A bit of how I got into this mess...
I've been avoiding writing, or reaching out to any boarder tech community. It's mostly informed out of a fear of toxicity, which I've previously received from such communities. Mental health issues has caused me to become something of a social recluse over the course a short job followed by university.
This is a nerve racking attempt to try and get some idea or direction to eventually get me in a better place.
I've enjoyed doing some web work, but it is a far cry from a real job. The college work I've done in computer science, no surprise was not helpful in the slightest to me. Fun concepts and ideas though. I've had vague musings with games, but I haven't the heart to work in that industry.
I know portfolio/profile building is important, but I've no idea of what projects I should do or what direction I should take it. Many good tutorials abound, but without something to call my own I can't really demonstrate that I know a technology. I seem to lack a necessary creativity, as I've not really anything in my life to use as a basis for projects.
Now for the questions:
- Should I do a project per technology?
- How can I better foster creative growth while having depression?
- How do I navigate the professional space as a trans person? Especially someone who needs to play it quiet around her parents?
- How can narrow my focus to more specific web technologies?
- I am a bit geographically constrained due to finances, how can I best handle this problem?
- Are there other questions I should be asking instead?
Please, if your answer involves "my interests" understand that I really don't have any. Also please refrain from this "culture of awesome" language, it's very demeaning and abrasive.
Thank you for reading, and especially my deep gratitude for any advice you may have.
Top comments (2)
Although I cannot answer all the questions, I'll take a stab at some that I can speak to.
Sounds like you are currently doing some web development — mainly front end or backend or both? Would you like to continue at that level in the stack or are you interested in moving either higher or lower. If it's the latter, that's something I can help point in the right direction.
One silver lining of the pandemic is that most companies and communities are way more open to remote collaboration. So, I wouldn't worry too much — for now — about the geographical distance, although eventually you may find that you want to move to a more tech-centric city.
Find other trans persons who have been there and struggled like you. You will get not only advice, but also listeniong, understanding and emotional support.
Ouch, depressionn is tough.
Don't ask yourself how you can perform as well as the others while having depression, it's impossible.
Think about the smallest step you feel able to do now and then do it. If you can't do it, don't beat yourself up, you will do it tomorrow. Take one day after the other, one baby step after one baby step.