Why My Best Work Happens When Everyone Else Is Resting

From my undergrad days to my startup years, weekends have always been when I do my best work. While most people are busy with their personal lives, I’ve carved out that quiet space to dive deep into projects that truly matter to me.

Balancing Work and Fun

That doesn’t mean I don’t have fun. I’m in fun mode from Monday to Friday. Most of my close friends know this well. I make weekdays exciting with work, evening chats, small dinners, and time spent with people I value. By Friday, when everyone else is tired, I usually take a short pause, recharge, and start again over the weekend.

This rhythm has worked beautifully for me. It’s one of many small practices I’ve followed since around 8th grade. I still have old notes and documents from those days. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how real career transitions happen from academics to industry. I’ve tested every possible route, and after all these years, I can confidently say that real-time projects and networking beat everything else.

The Importance of Hands-On Experience

You forget most of what you memorize. Certifications are good for exposure, but their impact is short-lived. They open your mind, yes, but that’s a one-time spark. The real accelerator is working on hands-on projects. When you build something real, you learn faster than any course or lecture could ever teach you. And here’s my best advice: do it yourself. Don’t outsource even a small piece. You’ll stumble upon discoveries no one has documented, and that feeling of an “aha” moment is priceless.

Tips for College Students

While you’re still in college, consider these tips:

• Focus on roles you genuinely want and build projects around them.

• Create something that aligns with the fastest-growing trends in your field, not just your degree.

• Don’t obsess over grades. Get them, yes, but don’t worship them. They’re easier to manage than people think.

• Learn more than your syllabus. Here’s a truth: if a professor truly understood what they taught, they’d either be legendary in the classroom or leading the industry. The good ones? Learn from them deeply. The rest? Don’t let them waste your time.

  
  

Building Simple, Consistent Habits

And when I say all this, I mean simple things. For me, it started with small, consistent habits. I began learning new words every day at age 17—not always consistently, but regularly enough that it changed how I think and communicate.

I built a workout routine that’s completely tailored to my needs—simple but powerful. I’ve developed three hobbies I truly love, all born from my first passion: reading and journaling, which I began at 14. Over time, I added a few more hobbies—four in total now (two a little expensive, two not)—and I review them every year, a week before my birthday. Along with that, I’ve practiced weekly financial audits every Friday, something I now track through apps but began with handwritten notes.

These tiny habits—physical, creative, and financial—have shaped who I am. They’ve made me more grounded, prepared, and resilient when life gets difficult.

Finding Your Sweet Spot Early

Then comes finding your sweet spot. Do this early, preferably in your first year of undergrad or master’s. Once you find it, apply relentlessly to startups, companies, and mentors. Be shameless about reaching out. Don’t wait to be “ready.” If you meet even half the prerequisites, go for it.

Staying Hungry and Humble

Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Let others keep their opinions; you build your own path. And finally, stay humble. Remove people who constantly complain or drag you down. Keep those who genuinely want you to win. Give back when you can. Stop playing small, and stop letting others convince you to stay safe.

Your life is yours. When you move with clarity, courage, and kindness, the right people, hands, and opportunities will align. To everyone stepping into higher studies or planning a career, you’ve got this. It’s easier than it looks and a lot more fun when you treat it as your training ground for the life you’re building.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey from academia to industry is filled with opportunities for growth. Embrace hands-on experiences, cultivate meaningful relationships, and develop habits that empower you. The path may seem daunting, but remember, it’s all part of the adventure. So go ahead, take that leap, and trust in your ability to navigate the challenges ahead. You’re not just building a career; you’re crafting a life filled with purpose and passion.