Wiki / FAQ on general career development / life advice

[jonc101]

Regret things didn't try, not what did try

Most valuable people have strong technical/quantitative skills AND have deep knowledge of an application/business domain

Organizations/Institutions have no loyalty. No one is really evil, but when it comes down to it, expect no one can look out for you but yourself.

Plan for bad times during good times (e.g., appropriate insurance, emergency fund). By the time bad times roll around (which they naturally always do in cycles), it's too late to react without painful costs.

Be ready to jump on right / matching opportunities when they arrive. If wait until feel ready, may already have passed.