Work
It's quite surprising at how fast a year can go, especially seeing as though I'm now fully immersed in the working world. This year has probably been a year where I've learnt the most, specifically in relation to the "programming" industry (if it should even be deemed such a name).
The few things I've learnt so far are as follows:
- The correct way isn't necessarily the right way. Speed of development is, in many cases, a requirement of the system. The overall turnaround time from the project initiation to its actual implementation is what's most sought after. This means that doing things "properly" isn't a possibility. Sure, this is a real shame, but it keeps the punters happy and makes sure things get "shipped" on time.
- Break out of university mode. The problem I've mainly faced is that I've spent the majority of my life studying as opposed to practising that development. I've always considered the text book way to be the correct way, and it definitely is, however as I mentioned in the previous point, it's not always possible. It's best to break out of the concrete way of doing things and realise that things can often be done ad-hoc in an environment where things aren't being released to the public.
- Don't be afraid to be confrontational. I've been quite surprised at speaking to employees whom are completely unhappy in their jobs, and they're issues which could be fixed if they were raised, but instead the individual makes the decision to quit their job because they become unhappy in them. Really, the best way to deal with things is to raise them as issues.
Life
Me and my wife are taking the steps closer towards getting a mortgage. The current industry has an average house price of about £300,000 with 10% deposit required, let alone legal fees and bond costs. It's a long process, and I advise anyone wanting to own a house in the future to start saving right now, regardless of your age. One couple we knew had been saving money since they were 16. The second they were married that were able to buy a house, and already they have upgraded to a large 3-bedroom house, and they're the same age as us. We are aware, however, that I was at university during this time so we would've been strapped for cash regardless.
Study
As you may know, I've been working towards my postgraduate degree in Software Development and I'm currently working with databases (MySQL for study, although I work in MS-SQL full-time). I've learnt a considerable amount in a short space of time concerning the structure and makeup of databases from both the theoretical (relational theory) to the practical (actual implementation). I'm also taking into close consideration the next steps I'll be taking towards study and am pretty set on studying user interface design as that's quite a major part of what I do both in and out of my full-time job. I was also considering doubling up my study so I will instead be taking on two courses at once, however this depends on time available, and what funds I can magically procure.
Christmas
The best time of year of course, especially when greeted with many presents. One major thing I love doing in my spare time is playing guitar, and I somehow got myself into the singing routine also due to my involvement in churches. This year I was given a Shure SM58 microphone and a wireless headset so I can start recording some acoustic stuff. I've been meaning to do this for quite a while, I've just never had the time or money to do so.
I also received some other great gifts, such as a flying lesson, and a load of books such as Dale Carnegie's set and some books on Ruby and Ruby on Rails.
Next Year
I do have aims and goals, not necessarily resolutions but simply improvements. I'm really wanting to run a marathon next year if I can overcome a problem in my right calf, and I'm also wanting to do better with my study as time has been really limited recently. I'm also wanting dedicate more time to reformsoft as we go about some changes and hopefully get some releases in next year. Otherwise it's just carry on as normal.
