Your manager isn't thinking about your career growth right now. Neither is your skip-level. The only person whose job it is to grow your career is you.

This uncomfortable truth is the core message of a recent Hacker News article that resonated deeply with readers. Drawing on 18 years at Amazon, the author shares how none of his over 20 managers ever proactively discussed career growth with him. They were focused on their own priorities and teams, leaving his career advancement entirely up to his initiative.

The article argues that assuming someone else will 'tap you on the shoulder' is the biggest mistake high performers make, leading them to get stuck. It emphasizes that managers cannot be proactive career coaches for everyone due to the sheer size and reactive nature of their jobs. The reframe is clear: your manager is a powerful resource, but only if you activate them by initiating conversations about your goals.