Lukasz's blog

Category: Career

  • The Importance of Travel in Remote Work

    The Importance of Travel in Remote Work

    In the world of remote work, there are many well-established practices that contribute to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These include separating work and personal time, getting out of the house, meeting people in real life, exercising, and more. While these strategies are widely recognized and effective, there’s one aspect that is often overlooked but, in my opinion, is incredibly important: regular travel. This is particularly crucial if you work from home.

    I’m not talking about grand adventures to the other side of the world. I’m referring to any kind of travel, no matter the scale. The key is to leave your home and spend some time away from your own bed. I’ve noticed that for me, going away for even a weekend every 2-3 months works wonders.

    There’s a period of 2-3 weeks of anticipation and preparation for the trip, followed by the time spent away, and then a period of recovery and readjustment upon return. After that, you can start thinking about the next getaway. This cycle doesn’t usually occupy a lot of mental space, but it provides a structure that greatly facilitates organization throughout the year.

    Regular travel, even if it’s just a short weekend trip every few months, can bring a refreshing change of pace and environment. It breaks up the monotony of the daily routine and provides something to look forward to. The anticipation and planning of the trip can be just as enjoyable as the trip itself. Moreover, the change of scenery and the opportunity to disconnect from work can help recharge your batteries and bring a renewed sense of motivation and productivity upon return.

    I don’t know if everyone experiences this the same way, but I highly recommend giving it a try. It certainly works for me 🙂

    So, if you’re working remotely and looking for ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance, consider incorporating regular travel into your routine. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Even a simple weekend getaway can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and job satisfaction. Give it a shot and see how it works for you!

  • Navigating Life’s Complex Decisions: A Multidimensional Approach

    Navigating Life’s Complex Decisions: A Multidimensional Approach

    In life, we constantly face decisions that require careful consideration across multiple dimensions. However, people often focus on a single aspect, leading to suboptimal choices. To make better decisions, it’s crucial to identify the key factors relevant to the situation and assign weights based on their importance to you.

    Be honest about your true priorities and values, and realistically assess the expected outcomes across these dimensions. Engage in open discussions with trusted individuals who can provide alternative viewpoints to help identify blind spots and broaden your understanding.

    While it’s important to carefully consider all relevant factors, recognize that perfect information is rarely available, and some uncertainty is inherent in most decisions. Strive for clarity of thought and alignment with your values, while being willing to act decisively based on imperfect information.

    Embrace a holistic approach, assign appropriate weights to different dimensions, and be mindful of your own biases. Leading with strong values, sound judgment, and a tolerance for ambiguity is often more important than perfecting an analytical decision-making process.

    By taking a multidimensional approach and being true to yourself, you can navigate life’s complex choices with greater confidence and make decisions that optimize your overall satisfaction and align with your goals.

    Remember, understanding your biases, values, and desires is the key to effective decision-making. When you have a clear grasp of these internal factors, finding the optimal option becomes easier, regardless of whether you need to make a well-informed decision or not. Self-awareness is the foundation upon which sound decisions are built.

  • The Absence of Decision is a Decision Too

    The Absence of Decision is a Decision Too

    People generally fall into two categories: those who make decisions instantly, almost instinctively, and those who need to mull over their choices. Among the latter group, there are individuals who are highly analytical, weighing various arguments, as well as those who find the necessity of making a decision paralyzing, using reflection time as a means of procrastination. Often, this isn’t a bad strategy at all. Life moves on, and sometimes, the urgency of making a particular decision dissipates as circumstances change.

    However, it’s crucial to realize that the absence of a decision is a decision in itself. Relying on changing circumstances to avoid making a choice isn’t a strategy; it’s leaving things to chance, hoping the situation will unfold in our favor. Unlike the whims of fate, our own decisions and their implications can be analyzed and learned from, which is not quite the case with external changes or decisions made by others.

    When you find yourself postponing an important decision, remember, the absence of a decision is a decision too. I won’t provide specific examples as the scenarios are endless and highly personal. It could be the need to change jobs, close an entrepreneurial endeavor, or move to a different city. In most such cases, the lack of decision results in remaining in a situation that one might not like or appreciate, but it’s known and therefore, easier to cope with. Do with this knowledge what you deem appropriate, but remember, awareness alone is significant.

    Embrace the power of decisive action, and let this newfound understanding propel you towards making informed choices that align with your goals. Your decision, or lack thereof, can be the catalyst for the change you desire.

  • The Expert Selection Framework: Who Really Deserves Your Trust?

    The Expert Selection Framework: Who Really Deserves Your Trust?

    In a world saturated with information and self-proclaimed experts, it can be challenging to know whose advice is worth heeding. This dilemma isn’t universal; some people prefer to rely solely on their intuition or existing knowledge. However, if you’re someone who finds value in seeking outside opinions for critical decisions or testing your ideas, the question remains: How do you choose who to listen to?

    I recently attended a meeting where a discussion began about whom to listen to and how to select individuals whose advice is worth considering. In the modern age, we are bombarded by people who share their thoughts online, give advice in interviews, podcasts, and YouTube channels. And yes, I realize the irony as I sit here, typing away my own unsolicited advice 😀 So, in this sea of self-proclaimed experts, how do you minimize the risk of taking bad, harmful advice that could lead to undesirable outcomes?

    In the course of this conversation, I suggested that when looking for someone whose advice you want to take, consider three main aspects:

    • their knowledge
    • their experience
    • their values—or their relationship with you

    Firstly, Knowledge. You want to ensure that the person you are considering listening to is well-informed in the subject matter. Their knowledge should come from scholarly works, books, or conversations with other experts in the field. In essence, you want to rely on someone who has gathered or accumulated a body of knowledge on the subject.

    Secondly, Experience. It’s crucial that the person has had hands-on experience in the area of interest. Academic or bookish knowledge alone isn’t enough. It’s important that the individual has had the opportunity to make decisions—or to experience the benefits or consequences of decisions—in a real-world setting.

    Thirdly, Values and Attitude towards you. If you know the person, it’s beneficial to understand their relationship with you. Family members may be more or less supportive, depending on the dynamics. If the person is an outsider, pay attention to their values or background. Investigate their past decisions, especially if they historically made recommendations that were financially beneficial to them.

    What we’re ideally looking for is someone balanced in these three areas. Why? We don’t want a person who is merely academic, drawing only from scholarly works and research papers, as these often don’t fully capture the nuances of real-world scenarios. We also want the individual to filter academic knowledge through their experiences, enabling them to offer advice that is not just theoretically sound but practically applicable.

    To make this advice as useful—or at least as harmless—as possible, it should come from someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and either positively disposed towards us or at least shares similar values and ethical principles. In covering these three areas, there’s a greater likelihood that the advice we receive will resonate with us, align with our values, and offer practical applications in our lives.

    As a final note, it’s worth mentioning that effective communication is an additional asset when seeking advice. No matter how knowledgeable or experienced someone is, if they can’t convey their insights in a manner that’s easy to understand and tailored to the recipient, the value of their advice diminishes. Ideally, look for individuals who not only excel in knowledge, experience, and shared values but also in the art of communication. It enhances the transfer of wisdom, making your search for advice even more fruitful.

    P.S.: Beware of those who are exceptionally good at communication but lack substance in knowledge and experience. If you also have reservations about their values, then it’s not just a matter of not seeking their advice; you should actively stay away. Their persuasive communication skills can dangerously mask their inadequacies, making them potentially the most harmful people to listen to.

  • Can We Recruit and Onboard Entry-Level Employees in Fully Remote IT Companies? A Reflection from the Industry Observations

    Can We Recruit and Onboard Entry-Level Employees in Fully Remote IT Companies? A Reflection from the Industry Observations

    The shift to full remote work in the IT industry has brought about many questions and challenges, one of which keeps recurring: Can we successfully recruit and onboard entry-level employees in a fully remote setting? Based on my experience at Osom Studio and conversations with other IT company owners and employees, I want to share our collective reflections on this complex issue.

    The Traditional Model of Training in IT

    The conventional way of training individuals without experience (or with minimal experience) in the IT field has been well-established over the years. It often involves one-on-one mentorship or group training under experienced team members’ guidance. This model has proven quite effective in an in-person setting, where spontaneous interactions and casual conversations foster learning and growth.

    The Challenges of Remote Work

    In a remote work environment within the IT sector, this becomes much more difficult. The lack of face-to-face interactions and the asynchronous nature of many actions add complexity. Meetings are scheduled, and there’s no time for loose talks after they end. The barrier to starting a casual or follow-up conversation is much higher, especially for someone with little experience.

    For an entry-level IT employee, this means fewer opportunities to work closely with experienced colleagues, ask questions, or seek clarification. The result? A longer onboarding process, higher costs, and a greater risk of failure. It can also lead to frustration and stress for both the new employee and the team, potentially spiraling into mutual dissatisfaction.

    The Complexity of Onboarding Entry-Level Employees Remotely

    While there are innovative solutions emerging to address the challenges of remote onboarding in the IT industry, it’s essential to recognize the complexity and time investment these solutions often require. Virtual mentorship programs, immersive onboarding platforms, and collaborative tools can provide support, but they are not without their challenges.

    Through my experience at Osom Studio and insights from other industry leaders, we’ve found that these solutions often require significant time and effort from experienced team members. Regular virtual check-ins, structured mentorship, and training can foster growth, but predicting when and how an entry-level employee will become fully productive remains a complex task.

    The reality is that remote onboarding of those with less experience in the IT field often demands a disproportionate investment compared to the likelihood of success. While technology and creative thinking can provide support, they cannot fully replicate the spontaneous interactions and hands-on experience that an in-person setting offers.

    A Pragmatic Approach and Navigating the Trade-offs of Remote Work in IT

    The decision to operate fully remotely in the IT industry comes with both opportunities and challenges. In conversations with other IT company owners and employees, we’ve recognized that embracing remote work means accepting certain trade-offs, for example when it comes to onboarding entry-level employees. While it offers flexibility and a broader talent pool, it also demands a significant investment of time and effort, with no guarantee of success.

    In life and business, there’s no possibility of having only the pluses without the minuses. Our approach has been to understand these trade-offs, leverage our strengths, and mitigate the risks. It’s a continuous journey of learning and adapting, and it’s how we strive to create an environment where our teams can thrive.

    Many companies, including Osom Studio, have decided to recruit only those with some experience, aligning our approach with the nature of remote work. This decision isn’t set in stone; we remain open to new solutions and ideas that may emerge in the future.

  • “Always Invert”: 13 Steps to Freelancing Frustration – The Hidden Hurdles Ahead

    “Always Invert”: 13 Steps to Freelancing Frustration – The Hidden Hurdles Ahead

    In today’s digital age, the allure of freelancing is palpable. Social media platforms brim with tales of the freelance dream, promising flexibility, autonomy, and an escape from the restrictive nature of overly processed corporations. Yet, beneath this enticing surface lies a more nuanced reality. Freelancing, while rewarding, demands resilience, adaptability, and a profound understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Not everyone is cut out for this path, and that’s perfectly okay. As we delve deeper into the world of freelancing, it’s essential to introspect and determine if this journey aligns with your aspirations. Because while the rewards are tempting, the challenges are equally formidable.

    Taking inspiration from Charlie Munger’s “always invert” philosophy, instead of painting a rosy picture, I’ve curated a list of pitfalls that can lead to a less-than-ideal freelance experience. By being aware of these potential challenges, you can navigate the freelance landscape with greater clarity and caution.

    1. Have Only 1 or 2 Clients: Why diversify when you can put all your eggs in one or two baskets? It’s almost like a full-time job, but without the perks and stability of being an employee. Who needs those anyway?
    2. Skip the Contracts: Formalities are overrated. Trust is all you need, right? And if something goes wrong, well, it’s just a learning experience.
    3. Be a Yes-Man (or Yes-Woman): Accept every task thrown your way. Mastering everything a little bit is surely better than specializing. After all, who needs experts when you can be a jack of all trades?
    4. Choose Troubled Companies: They’re always in need of a savior. If they’re sinking, they might drag you down or delay your payment, but think of the hero status if you pull them out of the mire!
    5. Race to the Bottom with Pricing: Everyone loves a bargain. Undercutting your worth is a surefire way to get noticed. Sustainability? That’s a problem for future you.
    6. Ignore Past Estimation Mistakes: So you underestimated a project’s duration? No big deal. Optimism is a virtue. Maybe next time it’ll magically take less time.
    7. Embrace Scope Creep: If a client wants more than what was agreed upon, why not throw it in for free? Boundaries are so last season.
    8. Be Available 24/7: Sleep is overrated. If a client messages you at 3 AM on a Sunday, it’s prime time to showcase your dedication.
    9. Avoid Sales Skills: Selling is for salespeople. You’re offering a service, so surely clients will just find you amidst the vast internet, right?
    10. Capitalize on Client Ignorance: If a client doesn’t know better or makes an error, it’s a golden opportunity. Why correct them when you can profit a bit more?
    11. Stay in Your Comfort Zone: Learning new skills or updating old ones? Sounds time-consuming. And as for industry trends, they probably won’t affect you… probably.
    12. Stay Humble to a Fault: Achieved something great? Best keep it to yourself. After all, if you’re good, they’ll find you… eventually.
    13. Taxes? That’s for Accountants: Why bother understanding where your money goes? Just earn, spend, and hope for the best.

    The freelance journey is filled with both promises and pitfalls. The points highlighted above serve as reminders of the challenges that come with the territory. Avoiding these pitfalls isn’t a guaranteed ticket to success, but it’s a significant step in minimizing potential failures.

  • Balancing Life’s Challenges: Practical Tips for Work Stability

    Balancing Life’s Challenges: Practical Tips for Work Stability

    From my experience, it’s nearly impossible to maintain peak mental performance, especially when significant personal events are unfolding. Whether you’re renovating your home, going through a breakup, or welcoming a new child, your work performance is likely to take a hit.

    In any work environment, personal matters can sometimes overshadow professional responsibilities. This becomes even more pronounced when working remotely, where the boundaries between personal and professional life can easily blur. But it’s not just about the challenges of remote work; it’s about recognizing our limits and being mindful of our well-being during tough personal times.

    I recall the challenges of juggling work while buying and renovating an apartment. At times, I managed to strike a balance. But often, unexpected issues or delays would bring stress, affecting my sleep, focus, and overall well-being. It’s a path I wouldn’t recommend.

    So, how can one navigate personal challenges without letting them impact professional commitments? Here are some insights:

    1. Time Estimation: Try to realistically assess how much time you’ll need to manage personal challenges. My suggestion? Assume the worst-case scenario. We often underestimate tasks, so this approach provides a safety net.
    2. Take Leave: During critical moments, take time off. And take more than you think you’ll need. At worst, you’ll have extra days for relaxation.
    3. Avoid Overcommitting: Don’t take on extra projects or try to outshine at work. Some tend to pile up challenges, hoping to tackle them all at once and then relax. From my experience, this rarely works.
    4. Prioritize Sleep: Never compromise on sleep to catch up on tasks.
    5. Communicate: Inform your colleagues about significant personal events that might affect your performance. Provide a timeline if possible.
    6. Separate Work and Personal Tasks: It’s essential to draw a clear line between professional and personal tasks. While it might seem feasible to mix the two, especially in a remote work setting, doing so can disrupt your focus. From my experience, handling personal matters outside of work hours ensures better concentration and productivity during work.
    7. Broaden Your Perspective: A bird’s-eye view can offer clarity during challenges, helping you understand the bigger picture and make more informed decisions.

    I understand that every situation is unique, and these insights might not solve every problem. However, I hope they resonate with you and assist during challenging times. Embrace a proactive approach to challenges. It’s easy to fall into old patterns, but it’s worth drawing lessons and trying new strategies. Open, clear, and honest communication is often the key.

    PS. While it’s not the central theme of this article, it’s worth noting the significance of being part of a healthy work environment. When personal challenges arise, navigating them becomes an order of magnitude easier if you’re supported by an understanding and compassionate workplace. It’s not just about individual resilience but also about being in a setting that respects and values your well-being.

  • The Nuances of Delegation: Beyond the Simple Advice

    The Nuances of Delegation: Beyond the Simple Advice

    Delegate That Task! As a mentor or coach, it’s easy to dispense this advice. It sounds smart, non-controversial, and universally applicable. Every manager or founder has encountered this counsel. While delegating is undeniably a pivotal managerial skill, it’s often presented too simplistically.

    In my perspective, the common advice lacks depth. It doesn’t consider the nuances or address the reservations one might have when delegating. Its broad nature limits its utility.

    So, what’s often overlooked in the “delegate more” mantra? The essence of trust. Delegation should be directed towards individuals you trust, both in terms of their values and their competencies. Delegating without this trust can lead to anxiety or frustration.

    Preparation is key to effective delegation. If you’re assembling a team, be deeply involved in the recruitment. It’s crucial to discern if you can trust a potential hire from the outset. Hastily hiring can lead to future challenges. If you already lead a team, invest time in understanding them. Recognize their competencies, motivations, and behaviors. This insight will guide you in delegating tasks effectively. But, be wary of over-relying on a single individual, as it can disrupt team dynamics.

    Lastly, while the intricate act of delegation itself is beyond the scope of this article, there’s a crucial note to remember: clarity is paramount, for no one can truly read your mind. Always ensure your instructions and expectations are unmistakable, so you won’t forget and neither will those you delegate to.

  • The Pareto Principle Applied to Business Books: Listen First, Read Later

    The Pareto Principle Applied to Business Books: Listen First, Read Later

    Are you tired of slogging through lengthy business books, only to find a handful of valuable insights? You’re not alone. Many readers find these books disproportionately long compared to the knowledge they offer. But what if there’s a more efficient way to extract value from these books?

    The Power of Interviews

    Most authors promote their books through media tours, often appearing on podcasts. These interviews are a goldmine of insights. A well-prepared interviewer, having read the book, will discuss its key themes with the author. You’ll find in-depth conversations on platforms like Tim Ferris’s podcast.

    The 80/20 Rule in Action

    By listening to these interviews, you can grasp the main points of the book. A 1.5-hour interview might give you 80% of the book’s content, saving you hours of reading time. This is the Pareto principle in action: 80% of effects come from 20% of causes.

    Read or Not to Read

    If the interview piques your curiosity, you’ll know that reading the book is likely to be time well spent. But if you’ve gained enough from the interview, you’ve saved yourself potentially hours of reading time.

    This approach isn’t perfect. An interview won’t capture all the nuances of a book. Some insights may only reveal themselves through a thorough read. But if you’re looking to maximize your learning efficiency, this strategy could be a game-changer.

  • Why Ambitious Individuals Should Avoid Overly Processed Corporations

    Why Ambitious Individuals Should Avoid Overly Processed Corporations

    If you’re a young (or not so young) professional with a drive for success or an entrepreneurial spirit, you should be cautious about diving into highly processed corporations. This is especially true for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms and Shared Services Centers (SSC).

    By “highly processed corporations,” I’m referring to places where job titles like “senior process officer” are common and your duties are heavily defined. In these environments, you have almost no voice to change anything. You’re expected to follow procedures and do what’s told, leaving little room for creativity or innovation.

    If you get too comfortable in such environments, there’s a high chance they’ll ‘rewire your brain’. You’ll become accustomed to repetitive work and a salary that arrives on a specific day, regardless of the quality of your work. This can lead to a mindset where any other job seems too challenging or risky, and the idea of starting your own business feels like an insurmountable hurdle.

    Most likely, you’ll spend the rest of your professional life contemplating the idea of “starting something of my own,” but never actually taking the leap. Looking at it from a probability standpoint, starting your career in a BPO at a young age drastically reduces the likelihood of ever trying your hand at your own business. I also suspect (though this is purely conjecture based on my observations from recruitment processes I’ve been involved in) that it significantly diminishes long-term job satisfaction.

    Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not against corporations. I understand their existence, their role in our economy, and I’m fully aware that they’re not inherently evil. In fact, there are many corporations that provide fantastic work environments where employees can truly thrive. The key is to find a great team with an inspiring leader.

    P.S. Of course, I understand that there are people for whom this type of work is perfectly fine. They find fulfillment in it, and that’s great. I’m aware that for some, work is not a super important element of life and serves primarily as a means to earn a living. What might be a dream job for one person could be a nightmare for another. So, while I stand by my advice, remember that your career path is ultimately up to you.