Welcome to Gratitude Driven, a weekly newsletter where I share practical ideas and insights across personal growth, professional development, and the world of AI/ML. ✨
In This Newsletter
Don’t Waste 2026 on the Wrong Career
One of the most common questions I get in my coaching practice is “How do I know which job is right for me?”
There is a lot of overlap and ambiguity, and it’s particularly challenging since what seem like very similar roles actually appeal to very different people. So, check out the video/blog this week for a decision framework to help you prioritize.
Blog version is here.
Quick Answers to the Most Common Questions I Get
One of the reasons I decided to create a group learning community (coming soon!) is because I noticed that many of my coaching clients have the same questions, concerns, and challenges.
Here are super quick answers to some of the most common ones:
Is there still a job market for Data Science/ML in the AI-era?
Yes. There are more AI Engineering positions than ML and DS, but both ML and DS are still growing! So the AI craze hasn’t decreased demand for ML and DS, but rather created a bunch of net new opportunities.
Can I be successful without a relevant degree?
Yes. It will be more challenging, no doubt, but I know people who have succeeded with bootcamps/self-study and non-traditional degrees (myself included).
Do I need a PhD?
No. Not unless you want to be a researcher at one of the big AI labs. Most roles don’t need a PhD and the opportunity cost of being in school that long is too high IMO.
I’m not ready for {xyz}
Yes you are. Just start building/applying to jobs/networking now. You’ll learn more + faster. Plus, you’ll never feel ready so you might as well just start.
I’m not smart enough/everyone in the roles I want is a genius
If you work in big tech you will learn this is not the case (heh). There are a few super geniuses, sure, but most of us are pretty normal, intelligence-wise. Don’t undersell yourself. If you stick it out you can probably do it.
What if I’m bad at math?
The math shown in courses is not the same as what we do on the job. You should be able to do math well enough for a high-level intuition, but don’t stress if you can’t calculate the chain rule by hand (I can’t do that either, TBH).
How can I be more consistent with studying?
#1 is to figure out why you even want to do this. Having a clear, intrinsic motivation will do more for you than any “hack.” Then make a plan that is manageable and achievable in small chunks over the long haul. Find a study group or accountability partner — sign up for my learning community (*wink). If you find it really is a tactical issue, Atomic Habits has all the tricks you need.
What are the best learning resources for {xyz}
I shared some of my favorite free courses in a newsletter a few weeks ago. As a general rule, I look for courses that are more practical than academic, interactive, and those that focus on end-to-end implementation. I also highly recommend learning through books (here are some of my favorites).
What are your questions? Reply to this email and let me know what’s holding you back.
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