Introduction

Fifteen years ago, I started my professional journey as a Maths and Computers teacher. I later built a successful recharge automation business (ArunSoft Recharges) before transitioning into the corporate world as a web developer. Today, I am a Tech Lead at Billtrust, working on large-scale cloud migrations.

Looking back, I realize how much I’ve learned—not just about technology but also about business, career growth, and life itself. If I had known these lessons earlier, I could have avoided mistakes, accelerated my success, and achieved more balance in life.

This blog post is for aspiring tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow in their career. Here are some key lessons that can help you navigate your own journey.

1. Technical Mastery vs. Business Impact

What I Thought:
At the start of my career, I believed coding was everything. Writing efficient, optimized code and learning new programming languages felt like the most important skills to master.

What I Learned:
While technical expertise is crucial, understanding the business side is equally important.

• Companies don’t just pay for code—they pay for solutions to their problems.
• A business mindset helps you make better technical decisions.
• Knowing why a feature is built is more important than just how to build it.

Example:
At Billtrust, my work on migrating US applications from on-prem to AWS was more than just moving servers. It was about cost reduction, scalability, and security—all key business objectives.

Lesson:
Focus on solving problems, not just writing code. Learn how your work impacts the business, and you’ll become invaluable.

2. Adapting to New Tech: The Power of Continuous Learning

What I Thought:
When I started with PHP, MySQL, and WordPress, I thought mastering these would secure my future.

What I Learned:
Technology evolves at lightning speed. What’s in-demand today may be obsolete tomorrow. To stay relevant:

• Learn continuously – Take online courses, experiment with side projects.
• Embrace change – If you resist new technology, you’ll fall behind.
• Master the fundamentals – Problem-solving and system design matter more than specific languages.

Example:
Over the years, I’ve transitioned from PHP & WordPress to Symfony, Kubernetes, AWS, and React. I didn’t just learn new tools—I learned how to learn fast, which is the real skill.

Lesson:
Don’t get stuck on one technology. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and keep building.

3. The Power of Networking & Relationships

What I Thought:
I used to believe that skills alone would take me far in my career.

What I Learned:
Networking is just as important as technical skills. Many of my biggest opportunities came through connections:

• Career Growth: Every job switch I made was influenced by someone I knew.
• Helping Others Opens Doors: I helped my wife’s brother get into web development. Even though he’s currently struggling, I believe in paying it forward.
• Building a Personal Brand Matters: My work on Arun360 is my way of showcasing expertise and creating new opportunities.

Lesson:
Tech skills get you hired, but relationships get you ahead. Engage in communities, help others, and build meaningful connections.

4. Side Hustles & Entrepreneurship: More Than Just Extra Income

What I Thought:
A full-time job is the best way to financial security.

What I Learned:
Relying solely on a salary is risky. Side projects and businesses teach you:

• How to create something valuable
• Marketing, sales, and customer interaction skills
• The freedom of being your own boss

Example:

• I ran ArunSoft Recharges, which was profitable but eventually shut down.
• Now, I have Dark Tech Solutions, which I want to grow into a successful tech business.
• My passion project, Scientiversity, aims to teach kids tech skills in a fun way.

Lesson:
Even if your side hustle doesn’t succeed immediately, it will teach you skills that your 9-to-5 job won’t.

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5. Work-Life Balance: Managing Family, Work & Personal Goals

What I Thought:
I used to believe that working hard meant working long hours.

What I Learned:
Productivity isn’t about hours spent—it’s about prioritizing what truly matters.

• My Family Comes First – I live with my wife, two daughters, and my parents. They are my biggest motivation.
• Automation Saves Time – I use tools and scripts to reduce repetitive tasks.
• Work Smarter, Not Harder – Setting clear boundaries helps me stay focused.

Lesson:
Success isn’t just about career achievements—it’s about balancing work with personal happiness.

6. The Importance of Building Your Personal Brand

What I Thought:
I believed that my resume and experience alone would define my career.

What I Learned:
In today’s digital world, your online presence matters as much as your resume.

• Blogging & Content Creation Helps: That’s why I started Arun360.
• Sharing Knowledge Builds Authority: Writing about tech, business, and personal experiences attracts opportunities.
• A Strong Brand Opens Doors: Potential clients, employers, and partners can discover you.

Lesson:
Start building your online presence early—it will pay off in unexpected ways.

Conclusion: My Advice to Future Tech Professionals

Looking back, these lessons have shaped my journey. If I had to give advice to anyone starting out in tech or business, it would be:

1. Think beyond coding. Understand how technology solves business problems.
2. Stay adaptable. Learn continuously and embrace new technologies.
3. Build relationships. Networking can change your career trajectory.
4. Explore entrepreneurship. Even small side projects can teach you valuable skills.
5. Prioritize what matters. Family, health, and happiness are just as important as work.
6. Build your personal brand. Start sharing your knowledge today—it will open doors tomorrow.

What about you? What lessons have you learned in your career? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!