Journey to the moon
On top of studying and applying for jobs, I have created something today.
First time in a while… Bridge… a journey to the moon.
This is the way
So it’s been a couple of weeks…
Week 1:
Decided to jump back into software development -> as I hope for a more stable yet challenging career that I can learn and grow at with focus.
Landed a few interviews… not exactly getting any job but have a clearer understanding of my strengths and weaknesses, and what I need to do and work towards.
Week 2:
Started studying with TypeScript to start, as there was a test in that.
Practice/exercises on Visual Studio Code along with online content - feeling lucky how much free courses and information there are online nowadays.
Took the test that turned out to be in React, and felt extremely unprepared, but tried my best anyway:
- Similar but not familiar with the React setup and packages. The console on the test UI did not work as it seemed to be on a different server. Not sure what I could do at the moment, so I wrote a file of code in TypeScript (without compiling and testing as the console didn’t work), commented on my proposed structure in React file, and did as much as I could as I learned at the same time.
Now, week 3:
Today is Tuesday. There’s another test to be taken in either Java or JavaScript. Have quite a bit of work so might need to wait till Friday…
As it becomes more clear to me that my current goal is Front-End developer, regardless of the test, my study plan is:
- Core: JavaScript, TypeScript, React, HTML
- Subjects to touch on: JSON, CSS, Node, Web development news, popular tools/packages, smartphone app dev basics
- Practice projects to be linked here in the near future.
I am thinking about noting down my progress weekly or bi-weekly as a self-motivator.
Exploring The Next Chapter
I honestly expected to work at the current job for quite a while longer, but life took an unexpected turn as the client decided to end the contract with my current employment in just a few months.
I think it is an opportunity for me to look for something better and room to grow, instead of waiting for the company to land another contract.
I am really excited to look into development and software engineering. I believe I am skillful enough to pick up anything fast if given the opportunity. But it’s been a while so it may be a bit tough, especially on paper…
Wish me luck!
It’s been a while
This is a self-reflective update for myself and a bit of my story.
It really has been more than a couple of months since the last time I was able to sit down and create or work on something.
What’s stopping me? Work has been taking more than a fair share of my life, I’d say.
What has work been like:
Here are the facts and you can judge for yourself:
Work is Finance IT L2 handling backend maintenance, system checks/updates, batches for about 30+ apps, and application support.
I work about 9-10 hours a day (often no lunch break)
20-60 hour overtime a month (went down a bit since I complained in October)
On rotation to work on weekends
Need to pick up work phone whenever even in the middle of the night; this is not paid.
My salary is about 310,000 yen a month including everything
Overtime is not paid
If I need to commute to the office, on an average day I have about 24 - 10 (work) - 3 (commute) - 7 (sleep) = 4 hours for myself.
This may be a bit of a rant… I consider myself a responsible person. Since I’ve had this job for almost 2 years now, I think I committed more than what I was paid to do. But perhaps I have performed at my job too well. I was given more responsibilities than my peers without additional compensation. I know it’s a normal thing almost anywhere we go, but realizing how big of a difference it was, I was really thrown off balance mentally.
I have been stressed and braindead most of the time, especially lately, as somehow I became responsible to train two new people. I think the fact that I dream about work is saying something…
…
I strive for growth and creativity. And I need to make changes for the better.
So what I want to do is dial myself back at work. I will do what’s needed but will not commit more than I need to. I don’t see room for growth or even fair compensation in the near future. I need to find myself more time and energy outside of work, even just the mind space.
I am also considering finding a different job - either more time for myself or a better salary.
Short term goal is better management of effort and energy, and being on the lookout for opportunities. I can do this!