10 Life Lessons from My IT Career (That Still Serve Me Today)

Before I became The Solo Coach, I spent 11 years working in the world of IT. I started as an apprentice (shoutout to 2013’s Leeds City College ICT Apprentice of the Year!) and worked my way through technician roles in schools, on to working on large-scale IT projects in manufacturing as a technical enabler, and finally to a global corporation as an IT Transition Manager.

It wasn’t just a job – it was a chapter of growth, grit, people skills and progress. And along the way, I picked up lessons that go far beyond tech. These 10 takeaways still guide me in my work, my life, and my coaching practice today.

For a deeper explanation of the following 10 lessons, listen to episode 19 of The Solo Coach Podcast and let me know what you think in the comments!

1. The Solution Is Often at a Different Level to the Problem

What presents itself as the issue often isn't the real issue. In IT, it might look like a technical glitch – but dig deeper and you’ll find it’s often about people, process, or communication. The same goes for life. Feeling stuck at work? It might be about sleep, self-worth, or a difficult conversation you're avoiding.

Asking “why is this?”, up to 5 times, can help lead you to the root cause of the issue. Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Persist until you find the true cause, it’s a wiser investment in time, energy and money to find and fix the issue permanently, rather than temporarily, because…

2. Nothing’s More Permanent Than a Temporary Solution

Quick fixes are tempting. But patching things up without addressing the root cause nearly always leads to long-term pain. Whether it’s a buggy system or a burnout-inducing schedule, invest the time now to fix it properly – your future self will thank you. Fix it once, and fix it for good.

3. Manners Matter

A simple “please” or “how’s your day?” can go a long way – especially in a digital world. Kindness builds trust. People don’t want to be barked at (in person or over email). If you want real collaboration and support, be human first. Asking “would I speak to them this way in person?” before sending the email, saves lots of heartache and pain, later on down the line.

4. An Organisation’s Greatest Asset Is Its People

Not its tech. Not its products. Its people. Equip them well enough to leave, treat them well enough to stay. It’s the leaders who make you feel you matter – not just that they matter – who create the best cultures. People leave bosses, not jobs. If you’re in charge, raise people up, empower them and be the leader you’d love being led by. Then they’ll serve you, the organisation and themselves to the best of their ability! Everyone wins.

5. Live Your Values

Values on a website are worthless if they’re not backed up in behaviour. The organisations that inspired me the most were the ones who lived their values – and it made me want to give my all in return. The same goes for us as individuals. Integrity matters.

6. What Got You Here Might Not Get You There

The skills, routines or mindsets that served you once may not serve you now. If your work no longer fits, it might be because you’ve grown. Don’t shrink to fit an old version of you. Upgrade instead.

7. True Transformation Takes Time, Money and Effort

Whether it’s a system overhaul or a life pivot, real change isn’t quick and easy. It requires investment. It’s uncomfortable. But it’s always worth it – because the alternative is stagnation. And standing still is as good as running backwards, in a world that’s ever evolving and growing, more quickly than the ever before.

8. Leaving Something That No Longer Serves You Isn’t “Throwing It Away”

It’s evolution. The best bits of you come along for the ride. Staying in the wrong place too long can do real damage. If work no longer fits – emotionally, mentally, physically – it’s okay to move on. You don’t owe anyone your unhappiness. Don’t hang around until you become cynical, sceptical and pessimistic. You’re not serving anyone. And you’re definitely not serving yourself.

9. You Are Not Your Job, Salary or Status

You’re not just “Emma the Analyst” or “Phil the Plumber”. You’re your character. Your values. Your creativity, energy, kindness, heart. That’s what people remember. That’s what makes you you. No one remembers you for your job title, or the nice things you own. Be careful not to become fixated on the ‘markers of success’ at the cost of your own happiness and fulfilment. If you feel like the balance may have slipped, a coach can help with this.

10. Turning It Off and On Again Works for Humans Too

Sometimes the best thing you can do is pause. Rest. Reset. You’re not a machine – you’re a human being. And when life feels foggy, chaotic or too much… give yourself permission to switch off for a moment. You might just find the clarity you were looking for.

Final Thought

I wouldn’t be the coach I am today without my IT career. It taught me about systems, sure – but more importantly, it taught me about people. About patience. About progress. And about the messy, beautiful process of change.

If any of this resonated with you – if you’re feeling stuck, or on the verge of a shift – let’s talk. Coaching might be the “upgrade” you’ve been waiting for.

Reach out here: thesolocoach.co.uk/contact or drop me an email at david@thesolocoach.co.uk

— David
The Solo Coach