Aaron Francis joins Kent to discuss his talk at Epic Web Conf, Epic Bets: Practical Tips for Betting on Yourself. In this conversation, Aaron reflects on his non-traditional path into tech, his experience being laid off, and how he prepared himself to be resilient in the face of career uncertainty. He shares insights on why developers should focus on skill stacking, personal branding, and long-term sustainability in their careers rather than chasing trends.

Kent and Aaron also explore:

• How to future-proof your career without falling into the trap of chasing hype.
• Why writing and sharing your knowledge can open unexpected doors.
• The importance of building a professional network before you need it.
• How to balance ambition with family life and personal values.
• Why giving your absolute best—both professionally and personally—is always worth it.

Aaron’s perspective is both practical and inspiring, offering a roadmap for developers who want to take control of their future without sacrificing what truly matters.

Watch this episode.

Meet Aaron at Epic Web Conf.

Guest: Aaron Francis

• 𝕏: @aarondfrancis
• GitHub: @aarondfrancis
• Website: aaronfrancis.com

Host: Kent C. Dodds

• Website: kentcdodds.com
• 𝕏: @kentcdodds
• GitHub: @kentcdodds
• YouTube: Kent C. Dodds
• Epic Web: epicweb.dev