01 — console.log(‘Hello World’)
I’m Matt, and my journey has just begun.
Let’s be frank (I know, I JUST said I was Matt but bear with me), 2020 was rough… for everyone. Sparing us all the toilet-papery details (because we all know them already), it was time for change- I (Matt again), was ready for change. I’m talking: personal change, career change, even a change of scenery. Now how does software engineering and HackReactor make its way into the picture? Well career wise, it just makes sense. It’s future-proof (as long as I continue to grow with the industry), Covid-proof (if working remotely), lucrative (if I’m good at it), and fun (if I’m good at it). After talking to several folks in the development world, and browsing countless LinkedIn profiles, I found that one thing developers DIDN’T have in common was a four-year degree. This insight led me to coding bootcamps, which ultimately led me to HackReactor.
One of my strengths is not writing about myself…
I hate it with a passion, but it’s 2021 and something’s gotta give. In truth, I tend not to reflect as much as I’d like. I recognize that this can be detrimental to the ‘growth mindset,’ so I plan to embrace the idea of journaling, starting…. Now.
I have quite a few interests outside of coding; I’ve been a musician for nearly 30 years; I’m a DIY’er; I love to cook (and eat); I enjoy working on cars and motorcycles, and I definitely prefer being outside over in.
I value positive human connection and interaction. It makes no difference if you’re an empire builder, software engineer, musician, bartender, etc… All the things we make so much drama about, or cause us anxiety, or argue over, they don’t really matter. In the end, it only comes down to love. The way you love your friends, your family, your children is what will be remembered. Love is the only meaningful legacy that lasts.
The trick is to not lose sight of the things that matter.
Sure, knowing that I want to be a successful engineer is a great start, and it very well may be enough to reach that goal. But a huge fear of mine is to wake up one day, as a “success” and not have an answer to the question: “what was the point of all that?” So it’s important to set attainable targets and objectives, and to work towards them with intent and purpose. For instance, in six-months time, I’d like to be working remotely, and settling into a project with like-minded teammates, and in a position where I can begin to set money aside for whatever comes next. Again, it’s important to understand WHY that’s desirable. At the current stage of my career (let’s call it ‘-1’), and at my current stage in life, it’s all about establishing a foundation. I’m a firm believer that money cannot buy happiness, but it can buy some sense of comfort, security, and most importantly, freedom to build a legacy. And that’s an idea that makes me happy.
But HOW??
We’ve established the WHO (Frank- er... Matt), the WHAT (hacker lvl. -1), the WHERE (someplace with a view), the WHEN (6–12 + time for good behavior), and the WHY (the free hors d’oeuvres ). The HOW is the fun part.
The software development field is about more than degrees, certificates, and book smarts. It’s about teamwork and adaptation. Hiring managers look at applicants in one way:
Would this person be an asset to the team?
This concept is (seemingly) what’s taught at HackReactor. As a student, will I learn the fundamental concepts of software development? Yes. Will I learn how to effectively work in pairs and group settings? Yes. Will I learn to conduct myself professionally in a work environment? Yes. And just as importantly, will I learn how to manage stress so I remain a productive, valuable team member? Oh goodness, I hope so.
Someone who possesses AT LEAST the above skills, will be an asset. Again, we’re talking foundation here. As they say in the wine industry, “there’s no substitute for bottle age.” With experience, the nuances that make me special in my own right, will begin to emerge.
The timing is right.
I have zero responsibilities other than those to myself (and my cat). I’ve already made sacrifices to get here- some by choice, some by Covid. I only need to stay focused and stay on target.
A new bummer of a habit I’ve built, though, is to work too long without a break. Sometimes I struggle to understand a new concept (cough.. recursion- cough…) then spend hours at a time reading articles and watching videos hoping something will click. I think a better approach will be to read a little something — > CODE — > walk around the house — > CODE — > watch a little something — > CODE — > work out — > CODE — > etc…
Thinking like an engineer involves breaking up big, hard problems into small, easy problems.
I absolutely must begin to think and work this way, or I will fail. Rather than beat myself down by endlessly searching for answers I won’t find alone, I will ask for help. I will utilize the resources I’m paying for: HelpDesk, Office Hours, my fellow cohort-mates. I’m in the business of building a legacy, and they work for me. Yikes! I sound like someone who’s name starts with Donald and ends with Douchebag… Luckily, I see that this road goes both ways. I also work for them. Just as they are part of my support group, I am part of theirs. Together, we will triumph! Together we will rule the wor — You get it.
Hard work gets rewarded.
Along the way, as goals are reached and concepts grasped, it will be critical to recognize progress. In terms of knowledge, there is no end or stopping point. There’s no single moment of celebration. There are many, and each one deserves attention.
I’m not saying every win gets a party and parade — a pat on the back and tip of the cap will suffice.
The point is to acknowledge when things are going right, then move on, and do it again — better.
