There is nothing here that I wouldn't mind attaching my name to.
So here is my (very?) controversial advice.
Depending on your situation, it may be bad advice. There are too many downsides to list, so please use your best judgement.
Before voting or commenting please remember this HN guideline:
>Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith
...and for what it's worth, I absolutely wouldn't want to work with the person I'm describing below.
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1. Lie strategically.
When looking for a job/project, lie about what you know, what you've done, who you know, what you can do for the company, etc.
Many times you are never actually called on to prove these things.
If you are sure you'll be called on to prove them, still lie, but study them as much as possible beforehand.
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2. Do what matters for the people the matters.
Figure out what metrics count. Ignore or give away everything else.
Who controls your next promotion? Who could potentially refer you to your next job?
These are the people you need to please before anyone else. If you have time to please people who won't advance your career, don't. Look for ways to improve your relations with those who matter -- or ask them to introduce you to others like them.
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3. Extract value from everything you do.
Look at every opportunity you would normally pass on and figure out how you can use it to your advance. Maybe you can refer someone, maybe you can take it on and subcontract it out.
Never pass up any opportunity without first asking how you can extract value from it.
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4. Everything is negotiable.
Your severance package? Negotiable. Your working space? Negotiable.
Figure out what matters to the people who you interact with and use those levers to push for your desires.
The threat of a lawsuit, or an actual lawsuit, can be used in negotiation, even if the lawsuit would be unfounded.
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5. Take as much data with you as you can.
When employed, you have access to an incredible amount of valuable data, resources, and tools. Take full advance of these while employed, but also remember that you will move on from your position at some point.
Back up whatever you can without being noticed. Who knows what can come in handy in the future.
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Caveats:
Most of this is unethical. Some of it is illegal.
Understand your risk tolerance. Understand your environment.
Doing any of these can, and likely will, burn bridges. Many industries are tightly knit. People talk. Be smart.