With today’s project, I got to fetch from an API. This API, perhaps dangerously perfect for me, is from the I Can Haz Dad Joke site. As I’m rather famous for Dad Jokes, this one seemed perfect.
So, I enjoyed diving into API calls deeper. This is something that I want to know better, so diving in deeper made me happy.
Project Management work has been part of every role I’ve done. Early on, while in the Navy, I tracked planned maintenance evolutions on my ships, coordinated with the different departments onboard as well as shore-based teams, and ensured supplies were on-hand in order to complete that work in a timely manner. Things expanded from here. Whether managing event logistics at AARP, Starbucks, or Microsoft, tracking budgets with the same orgs, negotiating time with key executives, project management has been a core skill of mine.
My studies over the past year have shown that I have solid skills and that I really enjoy PM work. So, I’ve started working on Google’s Project Management certification through Coursera. I want to up my game, and this seems like the best way to move forward.
A few days ago, this post came through my LinkedIn feed: “These Jobs Are Disappearing“. For me, the key thing are all the administrative roles declining (which has been the focus for a good deal of my career). Administrative assistant roles are expected to decline by 19.2% over the ten years from 2021 to 2031. Executive admin assistant roles are expected to drop by 20.2%!
What I find interesting in this: I’ve seen this coming for a while. However, right now, the trend SEEMS to be going the other way. I’m getting near daily recruiter calls for executive support and team admin roles.
This, though, is one key motivating factor for changing professions. As I love technology, these trends just drive me to cement my knowledge and work harder to transition.
Things like web development, project management, and systems analysis are key future-centric roles. My studies are my attempt to future-proof my career.
In today’s project, I created some animated text for a faux login form. I really enjoy the effect of this one when you click on the input fields.
Though I am really tired (it’s been a long few weeks), I’m pleased that I was able to fit this project into my evening. I really want to become a better coder, and coding is the only way to get there.
I want to fit in some review of project management and systems analysis. I’m quite confident that these will be important parts of my career’s next steps.
I think the greatest challenge for people with any greater than zero amount of ambition is choosing what not to learn. For me, there are so many things I want to learn. About three lifetimes worth. Finding focus is hard. Focus means saying no to other, often great, opportunities. My goodness, that’s hard.
As I’ve been blogging since 2005, both personally and professionally, I think I have something to add. Let’s explore, shall we?
First, let’s look at Salted Caramel’s caveats.
It is also fine for your “quaint passions” to change over time.
This quote applies only to personal/hobby blogging
For point 1, I actually think they should change over time. Especially for a personal blog, you want to show your evolution. Changing interests point to explorations and make for a more interesting read over time.
Point 2: I agree somewhat. Depends, ultimately, on the professional blog’s focus. If it’s for a company, sure. But if you’re a sole proprietor (say, freelancer, or real estate agent) there’s value in having a broader sampling into the person you are. My professional blogging was, mostly, focused on real estate. Real estate industry centered blogs can get…boring. I find it valuable to write about the bigger you, and the bigger community around you.
Why do you live where you do?
What do you love about it?
What are the challenges?
So, more than just “housing starts are up, prices are, too…”. In these cases, the client is hiring you. Why should they be interested in you?
Anyway, that’s my fast two-cents. What do you think?
I enjoy looking at desk setups. This one, though, really stands out to me. Now, I’ve been wanting an adjustable standing desk for a number of years, which is a key part of this layout. But the wood desktop and matching bookshelves? *chef’s kiss* I think this desk may be the same one. MAY be….I guess.
And then there are the three monitors. THREE! My son has three and the notion is growing on me.
I plan to upgrade my computer early next year. I may need to think about my office furniture, too.
So, I’ve not been great at perfectly sequential days (my current project has expanded out a bit), but I’m still at it.
Today’s project, “Scroll Animation“, is another simple project where we take some boxes of content and fly them in from the side. To add a bit more complexity, we have some coming from the left, and some from the right.
Another fun one. Check out my other work on this course here. Also, check out my developer site.
