Navigating the Shift: Embracing Values in Your Tech Journey

Journeying into the tech realm in my 20s felt like entering an ever-shifting landscape of opportunities and growth. Pursuing excellence was my compass — an eagerness to conquer hurdles, explore diverse domains, and unravel the industry’s intricacies. I dived head-on into my field with no thoughts, just unwavering curiosity about what actually was difficult to get into. I know it wasn’t the best of ways to begin a career, but it was a direction nudged by yuppie ambition.

However, as my career matured, a shift occurred. It wasn’t solely about career progression anymore; it became a quest to align professional pursuits with personal values.

A Redefined Pursuit

Progress was the focal point in the initial stages — an inclination towards achieving career goals and tangible successes. I was blinded by prestige and what was deemed acceptable by the majority. Yet, its definition expanded over time. Success extended beyond individual achievements; it involved aligning these milestones with a set of core values that defined my professional and, more importantly, personal identity.

Going back to my hometown after studying in Japan, I thought I had a realigned set of values. Albeit true, this was only because the environment that honed my newfound sense of direction was drastically different from the one I returned to. It wasn’t as simple as wanting to transition into a more liberal field such as research. Research back in the Philippines was closer to corporate in the Philippines rather than research in Japan. It dawned upon me that perhaps it wasn’t just the industry that I adored; it was the people, the culture, the ease of transportation. At this point, it became less and less about my career and more about my life, i.e., what I valued the most.

I chanced upon one of the best employers over the pandemic, which allowed me the freedom, humanity, and economic stability I would never have dreamed of in my early 20s. Suddenly, everything I thought was great was a farce in hindsight. This is when they say experience is the best teacher, and I have truly mastered the art of vibe checks during the interview phase.

Redirecting my focus wasn’t about sacrificing progress but about integrating personal values into professional goals. Advocating for inclusivity, championing ethical practices, and nurturing a conducive work environment became integral — a harmony of progress with unwavering principles.

Kaleidoscope Career Model, after Lorna Lothian, inspired by the Kaleidoscope Career Model (Mainiero & Sullivan, 2006)

What telltale signs do you look out for when you’re job-hunting? At this point in my career, I can confidently say that I look at the small things as I seek balance, flexibility, and diversity. Do people come into the office in jeans and sneakers? Can I do the entire hiring process online? Are you overly concerned with my subpar Japanese skills? It really depends on what you’re looking for! But these small vibe checks will save you in your everyday routine over the decade.

This phase of transition wasn’t devoid of challenges. It demanded a delicate balance — ensuring that career trajectories resonated with intrinsic values. For one, knowing your values meant much meditation and reflection. If you have yet to spend time alone, lived by yourself, away from family, away from your significant other, if there is, then it is a mandatory rite of passage. Within this equilibrium emerges a narrative where progress wasn’t in conflict with authenticity; it aligned seamlessly with it.

Change transformed from a hurdle into a catalyst for growth and evolution. Your priorities simply change over time. Your definition of success will naturally shape itself in what you go after, and that’s perfectly fine. You will hear a lot of noise, and people will project their ambitions and insecurities. Having a solid idea of what you want to do in the present and future will shield you from these distractions. Success transitioned into making substantial contributions while staying rooted in what I found was important to me.

Crafting an Authentic Journey

My journey in the tech realm evolved into a narrative where progress and values weren’t conflicting forces but complementary dimensions. It became a story characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a profound sense of purpose — an experience universally relatable, I’m sure.

The shift from pursuing progress to embracing values within a tech career isn’t a trade-off; it’s a fusion — a narrative intertwining professional advancements with intrinsic values. It’s a guide for navigating a career path where ambition thrives in harmony with personality, resonating not just in achievements but in the fulfillment derived from an authentic alignment.