Updates:
Technology was something so foreign and outside my comfort zone.
I loved my last job and realize that I've loved every job.
I wanted to learn something hard.
Something I might fail at.
Something with new challenges all the time.
Something new to learn each day, week, year.
It would seem that I have a bit of a non-traditional background for a software developer. Growing up, I was definitely a nerd, but not a computer nerd. When we got our first computer, I couldn’t have cared less. Same for smartphones - I’d take a flip phone any day. Honestly, I didn’t really understand the scope or value of the tech industry until realizing that I wanted a career change and looked a little deeper.
It also seems to be atypical that I LOVED the job that I left to pursue software development. I loved the daily challenges, the human psychology that goes into any service field position, the teaching/training/collaboration, and the fact that every single day I had a hotel full of employees and guests that I could make an impact on. I was an excellent Front Office Manager. But I wanted more. I wanted more challenges that required deeper dive thinking, not just constantly tinkering to better tackle the same challenges that have been facing hospitality and would continue to be facing hospitality. I wanted more opportunity for a broader impact. I wanted to learn something new and master it and add it to my existing set of soft skills that I’d worked so hard to build. Tech is everywhere and tech is used by everyone. It’s always changing and growing and expanding. It’s the perfect industry for someone looking to learn, grow and contribute, like me.
Solid draft!