Steve Jobs. The man who wore the same sweater every day and inadvertently invented the capsule wardrobe. But beyond his love of the black pullover, he left behind an invaluable set of life (and career) advice that continues to inspire entrepreneurs, creatives, and those who ask themselves four times a day if this is really what they want to do with their lives.
If you want a career that isn't just another stop on the train to retirement, but an adventure with stops at innovation, failure, and bold turnarounds - then these tips are for you. Steve Jobs right for you.
1. Do what you love.
Jobs always emphasized that work we love is not a job – it’s a way of life. When you wake up in the morning with excitement, not an alarm calling you to Monday hell, you’re on the right track. Passion is the fuel that drives creativity.
2. Stay hungry, stay crazy
This iconic phrase isn't just a great title for a motivational poster. It's a mindset that says: never stop growing, learning, and taking risks. If you think you've already succeeded – congratulations, you're now in the dangerous zone of your comfort zone.
3. Trust your intuition.
Jobs wasn't exactly a scientist with a PowerPoint presentation. He was a technology artist who drew many of his greatest moves by feel. If your inner voice is screaming "this is it!", maybe don't ignore it—unless it's calling out at midnight and suggesting an ex's tattoo.
4. Don't settle for average.
If you have to spend 40+ hours a week at work, it should be for something that gives you meaning. Jobs didn't believe in mediocrity - and let's face it, the world doesn't have time to tolerate it anymore.
5. Learn from mistakes.
He was fired from his own company. Yes, Steve Jobs left Apple – and came back stronger. Failure is not the end of the story, it's the turning point. If you fail, take a moment, then keep going. That's what legends do.
6. Quality is king
There were no shortcuts for Jobs. In products and people. Surround yourself with excellence – and not just on your LinkedIn profile, but in real life.
7. Think differently
Ah, the legendary Apple slogan. Jobs thought outside the box because he knew that's where innovation happens. Sometimes you have to push the boundaries... or just ignore them.
8. Don't be afraid to think big
If your ideas don't seem too big to even say out loud - say them twice. Jobs built an empire by aiming for the sky when others were only looking at the next quarter.
9. Stay true to your vision
If everyone looks at you sideways when you talk about your dreams – you are on the right track. The world has always been changed by those who at first seemed crazy. (Note: does not apply to conspiracy theories.)
10. Surround yourself with talented people
Jobs was not a one-man band. He was the conductor of an extraordinary team. Smart people are not a threat, they are an acceleration. Find them. Keep them. Listen to them.
11. Simplify
In a world where every other project has five PowerPoints, 23 emails, and three Zoom meetings, simplicity is a radical choice. Jobs believed that the hardest thing to do is to make something simple—but that's exactly why it's so worthwhile.
Steve Jobs' career path was anything but a straight line. It was more like a chaotic treasure map – full of twists, turns, traps and breakthroughs. But every step he took was in line with values that we can now, with a bit of irony and a lot of courage, carry over into our life and career decisions.
Will you also remain hungry? Maybe not necessarily for an “apple”, but certainly for meaningful work, vision and courage.
