2016: Biannual Review A
Summary
I've just completed my first biannual think week inspired by Bill Gate's biography.
This year so far has been jam packed. I learned to backflip on day 3 of the year, sent 10+ messages to practice chatting with strangers on social apps resulting in a serious relationship (massive action is awesome). And I've learned full stack web development, built two Sinatra Apps, dozens of smaller websites and projects. I've read dozens of books on nueroscience, git, the CLI, Linux, ruby... and hundreds of articles relating to web development.
At the beginning of the year I tested the market (am computer science job worthy?) and flew down to an interview in Silicon Valley. I quickly realized that although I had the theory down, employers wanted to see projects--and I was sorely lacking. Dejected and rejected after the interview I have to say I wasn't totally surprised. I decided to niche down.
After a month of spinning my wheels and battling overwhelm of where to start I enrolled in a program. After a few days of research I selected Launchschool as a fit. Not only did they teach by first principles but it is something I can afford to pay as I go. I've made tremendous progress.
A few things I got up to:
My goal coming into the year was to clarify my objectives. I met with my uncle at the beginning of the year to strategize and we decided I needed a platform. To get a platform I needed specialized skills to exhibit to employers. I think I am at a level to get a junior position and am currently applying.
New Understanding
The more things you can remove from your life, the more effective you will be.
I've just completed my first biannual think week inspired by Bill Gate's biography.
This year so far has been jam packed. I learned to backflip on day 3 of the year, sent 10+ messages to practice chatting with strangers on social apps resulting in a serious relationship (massive action is awesome). And I've learned full stack web development, built two Sinatra Apps, dozens of smaller websites and projects. I've read dozens of books on nueroscience, git, the CLI, Linux, ruby... and hundreds of articles relating to web development.
At the beginning of the year I tested the market (am computer science job worthy?) and flew down to an interview in Silicon Valley. I quickly realized that although I had the theory down, employers wanted to see projects--and I was sorely lacking. Dejected and rejected after the interview I have to say I wasn't totally surprised. I decided to niche down.
After a month of spinning my wheels and battling overwhelm of where to start I enrolled in a program. After a few days of research I selected Launchschool as a fit. Not only did they teach by first principles but it is something I can afford to pay as I go. I've made tremendous progress.
A few things I got up to:
- Spring: Job Search -> Bootcamp Search -> Enrollment in Launchschool
- Summer: Launchschool Curriculum Working -> 400+ hrs of course material -> MORE
My goal coming into the year was to clarify my objectives. I met with my uncle at the beginning of the year to strategize and we decided I needed a platform. To get a platform I needed specialized skills to exhibit to employers. I think I am at a level to get a junior position and am currently applying.
New Understanding
The more things you can remove from your life, the more effective you will be.
To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, subtract things every day. -- Lao Tzu
In the next half of 2016 I will:
- Accept a role as a Web Developer at a 30-200 person startup in application development
- Raise $7200 as a bridge loan for survival until hired
- Deploy 1+ business ready personal project/app