RipDankMeme

I really like what you are doing. I am an engineer working g at one of the big companies. Its a huge road and there is so much talent to compete with. How do I know I'm making an impact, how can I? It seems there is opportunity but I just don't know how to rake advantage of it.

I need mentoring. I never thought of reaching out to a l7 though. You were the peak.

Hey Michael, thank you for your response.
What makes it difficult is getting my foot in the door. I have many great ideas, and I want to accomplish so much. I have great aspirations and want to create/make change in my organization but getting traction is like moving mountains.

Being honest with you Michael, it seems like the raw talent is always overlooked or not given enough opportunity. I am an l5 engineer, but L6 looks like its hundreds of miles away and no matter how hard I work, it seems less and less likely. I can't imagine trying to get to L7.

Maybe its the culture as well, but the last thing I would EVER do in my role is reach out to an L7 or an L6. Reaching out to Skip Levels for Mentorship I always believed would be an issue. You said it yourself, you modified hundreds of thousands of lines of code. you have made various changes, to many to even count. Where are you going to find the time to tell some L4/L5 how to climb the rungs, and that's the issue, No low level engineer is going to want to bother a Principal Engineer of all people.

I personally, wouldn't want to bother you or waste your time.

In the end, no matter how many co workers I have, I always feel alone in my climb to the top.

You mention you need the support of those below you, its difficult to get that support, when they are directly competing to try and get your role. I can go above and beyond, but without the help of a c suite, or a l6, l7. I want to make change, I have the drive and motivation. I know I have the capabilities to do so much more, but where do I start, and how do I let everyone know IM serious. How can I strive for Principal Engineer when my boss isn't even l7.

My dream is to become a distinguished engineer, no matter what it takes. I just don't know how to get there.

I also don't have a degree, I unfortunately have not been as lucky as others when it comes to family and income. its no excuse, but I have not had the means or resources to have the privilege's of attending a college or university. Everything I have learned over the past 10 years has been through experience. I know a great deal compared to the engineers who are fresh from college, but what's it matter if in the end, that promo doc requires the Diploma.

there are a lot of barriers, and I don't know where or how to start knocking them down. Every time I feel like I'm progressing, something comes up and holds me back no matter how hard I work, Sometimes I even find myself digging a hole I might not be able to get out of because I'm so driven to "make " something work. or to "make someone happy".

I checked out your site and saw the contract details for costs and all. That's a really slick model and I honestly think its such a smart idea, kudos to you, and thank you for helping others achieve their dreams.