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Typical of someone with startup mentality, Andresseen focuses much of his attention on *opportunity* and how to accurately weigh the true worth of a new direction versus perceived risk:
Opportunities are key. I would argue that opportunities fall loosely into two buckets: those that present themselves to you, and those that you go out and create. Both will be hugely important to your career.
Opportunities that present themselves to you are the consequence -- at least partially -- of being in the right place at the right time. They tend to present themselves when you're not expecting it -- and often when you are engaged in other activities that would seem to preclude you from pursuing them. And they come and go quickly -- if you don't jump all over an opportunity, someone else generally will and it will vanish.
I believe a huge part of what people would like to refer to as "career planning" is being continuously alert to opportunities that present themselves to you spontaneously, when you happen to be in the right place at the right time.
There's your basic dividing line between the people who shoot up in their careers like a rocket ship, and those who don't -- right there.
Balancing risk and opportunity -- especially when your life savings are on the line -- is a situation any small business-person can identify with.
The amazing thing about Andresseen's blogging efforts are that they are not only insightful, but rich. Check out all three parts of his career planning series:
- The Pmarca Guide to Career Planning, part 1: Opportunity
- The Pmarca Guide to Career Planning, part 2: Skills and education
- The Pmarca Guide to Career Planning, part 3: Where to go and why
