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“Better job” isn’t a plan

One of the weirdest parts of career advice is that people assume you already know what you want.

You say, “I want a better job.”

Cool. But what does “better” mean? More money? Less stress? Work that actually matters?

Most of us don’t take the time to figure that out. We chase titles, salaries, and buzzwords, then wonder why we still feel stuck.

Here’s the truth I wish someone told me earlier:

If you don’t know what you’re aiming for, you’ll keep landing in jobs that drain you.

So, here’s what I tell people who are ready for something different (not just newer):

Step one: Pay attention to when you felt alive.

Not just at work—anywhere.

Did you feel proud when you taught someone something?

Did solving a messy problem light you up?

Was it when you ran that chaotic event and somehow made it work?

Those moments matter. They’re clues.

Write them down. Break them apart. What was the work underneath that feeling?

Step two: Get honest about your non-negotiables.

What are you not willing to trade off anymore?

Freedom? Growth? Working with people you actually like?

That’s your filter. Use it.

Step three: Stop applying to jobs just because they’re hiring.

That’s how you end up with a shinier version of the same problem.

If the job doesn’t line up with what lights you up and what matters to you, skip it. You’re not lazy. You’re being smart.

Let’s stop guessing.

You deserve a job that fits the real you, not just the version you sell on a resume.

—Aidan

This Week in AI:

No jargon, no filler—just the biggest AI developments worth knowing right now. Perfect for quick industry insights, so you can skip the buzzwords and get straight to the good stuff. Let’s dive into this week’s AI shake-ups, just as promised:

Meta’s open‑source edge might be slipping, Prime Day saw GenAI-powered traffic surge past 3,300%, and Windsurf’s next chapter begins under new ownership.

Big moves this week across openness, commerce, and developer tools.

Let’s get into it.

In This Issue:

• Meta rethinks open: The company may go closed-source on its Behemoth model. (link)

• GenAI boosts Prime Day: U.S. e‑commerce spending hit $24.1B, with AI traffic up 3,300%. (link)

• Google Swoops in: Hiring CEO Varun Mohan before Cognition takes over. (link)

 Meta May Ditch Open‑Source Behemoth

TL;DR:

Meta’s Superintelligence Lab reportedly paused the release of its rumored open‑source “Behemoth” model, potentially shifting to closed‑source. Company reps say openness isn’t dead, but monetization pressure is mounting.

Our Take:

Meta’s open‑source credibility, once its AI calling card, could see a major pivot. If Behemoth stays behind walls, power may tilt toward closed‑platform leaders—and possibly even bolster China’s AI push. This could reshape who leads AI innovation—and who sets the rules.

 Prime Day: $24B in Sales, GenAI Traffic Soars

TL;DR:

U.S. consumers shelled out $24.1B from July 8–11. Generative AI–driven traffic spiked 3,300% YoY, though it still trails email and paid search .

Our Take:

GenAI is emerging as a powerful shopping assistant—used for deal hunting, lists, and research. Despite its still-small share vs. email/paid search, this year’s traffic surge signals major momentum . Expect retailers and AI platforms to double down on seamless, AI-driven shopping in 2026.

 Cognition Acquires Windsurf in High‑Stakes Talent Showdown

TL;DR:

After Google’s $2.4 billion recruitment of Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan and key R&D staff, AI‑coding rival Cognition swooped in and snapped up the remainder of the company. Cognition will absorb Windsurf's IP, brand, enterprise customers (350+ and $82 M ARR), with interim CEO Jeff Wang calling the deal a “perfect fit.” Terms weren’t disclosed, but early equity vesting and full financial support for employees have been promised.

Our Take:

This weekend’s whirlwind underscores how volatile the AI‑coding market has become. Google plays the talent‑license card, Cognition seals the rest, and former suitors (OpenAI) are left out. With Windsurf’s code‑IDE capabilities plus Cognition's agent Devin, expect a leap in enterprise tooling. Still, customers should brace for integration shake-ups, pricing changes, and roadmap shifts.