It’s been awhile since I last wrote here, so I wanted to check in and let you know what’s going on.
Creating Courses
I’ve been heads-down in creating courses for work. In late July, we launched our course Introducing Clean Architecture. Last week, we launched Identity Essentials. At the end of the month, I’m hoping to have Implementing Identity with ASP.NET Core launched in Early Access – which means 60% off discounts for those who sign-up for the course while we’re putting on the finishing touches. I’m excited with how this course is turning out.
In my career, most of my course work has been from 0 to having enough knowledge to get a functional start. I’ve worked with C# curriculum, Java curriculum, and even built a data bootcamp – which had some Python in it. Bringing people into these realms has been something I’ve enjoyed doing.
However, most of my students are no longer beginners. It’s time to bring out content geared for those with some experience under their belt. It’s time to talk about the topics that are confusing and how to work through them. All of our topics are aligned with things I either do for work or get questions about while talking with people in the community.
Building Conference Schedules
Many of you know I was supposed to step down from CodeMash’s review team this year, which I technically did. I rolled off the role as track reviewer after a few years on board. I’ve done track review under a few of the Content Leads – Jason Gilmore, Rob Gillen, and Alyssa Diaz. So rolling off was something I’ve been familiar with, and I knew that I could possibly go back in a couple years.
However, in talking with them, I was presented the opportunity to join them and take on a Content Co-Lead role this year, shadowing Alyssa and learning the role. I’ve had a few other opportunities presented to me throughout the year for many other community events, and I’ve said “no” to most of them. I knew that the right opportunity would present itself, but nothing really jumped out at me, until this one. There was a little hesitation – because I know that the role is heavy, and I wanted to make sure that my immediate family supported me on this. Otherwise, I knew that this was the right opportunity to say “yes” to.
So from about August on, I’ve been adjusting to holding two roles – the one that pays the bills and gives me the ability to be Mom while also working (thanks, NimblePros!) and the one where I help serve the community (yay, CodeMash!). It’s been an overwhelming experience, and I couldn’t do any of this without the support of others.
Disconnecting More, Relaxing More
I’ve also noticed the transition in the community when it comes to social media from X to Bluesky. You won’t find me on Bluesky for a couple reasons.
I was on Bluesky for awhile, but I left when I realized that I don’t have it in me to tackle yet another social media platform. It was very slow adoption, slower than I felt like holding onto. So I deleted my account – completely, not “I’m going to hang onto this and maybe one day it’ll catch on”.
About a week after I deleted my account, the mass exodus from people Hightower-ing it over there (because Kelsey Hightower moved over, so did his fans) and then a mass migration after that… so Bluesky’s adoption grew quickly! But I decided that I’m not going to return there. No FOMO (fear of missing out).
By not going there, I am going to get more time to focus on other things – hopefully this blog, my YouTube channel, and – most importantly – self-care! With a lot of things happening, I know that I need to be careful with my time. I need to make sure I don’t burn out. So I’m taking time for baking with my boys, playing games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft Dungeons, reading, and bonding with my husband.
Conclusion
As time goes on, I’m much more selective on how I use my time. I’m going to put my energy where it matters most for me. This may mean that I’m on fewer social media platforms and not as available. However, I do look forward to shifting things around and being able to be where I need to be when I need to be there.