Money is not an end in itself, but a means for a fulfilling life

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

My name is Rosen Hristov, a molecular biologist - biophysicist by education, but for several years I have been working as a programmer - mainly as a  Java developer, I have also worked with  JavaScript  and  Clojure.

My interest in programming started from my master's degree in biophysics, where we studied a bit of mathematical modeling and computer simulations of biological/biophysical processes with Matlab, although for biologists, i.e. in quite a basic form. Subsequently, I became a doctoral student at BAS with the idea of working again with simulations in the field of colloidal chemistry, but they changed my initial topic and as a result, I did entirely experimental work. Later, however, I gradually requalified and have been working as a programmer since 2018.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

Well, different things, but perhaps the funniest was that I wanted to become a writer - I loved writing essays in elementary school, although literature in general was not one of my favorite subjects. And since I didn't like getting up early for school in the morning, I thought that as a writer I wouldn't need to go to work and I would work from home. In the end, I became a programmer - I write code, but today I love to get up early and I don't always insist on working from home - I love going to the office to socialize with colleagues.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

I earned my first money during my student years working as an operator in an internet club in the center of Sofia.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

A key factor is the environment, key examples are parents, teachers, relatives, friends. I don't have a recipe for curiosity; for me, it is innate, it just exists. As for sources of information and inspiration - in my case, these were books, I grew up in times when there was no internet. I even got my first personal computer late. Today, new technologies and the internet are just an addition, and not a substitute for books; I continue to be one of the reading people.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in a more mature age about what motivates you to do or not do something?

Overall, no. Although my education is different from what I am doing now, there are many commonalities between the two fields. Molecular biology is a scientific specialty. And programming requires developed logical, analytical, and abstract thinking, which is also needed by a scientist, so both fields have a dose of research approach and a dose of creativity, and that is exactly what inspires me. And as I mentioned earlier, I got interested in programming during my master's degree. So there is nothing accidental.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking at today?

The decision, of course, was mine. No one tried to impose what I “should” choose, and I knew what I wanted, so it was not a problem for me to make a decision. For me, the decision was correct; I do not regret anything.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

My interests, as it became clear, are in the field of information technology and natural sciences. I love books, traveling, walking in nature, dancing - national dances and salsa. I love everything Bulgarian - history, culture, traditions - I am a patriot.

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?

I don't think I will change my profession again - working in IT satisfies me. Given the rise of artificial intelligence, I may need to improve in that direction.

They say that personal branding is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I strive to be a responsible, stable, thoughtful, and seeking person with a broad horizon who does not stop learning. I believe that the most valuable results come from good teamwork, meaningful conversations, and good relationships and I strive for working with me to be a pleasure. So maybe I would like to hear that I am doing well in these things.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in recent years. How do you cope with daily life challenges to stay in good shape and mood?

I have no problem being in good shape and mood. I view difficulties and challenges as a natural part of life and work in particular. With such an attitude, I manage not to let them annoy me, but I analyze them and look for ways to deal with them. The right attitude, as well as adequate rest, are key to this.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining the right communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily - colleagues, friends, relatives?

My attitude towards everyone is friendly, and I communicate with goodwill, positivity, without prejudices and hasty conclusions. This allows me to communicate successfully with all kinds of people. For me, this is somehow innate; since I was little, I have understood all kinds of people.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is important, but they should not be an end in themselves, but a means for a normal and fulfilling life.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

To be successful, find the intersection between what you are good at, what you enjoy doing, and what can bring you the income you wish to have. If any of the three is lacking, your satisfaction and motivation to move forward will also be lacking.