Introduction
Everyone talks about their skills and achievements, but what happens when the journey is long? This series, “Origins,” will track my growth over the years, highlighting key decisions and learnings at each stage. From unlikely origins to global success, the journey has been long and filled with valuable lessons.
The Catalyst for Lifelong Learning
In 1993, my life took a drastic turn when I witnessed my mother lose everything she had worked for: her house, possessions, money, pension, and even her freedom. This harrowing experience taught me a crucial lesson: education is the only asset that can’t be taken away.
Determined to secure my future, I decided to pursue a medical career. However, after interviewing several doctors, I was disillusioned by their unanimous advice: “Get out! The sacrifices aren’t worth the money.” This was a pivotal moment that led me to rethink my path.
Embracing Efficiency and Systems
During this period, I worked customer service for a small mobile carrier. My primary task was to input customer demographic data from dot matrix printouts into an AS400 system. Initially, I did this manually, but soon, I began to wonder how I could make this process more efficient.
Key Insight: Efficiency and systems are worth the extra work.
I discovered that Windows 3.11 had a built-in keystroke recorder. I experimented by inputting data into a spreadsheet and then recording keystrokes to automate the data entry process. After several iterations, I perfected the method and requested the actual data files instead of paper printouts. With this approach, I managed to complete my nightly tasks in about 30 minutes.
Noticing the idle computers in the call center, I scaled up my solution, using multiple machines to process data simultaneously. This innovation not only streamlined operations but also significantly increased my productivity.
Key Insight: Good ideas that scale are the best ideas.
As a result, my hourly wage increased from $8 to $12, with overtime pushing my annual earnings to around $25,000—a substantial amount for a student.
The Real Learning
The journey from manual data entry to automation was not just about efficiency; it was about recognizing the power of systems and scaling. These early experiences laid the foundation for my career, teaching me invaluable lessons about innovation and resilience. Join me as I continue to explore the pivotal moments and insights from each stage of my professional journey in the upcoming editions of “Origins.”
Final Thoughts
This first entry in the “Origins” series sets the stage for a deeper dive into the experiences that have shaped my career. Stay tuned for future installments, where I will share more about my professional journey and the lessons learned along the way.
