The Next Next Framework

The Next Next Job Framework

Insight from Andrew Chen

Thinking about your career, right? Well, have you ever thought about not just your next job but the one after that? That's what the "Next Next Job" idea by Andrew Chen is all about.

I used this trick myself when figuring out what to do after my second startup. I had to pick between several job offers and let me tell you; it was like riding a super intense rollercoaster. Each job had its vibe and perks, so choosing was tough.

First things first, figuring out your next next job can be a bit like trying to grab fog – it's tricky! But here's the cool part: you can start making some educated guesses. Imagine a pie chart of possibilities.

For me, it looked like this: 50% chance I'd become a startup founder again, 30% chance I'd go create content, 10% chance I'd join a high-growth startup as an exec, and another 10% for, well, who knows? Maybe I'd jump into a brand-new industry.

Most jobs are within reach. But hey, sometimes there's a good reason why that dream job is still out of reach. 

Maybe your resume needs a bit of sparkle with some shiny roles, or you're in marketing, dreaming of being a product manager, but you're not quite tech-savvy yet. Or maybe you've never managed a team, and you need that experience to step up. Spotting these gaps is key to figuring out what jobs will help you bridge them.

So, what gaps are we talking about? It could be anything – skills, network, experiences, mentors, you name it. Ask yourself some questions like:

• What new skills do I need?

• Who should I be rubbing elbows with?

• What experiences do I need under my belt?

• Who are the mentors that can guide me?

• And what ideas will spark my next big move?

Let's take an example: Say you want to be an investor. You've got tons of experience in behind-the-scenes roles at successful startups.

Here's what your gap list might look like:

• You need to build a personal brand

• You haven't done any angel investing yet

• You need to form opinions on the latest and greatest in tech

Remember, it's not just about playing defense and filling those gaps. It's also about finding that one thing that makes you stand out – your superpower. That's what will give you an edge in the game.