Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#1

Post by amerf1 » Mon, May 25, 2015, 2:08 PM UTC

Share a lesson you learnt. I understand you may have a story to share, but keep it simple, down to the lesson you learnt or the experience in a nutshell

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#2

Post by nsshey » Mon, May 25, 2015, 2:10 PM UTC

I learnt that in a workplace, be replaceable. As ironic as it sounds, that will keep you the job (along with your other great qualities). For a developer, keep your code clean, organized, COMMENTED. Have documentation.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#3

Post by Rifu » Mon, May 25, 2015, 2:57 PM UTC

Proper sitting posture is something you can pick up in the next hour and its benefits can be felt for the rest of your life.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#4

Post by silverlight » Mon, May 25, 2015, 3:38 PM UTC

Learn how to manage your money so that you control your lifestyle, rather than letting it control you. Start simple by keeping track of your expenses, then develop a budget so that you aren't spending all of your money every month. Eventually you'll get to the point where you have the option to do what you enjoy in life rather than feeling like you're trapped on an endless treadmill.

If you want something to do right this minute, just start working with Mint or You Need a Budget (depending on how automated you want things).

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#5

Post by a3n » Mon, May 25, 2015, 3:58 PM UTC

I know enough to know that I don't know enough.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#6

Post by EliRivers » Mon, May 25, 2015, 4:01 PM UTC

Put your money into low cost index funds with dividends reinvested.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#7

Post by nine_k » Mon, May 25, 2015, 4:01 PM UTC

nsshey wrote: post #2

I learnt that in a workplace, be replaceable. As ironic as it sounds, that will keep you the job (along with your other great qualities). For a developer, keep your code clean, organized, COMMENTED. Have documentation.

Being replaceable is obviously important for career advancement. If you can't be replaced at your current position, how can you be promoted to a higher position, to a more interesting project, ect?

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#8

Post by bluerail » Mon, May 25, 2015, 4:12 PM UTC

Always keep an open mind.

I had this problem that when knowing from others that things I have known are basically incorrect but wouldn't wholeheartedly accept it, given how factually their proof is. Whenever you need to correct yourself, analyze it and be ready to unlearn.

Always remember, there are dragons in earth and you haven't seen it. Yet.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#9

Post by ac360 » Mon, May 25, 2015, 4:44 PM UTC

Economics In One Lesson – Henry Hazlitt

Short, simple read that forever enables you to unspin the nonsense surrounding you.

Re: Ask HN: What can I learn right now that'll benefit me forever

#10

Post by Red_Tarsius » Mon, May 25, 2015, 4:51 PM UTC

Eat healthy. I know you think you know this, everyone does. Yet, everyone eats like no tomorrow. People as young as 30yo get very sick because of a poor diet and a lack of self-discipline. You don't want to ruin half of your life for a bunch of donuts and hamburgers.