"You May Need to Plan for Your Own Write-Off"

This article is Lu Canwei's 87th original piece.

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How long do you think a light bulb can last? 1 year? 3 years? 5 years? Or how many years?

Currently, the longest-lasting light bulb has been shining since it was first lit 115 years ago and is still emitting a faint glow at a fire station in Livermore, California. People can see its condition through a webcam.

So why do our light bulbs break so easily? Because some companies set a lifespan for them, allowing for repeated sales profits.

After light bulbs became popular, in the 1920s, there was a "Phoebus cartel," where several major electrical companies conspired to limit the lifespan of light bulbs to 1,000 hours. This scandal was only revealed decades later. Another example is our mobile phones; in the past, a phone could last a very long time, but now we need to replace our phones every few years. As phones age, they become slower, and eventually, we have to buy new ones.

Every time we buy a new phone, we get a newer, more powerful device, while the old phone gradually becomes a mere decoration or is sold at a low price.

Why does something that hasn't changed become worthless?

Often, we are the same. Nowadays, there is rampant competition everywhere, with people claiming that programmers can only deliver takeout after the age of 35, while enjoying the life-and-death speed calculated by their own route-planning algorithms. Product managers practice their own ride-hailing service processes after 35. Why does something that hasn't changed become worthless?

Yesterday's article mentioned that the most fundamental driving force behind economic growth is transactions, which cause money to flow. If you are in a stagnant state and no longer circulate, does that mean you become less valuable? When we dive into our comfort zones, we are like that light bulb, diligently illuminating every second, but our value, like the bulb, is something people are only willing to pay for once.

Therefore, we need to plan for our own obsolescence. For example, if I am a technician, I start by writing business code. After a few years, if I am still doing the same thing, my value remains the same, and the boss is unwilling to spend more money on me; after all, that light bulb can still be used. However, if I artificially declare myself obsolete, for instance, by no longer writing business code and abandoning that function, and instead start writing low-level code and frameworks, then the boss will be willing to pay for a brighter bulb.

The more times I declare myself obsolete, the more money others are willing to pay for me, and naturally, I become more valuable. If my comfort zone lasts too long, it becomes difficult for me to upgrade myself. This is also what many people say: when you encounter difficulties, that is when you grow.

Of course, during the process of upgrading, there can be a lot of unnecessary waste. For example, if you abandon your original abilities for a new identity, that part of your ability may be wasted. In today's rapidly developing society, the market is saturated with specialized talents. Unless you develop strong skills and can overcome challenges, many people will find themselves overwhelmed by life.

At this point, we should declare ourselves obsolete and adopt a mindset of an empty cup, continuously learning new things. While everyone else emits yellow light, you can emit white light, or even green light. When a person needs to shine green light, you will have a significant competitive edge; in this vertical field, you, as a versatile talent, will be unbeatable.

Don't forget, improving productivity is the precursor to increasing income, so continuously plan for your own obsolescence and keep improving yourself.

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