With the economy in the toilet and news of #layoffs still a headline - I want to remind everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s my story…
I’m a self-taught engineer. Some college, no degree. Barely graduated HS (had to convince my band teacher not to fail me).
I’ve been drawn to programming since I was eleven (1991) when my dad got a computer at his office. Took it seriously as a career after an e-commerce startup I founded melted down in 2007.
In 2007, I had lost it all - over months, not years. My house, cars, savings. Was in massive debt. Creditors called daily. I even had the heat shut off. I wasn’t single, I had a wife and two children to care for. Life wasn’t just challenging, it was a fight for survival.
Reset #1: I was absolutely mesmerized by the iPhone and its capabilities, so I went all in. Started with mobile web, then dived into iPhoneOS. Poured over developer books and did cheap or free consulting work to gain experience (also had a few side jobs). About five years and fifty or so apps later, I had a successful iOS app dev agency.
Then got recruited by Amazon. Two years later, Google (sadly couldn’t land a gig at Apple). Over that decade, I worked on dozens of apps and related projects targeted towards user and revenue growth. I learned a ton. Paid off debt, accrued savings, got a house, new cars.
Reset #2: Laid off, January 2023. Income: $0. Bigger family. Bigger expenses. I’m building apps and software while incubating business ideas at my agency with four amazing partners.
It feels like 2007 all over again, but I’ve overcome the worst before, so I can do it again.
All it takes is effort and a desire. Outwork your peers, and you’ll find yourself suddenly having lots of luck.
Stay strong 💪.
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