Blog

Video: I didn’t have friends most of my life – being ‘unsocial’ and finding belonging

Carl Setzer3 Comments
brown wooden cottage at the field during day

As an introvert, I find this video wonderful. She does a great job summarizing my thoughts and feelings, especially my childhood and young-adult-hood. I, too, took a long-time to discover my people, and the way I relate to the world.

I, too, grew up in a military family. I, too, found it challenging to make connections. Eventually, I figured out that I only needed a few, close friends. That I really don’t want my life to be frenetic, a blizzard of activity with tons of friends. It took years, YEARS to discover that, then come to terms with it. But I have, and I’m glad.

More Tech Sector Layoffs

Carl Setzer2 Comments
man in white shirt using macbook pro

Yesterday, I came across this video from an HR guy I follow.

Then I read this article this morning about more layoffs, specifically at Google.

Google Cuts Hundreds of Jobs in Engineering and Other Divisions

So, even more layoff pain in the tech sector as we launch into 2024. My heart goes out to my friends at Google, Meta, and Amazon. It’s a hard time to be in tech.

I wonder when we’ll see a rebound. I’ve seen some guesses about later this year, or 2025. That’s really hard to guess. It will, I’m sure. But what will the economy look like when that happens?

What I’m confident in, though, is that the market has changed and keeping up on those changes will be critical. I need to proactively manage my career. Which is a bit intimidating, but also liberating.

Anyway, onwards.

Some Words Of Wisdom

Carl Setzer
pensive grandmother with granddaughter having interesting conversation while cooking together in light modern kitchen

I came across this gem recently, and I think it’s very valuable advice to consider during this season of planning and resolutions.

For me, I see a reminder that we all have limits. So, in planning our lives, it’s critical to remember those limits. Some people have no qualms with taking until we’re empty husks. And many more very well-meaning folks simply won’t see the signs that you’re limits are getting hit without explicit notification.

So, my friends, take care of yourself. You are worth it.

Another Certificate Completed

Carl Setzer1 Comment
the word thoughts on a pin board

I’m continuing my technology learnings. Today I finished another step towards my Google IT Support Professional Certificate: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking. I appreciated both the review, as well as the deeper dive. Perhaps I’m weird, but I think this is rather fun.

The next course is Operating Systems and You. I love exploring command line stuff! It’s amazing how much power and control you have with such tools.

I also am slowly driving forward with my Google Project Management Professional Certificate. My original plan had me completing both by the end of the year. Well, that’s not happening. Basically, I didn’t fully grasp how much work they would take. I’m fine with this, though. However, I see value in refining my focus. I can complete more and with deeper learning if I choose one to focus on.

And that hits on my current thoughts. Which of these two should I focus on for my career path going forward. I spent the pandemic studying Computer Information Systems at Edmonds College, earning an associates degree. I enjoy my studies into the technical realms.

As I look over my career, though, I see projects. I’ve managed many of them, from events to office moves to…well, suffice it to say there’s been a variety. And I really enjoy that work. I’m still pursuing the Google Project Management certificate. Both of these are key elements in my career vision. I love technology, and I love working on projects. I see different business functions and how technology and, for that matter, project tools, add value. I think my space in all this integrates both realms.

Anyway, thanks for humoring my musings. I’m thinking pretty deeply right now on such things as I’m building out my goals and plans for 2024.

Today’s Dad Joke

Carl Setzer
male statue decor

I just stumbled upon this one, which ties with one I posted a few days ago:

I cut my finger chopping cheese, but I think that I may have grater problems.

So, with that, I hope you’re having a lovely run-up to Christmas. I won’t remind you have many (few) shopping days there are left. If you aren’t done yet, I wish you the best of luck.

Yesterday was the Longest Night

Carl Setzer5 Comments
photo of city under cloudy sky

Some random stats as I think about the apex of our night-life for my community just north of Seattle. Your mileage may vary.

  • Sunrise was at 7:55am
  • Sunset at 4:18 pm
  • Therefore we had 8.38 hours of sunlight
    • That’s 35% of the day with daylight
    • And, therefore 65% of the day was night
    • 15.62 hours of darkness!

Fortunately, slowly, slowly, the days will start lengthening. And another year begins.

I Earned A New Certificate

Carl Setzer2 Comments
rolled white paper and a certificate on a pink surface

In my efforts to keep moving forward in my career, I’m currently working on the Google Project Management Professional certificate. Today, I obtained a new certification as part of that: Project Initiation: Starting a Successful Project. I guess we could call this a sub-certificate. I guess…

Anyway, project management has always been a key part of who I am. And I see that it will be a key part of my future. From my time in the Navy to the present day, a lot of what I do is keep projects moving. Whether its typing minutes or notes, updating tracking documents (Project or Asana), or following up with stakeholders, projects have been a key part of my career to date. And I’ve been told, multiple times over the years, that this is something people value about me. In the end, I love completing things. I love getting projects across the proverbial finish-line. And I love helping people be successful.

So, I seek to keep moving forward. Everyday presents opportunities for forward motion, and I intend to take advantage of them.

Aerogel, The Coolest Of Matter

Carl Setzer
person holding laboratory flask

Ok, I have to be honest, I’ve never heard of aerogel until today. YouTube, in all its glory, recommended this video to me. And, well, I’m enthralled.

I’m sure YouTube offered me this since I’m a fan of both Neil deGrasse Tyson and Adam Savage. I feel gratitude for this video, so offer thanks to the great algorithm!

Anyway, aerogel is simply beautiful it’s appearance, and amazing in it’s properties. I really want to explore this further…in my spare time…*ahem*

Anyway, are you familiar with aerogel? With any applications?