Career ladders aren't just changing—they're being demolished and rebuilt in real-time. In this emergency "weather report," Carly and I decode four career dilemmas that have completely flipped in the last six months. We explain why directors are taking IC roles (and thriving), why your Big Tech salary might be a golden trap, when to finally leave that stalled growth company, and why founding is suddenly on everyone's radar. If you're making any career move in 2025, your old playbook will hurt more than help.

The New Career Math:

• Why senior IC roles now trump management positions—and when stepping down is stepping up

• The Big Tech paradox: 3x market comp but career stagnation (what's your breaking point?)

• Ex-growth company reality: Why staying another month makes things worse

• The founding surge: Why 8x more product leaders are starting companies

What's Actually Happening:

• How AI and flat orgs killed the traditional ladder (and what replaced it)

• What elite companies want now: hands-on builders, not ivory tower managers

• The talent gravity effect: Why your coworkers matter more than your title

• The "elite middle" strategy: Which companies offer both growth and stability

Your Action Plan:

• How to evaluate if you're becoming obsolete (and what to do about it)

• The unnatural acts worth taking (hint: it involves a pay cut)

• Six-month forecast: Where the opportunities will be and who will win

Timestamps:

(03:45) The rise of Super ICs

(07:59) Why IC roles are considered premium

(18:56) “I work at Google: should I stay, or should I go?”

(27:05) How Nikhyl gives career advice to tech leaders

(31:12) What are startups hiring for?

(37:10) Why are more people leaving ex-growth companies?

(42:21) Advice for choosing the right company to join

(46:24) You need to work with great talent

(48:21) How to navigate the wealth of career options

(52:37) The career trap you need to avoid

(56:29) Should you found a company?

(59:09) Nikhyl’s forecast for the next six months

Where to find Nikhyl:

• Twitter/X

• LinkedIn

Where to find Carly:

• LinkedIn

• She Leads Podcast

• Twitter/X

Join The Skip:

• Skip Coach

• Skip Community

Find The Skip:

• Website

• Substack

• YouTube

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

Don't forget to subscribe to The Skip to hear me coach you through timely career lessons. If you’re interested in joining me on a future call, send me a note on LinkedIn, Threads, or Twitter. You can also email me at nikhyl@skip.community

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theskip.substack.com

Why your career playbook expired: The new rules for 2025 job transitions

The Skip Podcast