Sometimes we want to quit things, but quitting things can be hard. Often times, the reasons we shy away from quitting something come down to fear, and it can be very helpful to figure out where that fear is coming from. As difficult as it can be, quitting things is a great way of helping to keep your life balanced, fulfilling, and healthy.
Read MoreAfter years of negative environments, in an effort to avoid getting stuck in a toxic and unhealthy atmosphere again, brains can get so far into constant vigilance mode that they go too far and end up struggling to trust anything, which can be unhealthy and isolating itself. Regaining trust after it's been broken is hard, whether that's trust in another person, the tech industry, or yourself. It takes time, but as a helpful twitter bot has also reminded me, it is possible.
Read MoreI always feel like I still have to do more, still have to prove myself, prove that I'm technical, prove that I'm competent, prove that I belong. I want to see an industry where we can all start supporting each other more, questioning each other less, and working towards a world where more people can feel like they are, in fact, "good enough".
Read MoreSaying no to more things allows me to do better at the things I choose to say yes to. Remember that you couldn't realistically say yes to every single opportunity that comes along even if you did want to do them all. In an industry that isn't necessarily going to treat you well or value your contributions, being able to do these things yourself and take care of your own physical, mental, and emotional health becomes even more critical.
Read MoreMy routines for public speaking, looking at talk preparation, travel and logistics strategies, and things to think about doing before, at, and after a conference.
Read MoreHow to maintain some boundaries between having a brand and being a regular person on the internet: Post as if someone you don't know with no sense of boundaries is going to be reading this content with a fine-tooth comb three years in the future.
Read MoreIn meetings, conversations, and conferences, time and attention are finite resources. I would love for people who have had so many opportunities to speak already given to them to think about what they are taking away from our collective conversations by continuing to dominate them, and to maybe take a step back and suggest someone else for that opportunity to speak instead.
Read MoreThink about the meetings that you’re in, the tables that you sit at, and I want you to count how many of the people sitting at those tables are people like you. And then ask yourself what you can do to make the tables you sit at more inclusive of and welcoming to people who aren’t like you.
Read MoreIf you're an engineer trying to figure out how to get to senior, look at how well your organization helps people grow. Some environments or teams are much more suited for more experienced people, which doesn't mean that they're inherently bad, but not every place will provide you with the support you need to grow. Learn as much as you can, but don't waste your time in an environment that isn't invested in your growth or in helping you succeed.
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