I worked at a company where I built the first version of the product, then, because I was remote I was removed from the main user-facing product and was sent to the virtual basement where I built and maintained internal tools. I was not happy, but, hey! at least I was getting a very nice deposit every month.

Four years later I was laid off and realised that I had absolutely nothing to show for my years there. No portfolio. Nothing on a public url that I could share.

Landing the next job was extremely difficult.

My resolution was that the next company I worked for should be one that allowed me to point at cool stuff and said, proudly, see that? I built it.

Ownership is very important for your career.