[BIG NEWS] I Was Stuck, Unmotivated, and Ready to Quit—Until These 5 Things Changed Everything
Welcome to another edition of Whatever Matters, a weekly newsletter where I provide actionable and thoughtful ideas to help you build a high-performing life and career.
Today's overview:
BIG NEWS (Developers, Marketer & Content Writers)
5 proven strategies for job search using free tools that helped me
How AI is the Game-Changer you didn’t know you needed
Narayanan's productivity hack of the week
A question to ponder
[BIG NEWS]
I am starting my journey as a co-founder of a new venture - caisy.io, a Software As A Service (SAAS) company in the Content Management Systems industry. I will update my LinkedIn profile as I send this email - It’s big news, and I wanted to share it with you.
It’s the 10th month of this newsletter and we’ve grown from 0 to 117,172 subscribers in less than a year. It shows the commitment you have towards your personal development.
Over the past 2 months, I have been away from writing due to a lot of tasks at my new startup and other projects. Now that I am back in my regular schedule I will keep dropping value in your inbox every Saturday.
For all the patience and support you’ve shown me, I have something very exclusive for you, an invitation to Join Our Exclusive Launch Event on the 17th of October 2024.
Where Caisy + TeleportHQ will showcase a groundbreaking platform that redefines website creation, offering:
Scalable, future-proof websites
Complete code ownership
Unmatched flexibility for developers and non-technical users alike
Even if you’re not a developer - you’re invited to join us, understand and participate in a revolutionary transformation in the website development world.
5 proven strategies for job search using free tools
Job hunting, huh?
It’s definitely not a walk in the park. It feels more like running a marathon—long, exhausting, and at times frustrating.
Trust me, I get it. Been there, done that. Back in 2018, I applied to 45 companies before landing my first job.
Yeah, 45 rejections.
It wasn’t easy, but each "no" got me one step closer to that "yes."
Here’s the thing—it's not just about being blindly optimistic. It’s about having practical strategies and tools to keep you going.
So, if you're in that job search grind right now, here’s how to keep your head up and your resources strong:
1. Have fun with the process:
Did you apply for 10 jobs today? Success!
Got a callback? Even better, that’s a win!
Tracking these little victories keeps you motivated, trust me. Use Trello or Notion to create a job application tracker and see your progress visually—it’s super satisfying.
2. Upskill While You Search:
There’s still over 90 days left in this year. Why not finish it strong by investing in yourself?
The job market’s changing fast, and the candidate with fresh skills always stands out.
Try certifications on Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, and you can share your progress on LinkedIn to show employers you’re serious about your growth.
3. Create a Routine:
Think of job hunting as your main project. Plan your day, set realistic goals, and chip away at them. It builds momentum, and trust me, it also helps avoid burnout.
Use the Pomodone App—it’s perfect for setting work sprints like 45 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Staying productive without overwhelming yourself?
Yes, please you deserve a break!
4. Connect and Network:
Did you know 70% of jobs are never advertised?
Crazy, right?
Networking is your secret weapon here—old colleagues, industry events, LinkedIn groups—they can all connect you to your next big gig.
Pro tip: use Hunter.io to find email addresses of key contacts and Calendly to schedule informational chats.
5. Practice Self-Care:
Job searching can feel like a mental marathon. You need to prioritize self-care, it’s not optional.
Meditate, take a walk, or just do something creative to clear your head.
For guided meditation, check out Headspace or Calm—they’ll help keep you mentally sharp through the grind.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I’m all ears!
I’m also here for a 1:1 session where we can break down your biggest job search challenge.
Feel free to book a slot here: www.topmate.io/chalkmeout.
Lets talk AI: how AI is the Game-Changer you didn’t know you needed
AI taking over your job? Nope, not happening.
But AI helping you master your job? Absolutely!
It can make all the difference in the way you work, making you more efficient, strategic, and indispensable. Here’s how it’s changing the game in ways you didn’t even realize:
1) AI Powers Your Productivity:
Repetitive tasks eating away at your time? Let AI step in so you can chill :P
Tools like Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate can handle your emails, schedule meetings, and track project timelines—so you get hours back in your day for more important things.
2) Data-Driven Decision-Making:
We’ve all been there—hours staring at endless spreadsheets.
Enter AI-powered tools like Tableau and Google Data Studio, which can turn that raw data into easy-to-understand insights, in minutes.
3) Personalized Learning at Your Fingertips:
One-size-fits-all learning is a thing of the past. Grow up!
AI gives you personalized course recommendations on platforms like Udemy and LinkedIn Learning, so you can upskill based on your career goals. It’s that simple yaar!
4) 24/7 AI Tool Support:
Need help in the middle of the night? AI’s got your back (like your mom) :)
Tools like ChatGPT (yup, just like me) can brainstorm ideas, answer questions, and help with problem-solving at any hour. PS: without judging (like me*)
And don’t forget—AI’s also great at minimizing mistakes.
Tools like Grammarly can help you avoid language errors, and Caisy can manage your meetings and follow-ups automatically, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Remember, AI is here to enhance your creativity and intuition, not replace it. So, let AI handle the repetitive stuff and focus on what you do best.
And say ALL IZ WELL
Narayanan's Productivity Hack of the Week
Okay, so this week I’m giving the Pomodoro Technique a bit of a twist.
Instead of the usual 25-minute work sprints, I’m going for 45 minutes of deep work, followed by a 15-minute break.
During the break, I either jam out to a motivational playlist (because who doesn’t love some tunes?) or I take a walk with my dog to clear my head.
The result? I’m more productive, focused, and honestly, the music gives me a nice energy boost.
Try it out and let me know how it works for you! (Thank me later)
A Question to Ponder
"If AI could take over any part of your job, which part would make you breathe a sigh of relief? And what would you do with that extra time?"
Until next week, just remember: job hunting is tough, but you’re tougher. And with AI on your side, the future of your career looks brighter than ever.
P.S. Need a hand with your job search or curious about how to integrate AI into your workflow?
Book a 1:1 coaching session with me at www.topmate.io/chalkmeout
Appreciate the honesty in sharing this journey! Feeling stuck is something so many can relate to—excited to see where this new chapter takes you!