substack. There, you'll find more insights and tips to navigate the corporate jungle with confidence and composure. 🌟💼
Merry Christmas!