Grind for a Decade, No One Cares for 7.5 Years & Hates You for Remaining 2.5 Years: Altman
As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared his thoughts on his journey in the tech industry, he shed light on the harsh reality of putting in years of hard work and dedication. In a recent post, Altman wrote, “Be me,” and went on to describe how his life has been while working at the AI startup.
According to Altman, after a decade of relentless grind, most people didn’t care about the first 7.5 years of his journey. However, when he continued to push forward for another 2.5 years, things took a drastic turn. People began to hate him for not giving up and taking a break.
Altman’s words resonated with many who have been through similar experiences in the tech industry. The struggle to make a name for oneself, to prove oneself, and to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving field is a common theme for many entrepreneurs and innovators.
The post started with Altman’s admission that he had been working at OpenAI for over a decade. He mentioned that the first 7.5 years were marked by long hours, endless meetings, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. During this period, Altman barely had any time for himself, let alone his loved ones. He was consumed by the demands of his job, and his entire existence revolved around the AI startup.
However, as the years went by, Altman noticed a peculiar phenomenon. People who once cared about his work and progress began to lose interest. They stopped paying attention to his milestones, and his name became a mere afterthought in the tech community. The initial excitement and curiosity surrounding his work gave way to indifference and apathy.
But Altman didn’t let this discourage him. He continued to push forward, driven by his passion for AI and his vision for its potential to transform the world. And then, something unexpected happened.
As Altman continued to work tirelessly, his work began to gain traction. OpenAI started to make headlines, and the world began to take notice of its innovative AI solutions. The once-indifferent masses suddenly found themselves fascinated by Altman’s work, and they began to shower him with praise and admiration.
However, this newfound attention came with a twist. People who had previously ignored Altman’s work now began to hate him for not giving up and taking a break. They resented him for his persistence, his determination, and his refusal to accept defeat. They felt that he had somehow “stolen” the spotlight, and they were determined to bring him down.
Altman’s words are a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature. On one hand, people are drawn to success and achievement, but on the other hand, they are also quick to turn on those who have achieved it. The struggle to make a name for oneself is often a double-edged sword – one that cuts both ways.
Altman’s post also highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite the initial indifference and later hostility, he continued to push forward, driven by his passion and conviction. His story serves as a testament to the power of staying the course, even when the going gets tough.
In conclusion, Altman’s post is a thought-provoking reflection on the highs and lows of his journey in the tech industry. His words serve as a reminder that success is not always a linear progression, but rather a complex tapestry of ups and downs. While it may be tempting to give up in the face of adversity, Altman’s story shows that true greatness often requires a willingness to grind for a decade, to face indifference for 7.5 years, and to emerge stronger for the remaining 2.5 years.
