In tech, it’s easy to chase every new trend or tool. The real reminder is this: Don’t get carried away by trends or hype. Explore tools and stacks, but focus on building real depth in your core areas because that’s what will set you apart.True success comes from mastering your core skills. Staying current is important, but real growth happens when you double down on expertise. Depth builds trust, shows your value, and separates you from the crowd. Resist the urge to follow every shiny distraction. Stay grounded, keep sharpening your strengths, and let mastery drive your career forward.

Connect on LinkedIn: Samson Okemakinde.

In today's fast-paced world, many folks view tech as a quick ticket to wealth. With social media buzzing with influencer showcasing their glamorous lives and luxury gadgets, exotic vacations, and high-end lifestyles, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that a tech career is a shortcut to riches. But what often goes unseen are the countless hours of hard work, discipline, and determination that went into crafting those careers behind the scenes. The reality is straightforward: value should always come before money. If you pursue tech solely for the paycheck, you might find yourself burning out or feeling stuck when obstacles pop up. Instead, concentrate on honing your foundational skills. With the current AI hype, it’s tempting to lean on artificial intelligence to do the heavy lifting, but think of AI as you would Google a helpful tool, not a crutch. Use it to enhance your learning, not to replace it.

Be ready to demonstrate your worth. Take on unpaid gigs or small projects to highlight your skills. These experiences will help you build credibility and a portfolio that speaks volumes. Over time, the value you create will naturally draw in the financial rewards you deserve. Lastly, never underestimate the strength of your network. Every interaction whether with colleagues, clients, or peers leaves a lasting impression. Aim to make a positive impact wherever you go; people remember those who add value, and opportunities often arise from those connections. So, put money on the back burner. Prioritize value, growth, and relationships, and everything else will fall into place.

If you're just starting out in tech, it’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Every day, new tools, frameworks, and trends pop up, each one claiming to be the next big thing. It’s tempting to try to chase after them all, hoping to learn everything at once to get a leg up. But here’s the truth: real growth doesn’t come from taking shortcuts. It comes from being consistent. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, focus on developing steady habits:

• Write code every day, even if it’s just a few lines.
• Tackle small problems each one helps sharpen your skills.
• Make sure to finish what you start, completing tasks builds discipline.

Mastering the basics will always outlast the latest flashy technology. Frameworks will evolve, trends will come and go, but the core skills problem solving, clean coding, and logical thinking will always be relevant.

When I first got into tech, I thought success was about speed learning fast, landing a high paying job, and living the “tech life” I saw online. But behind every flashy story were years of quiet work and steady growth. That’s when I learned to put money last and value first. It’s easy to feel lost with all the new tools and trends. Instead of chasing everything, I focused on small daily habits: writing code, solving problems, finishing projects. Mastering the basics outlasts every shiny framework. Even with today’s AI craze, the rule is the same: use it like Google, not as a shortcut. And never forget people matter too. Leave a positive mark wherever you go. Focus on value. Build consistency. The rewards will follow.