> Of course, you could develop foundational IT knowledge: at least one programming language, an OS, a framework or two. But the key to long term success is becoming wickedly knowledgeable about some problem domain, e.g. biotech, some niche in finance, supply chain, medical analysis automation, etc.
What do you think is the best way to do this? Or do you think that the best most "efficient" way differs for each domain?
Perhaps you are too focused on the ideal of "efficiency". Seems like another form of procrastination.
Just get started. The Richard Feynman technique is very productive. Ask a question, and then research until you answer it. Along the way you will ask many other questions. Once you answer the first question, pick the most interesting new question and repeat. Before you know it, you will be more knowledgeable in that area than the average.
AI can be a great assistant. It will do the legwork for you. But you need to verify to ensure that you are not fed hallucinations or erroneous information. With increasing knowledge and critical thinking you will get better at panning for knowledge gold.
What do you think is the best way to do this? Or do you think that the best most "efficient" way differs for each domain?