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In this week\\u2019s show, Phil talks to Don Jones, who has worked in the IT industry since the 1990s, and in that time has been everything from a software developer to a network engineer.

He\\u2019s written dozens of IT books, and now focuses on helping technologists become the owners of their careers.

Don discusses why you should never underestimate your value. He also talks about why we must be thoughtful about our careers, and guide them selfishly in order to create our own unique path in the world.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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TOP CAREER TIP

Never underestimate yourself, and do not under-sell yourself. Don\\u2019t let what you see influence your entire opinion about something.

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WORST CAREER MOMENT

Don projected his negative perspective onto an employer with which he was having difficulty. He left but found a worse experience. But it taught him not to run away from things, rather run towards better opportunities.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHT

Don has now found his ideal career position \\u2013 a company that encourages growth and development at every turn.

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THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

Don is eternally excited by the sheer explosion of growth directions \\u2013 the unlimited potential of fields within IT and how they can change the world at such pace.

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THE REVEAL

What first attracted you to a career in I.T.? \\u2013 Don has always been in love with science fiction, the future, and computers

What\\u2019s the best career advice you received? \\u2013 You don\\u2019t have to respond to every email!

What\\u2019s the worst career advice you received? \\u2013 That we must be very good at mathematics in order to work with computers.

What would you do if you started your career now? \\u2013 Don would focus heavily on software development at the beginning.

What are your current career objectives? \\u2013 Don is spending time looking down the ladder and seeing who might need a hand upwards.

What\\u2019s your number one non-technical skill? \\u2013 Writing and written communication

How do you keep your own career energized? \\u2013 Don looks for opportunities, and problems that need to be solved. Don actively seeks solutions and to empower others to do the same.

What do you do away from technology? \\u2013 Don writes fiction novels.

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FINAL CAREER TIP

Be thoughtful. Your career is the one thing that will be with you for your entire life. Consider each direction carefully and make sure it serves you selfishly.

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BEST MOMENTS

(5:12) \\u2013 Don - \\u201cIf you know the life you want, you can start to plan a career that can take you in that direction\\u201d

(3:53) \\u2013 Don - \\u201cOwn that career, make it your own, and make it give you what you want\\u201d

(8:01) \\u2013 Don \\u2013 \\u201cBe careful about making decisions based on incomplete thinking or an incomplete perspective. Keep an open mind\\u201d

(10:03) \\u2013 Don \\u2013 \\u201cDon\\u2019t run away from something. Run towards something\\u201d

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ABOUT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop, and implement software solutions.\\xa0 Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers.\\xa0 And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on that same career journey.

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CONTACT THE HOST \\u2013 PHIL BURGESS

Phil can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_philburgess

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/philburgess

Facebook: https://facebook.com/philtechcareer

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_philburgess

Website: https://itcareerenergizer.com/contact

Phil is also reachable by email at phil@itcareerenergizer.com and via the podcast\\u2019s website, https://itcareerenergizer.com

Join the I.T. Career Energizer Community on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ITCareerEnergizer

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ABOUT THE GUEST \\u2013 DON JONES

Don Jones has worked in the IT industry since the 1990s, and in that time has been everything from a software developer to a network engineer.

He\\u2019s written dozens of IT books, and now focuses on helping technologists become the owners of their careers.

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CONTACT THE GUEST \\u2013 DON JONES

Don Jones can be contacted through the following Social Media platforms:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/concentrateddon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/concentrateddon/

Website: https://ampere.club

Website: https://donjones.com