Welcome to The Next Chapter

Aka what is this even about?

Let’s start from the beginning…

For those of you who don’t know me: I’m Vinamrata, and I’ve worked in the tech industry as a product manager for ~7 years. It’s been a fascinating journey, filled with twists and turns that have taken me from Google to Thumbtack to two Series A startups to Match Group. Despite my progression through the tech career ladder, I always found something lacking. Lost, I found myself going back to my favorite childhood activities: fiction writing, teaching, and play. Thus began the journey to build a blended career incorporating these elements, rather than accepting a linear tech career. 

Where am I with my journey? I’m still working in product, though I’m exploring lots of other avenues (through coaching, this newsletter, workshops, and fiction writing) to add more texture to my career. I’m also trying to figure out the right balance of all of these projects, which can be most easily described as a persistent Tetris configuration of my calendar. I’m also learning new things about my interests as well as my relationship with success, ambition, and failure. And I’m gaining a lot of life lessons along the way. As I navigate this next chapter of my life, I want to help others do the same through sharing thoughts and learnings in this newsletter.

I have three goals with this newsletter: 

1. I want to unblock those like me.

Back when I was first starting to question the default tech ladder, I didn’t have any role models or folks for support. In fact, I mostly received blank stares whenever I raised the thought. Later, I realized that many of my friends were asking the same questions, but didn’t feel comfortable voicing it. I want to build a space where people get the real deal about what this path is like so it inspires others to keep going, or perhaps even share their journey with others. Therefore, I’m going to push myself to be as vulnerable and open here, and leave each post with a question for you all to chime in on the conversation. 

2. I want to build a consistent writing habit.

In the past, I’ve given up on my blogs and podcasts whenever I feel like it’s not “growing enough.” I want to push past my need for validation and focus on clarifying my thinking for myself, with the added hope that it helps and resonates with other people. Therefore, I promise to publish a post every two weeks.

3. I want to get better at writing (short) content.

Flowery language is my jam. In fact, I’m doing it now. But people have short attention spans- I know I do. Therefore, I promise that each post will be <=500 words. If it’s more, you can call me out :)

If this sounds like your jam, hit the subscribe button, and get ready to hear more from me soon.

I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us!