Then: July 8, 2024
My most recent updates available in the /now page.
Job Search
I’ve been looking for a job for some time around front-end development. I’m confident that I will land on something, but things are not as easy as it used to be when it comes to applying for jobs due to a large number of tech layoffs in the US.
Academics
I started teaching at Harrisburg University because it’s been one of my interests, but the reality is that it’s not a sustainable full-time job for my personal situation. So, I’m only teaching a course every semester and seeing how it goes. I taught a course on Game User Interface and Level Design which I loved, and in the fall I’m teaching a Game Design studio class where students will need to deliver a doc and game vertical slice.
Programming
For over half a year, I’ve been exploring other programming interests outside of my regular TypeScript/React work environment. I figured that I can always get back to it. Things include:
- Contributions to the AGS engine in C++ to better support iOS, Mac, and consoles.
- Learning Avalonia UI for building cross-platform apps in C#.
- Doing a Django refresher. I have some webapps in mind, just need the time to get started…
- Learning to master the Godot game engine to make it one of my primary personal gamedev tools. I really enjoy working with quirky languages like GDScript.
- Abandoning the Unity game engine for good. I never liked its architecture and Godot is a lot nicer for small projects.
- Learning the basics for Kotlin. There was an effort when I was working at Airbyte last year, and got interested.
- Looking into Rust, but didn’t have the time.
Mastodon
With Twitter’s fall from grace and not satisfied with Meta’s offering, I’ve become fairly active on Mastodon. I joined a really chill server run by Brook Miles called sunny.garden, and it’s a great feeling to be part of an independent social media community. Brook also posts about server costs and updates every month, which is refreshing to see.
Summering (is that a word?)
It’s a hot summer in Philly, and I’m taking some time help around the house, travel, and enjoy the sunlight and cooler days.
Voting
I voted in the primary and will be voting this November! Tell your friends to vote, specially the younger ones!