Things I wish I'd known at 20

I’m turning 31 in less than two weeks. In tech nerd terms, that means I’m basically an ancient relic. There are a few things I wish I’d been told, and other things I was told but wish I had listened to. If you’re a young aspiring geek about to excitedly enter a career in technology, maybe I can save you some heartache in your twenties.

• Programming is hard, but (usually) it’s not an emergency. Enjoy yourself and don’t sweat the day-to-day.

• Ideas are worthless. Execution is everything.

• Learn how to solve problems, not how to use the latest tech. No one ever hired a builder because they were really good at hammers. They hired them to build a house.

• Avoid lifestyle inflation. Live like you’re middle class, even if you make six figures. (American median income: $51,939)

• Save six months’ worth of expenses in a savings account as fast as you can.

• Keep your recurring expenses as low as possible. This means things like rent, debt payments, utilities, and your gym membership.

• Stay out of debt. If you’re in debt, eat dog food and work until you’re out.

• Remember your colleague with the big house and nice car probably makes about the same you do. Also remember they’re probably stuck in their job paying for them. Choose mobility.

• Don’t buy a house unless it’s a really, really good deal. Even then, probably don’t.

• Commuting to an office eats more of your salary than you think.

• Fall in love. It keeps you out of bars, in bed early, and attentive to your work.

• Eat lots of vegetables. Allocate time to cook.

• Invest in ergonomics. Stand at work.

• Listen to others unconditionally.

• Learn basic yoga postures. Practice them daily.

• Take frequent breaks while working.

• Drink lots of water.

• Avoid alcohol. Especially chronic use, since it becomes difficult to notice its negative effects when you’re always hungover.

• Track every penny you earn and every penny you spend.

• Buy a small, inexpensive, efficient car.

• Run your household like a business with shareholders.

• You’re going to be old and sexually undesirable someday. You’re likely more attractive now than you’ll be at the end. Enjoy that.

• Give to others spontaneously.

• Don’t let your salaried job get in the way of your own dreams.

• Don’t let your dreams be diluted by the day-to-day challenges of your salaried job.

• Don’t let Apple tell you the things you need to buy.

• Chat and email aren’t actual work.

• Choose clients and employers based on how you get along, not on how much you get paid.

• Symbols of status matter, but the symbols aren’t your car, house, or clothes.

• Enrich yourself with knowledge and art. They’re inexpensive hobbies and you’ll always be fulfilled.

• Your parents are wrong about a lot of things. But they’re also right about some. Choose your own path, but respect their guidance.

• The world is in peril. But it’s always been that way.

• Gratitude is effective therapy.

• The best time to start has already past. But the second best time is right now.