Jack of All Trades, Master of None (Journal)

[Macallik86]

I talked w/ my boss' boss in a 1-on-1 and she now knows that I was actively looking earlier in the year and that I don't see a future with the company. She's a G tho and she told me to use my current role to pad my resume, even if that means tackling work-related tasks that might end up more beneficial to my resume than the company's bottom line.

Ironically, I am now in a place where I really like my job... or at least my current typical workday. My employer hasn't done anything differently, but I've restructured my typical workday around gaining knowledge via online courses, and/or apply my new skills to real-life problems to be more confident with my next employer. There is a three-headed demand for my time that I am still working on balancing overall. I am juggling the learning of new skills, with completing outstanding tickets (ideally using new skills), and with automating existing reports to free up more time.

A lot of work days, I have to choose whether to use an hour to automate or use an hour to learn. This will continue indefinitely but ideally I can set up a plan to stay on top of things.

Speaking on staying on top of things, with the Advanced SQL Course, it took my 14 hours to completed a course with 7 hours worth of videos. If I keep the same clip, the next two Python courses are 9 hours of video which I estimate will take 18 hours each. Best case scenario, I do an hour a day and finish both courses in a month and a half which takes me to late-August. This lines up with my plan to either quit or begin applying to new jobs after Labor Day.

Lastly, I added a new course to my learning path (see below). I came across a Python course on Data Visualization from an instructor that I really fukk with (His prior course taught me HTML, CSS, and beginner JavaScript). I think this course will really hit me in stride because it fits nicely into my Reporting Analyst role, my desire to be more skilled at Data Viz, and by the time I start the course, it will nourish my newfound Python skills.

1. Complete Advanced SQL Server Course - Work on automating queries and scheduling recurring jobs within SQL Server Management Studio. There will likely be overlap between this course and course #3, but my guess is that this course is more in-depth potentially.
   1. Completed
2. Complete Git Course - [27% completed] This course is so that I know WTF I'm doing when I start publicly documenting my code for prospective employers.
3. Complete Mind Mapping Course - [40% Complete] Create structure to learn more efficiently. A more recreational slant to this course but it could improve my learning across the board
4. Complete General Python Course - A more fundamental understanding of Python from an instructor I enjoy. Could be redundant though.
5. Complete Python Course on Automation - A course introing automation via Python. Should free up more time for studying/over-employment.
6. NEW - 2022 Python Data Analysis and Visualization Course - Big fan of Colt Steele and this course is exactly the type of data viz I want to add to my repertoire. I should be more proficient in Python after completing the first two course
7. Improve my data visualization skills
   1. This will be addressed with the Data Analysis & Viz Course
8. Improve my data analysis skills - Will cross this bridge when I get there.
   1. This might be partially covered by the final Python course but I think I will need additional resources

 

[Macallik86]

Completed Course​

Version Control with Git | Udacity

Learn online and advance your career with courses in programming, data science, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and more. Gain in-demand technical skills. Join today!

www.udacity.com

Completed this course yesterday before my workday started. I'm really cooking right now. Course might have been a tad longer than necessary but I watched most of it on 2.5x speed. Most of it was pretty straightforward in retrospect. I struggled with (and still don't quite understand) the idea of Git Ancestry references but it's in the weeds anyways. The course didn't teach me how to push my work to GitHub so I had to learn to do that myself, but I suppose that was just the instructor deciding against supporting big tech so I get it.

I pushed my code from my SQL course as well as the new course I've started. I plan on pushing my work daily to show some more consistent activity on my GitHub.

Next Steps​

I need to create one last batch of flashcards for the GitHub course.

As for the next steps, I already hit the ground running with the new Python course and ahead of schedule. The instructor has spent a chunk of time explaining the basics of general programming like datatypes, variables, etc. I tackled this a few years ago w/ JavaScript (and again recently w/ VBA) so although I'm still watching the content for themes unique to Python, I'm otherwise watching @ 3.25x speed. As a result, I've completed +50% of the 9-hour course in 2.5 hours.

 

[ViShawn]

What is that? Drop a link

The Enneagram Institute Testing Center

tests.enneagraminstitute.com

The Enneagram of Personality, or simply the Enneagram (from the Greek words ἐννέα [ennéa, meaning "nine"] and γράμμα [grámma, meaning something "written" or "drawn"[1]]), is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types.

Although the origins and history of many of the ideas and theories associated with the Enneagram of Personality are a matter of dispute, contemporary Enneagram theories are principally derived from the teachings of the Bolivian psycho-spiritual teacher Oscar Ichazo from the 1950s and the Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo from the 1970s. Naranjo's theories were also influenced by some earlier teachings about personality by George Gurdjieff and the Fourth Way tradition.

As a typology, the Enneagram defines nine personality types (sometimes called "enneatypes"), which are represented by the points of a geometric figure called an enneagram,[2] which indicate connections between the types. There are some different schools of thought among Enneagram teachers and their understandings are not always in agreement.[2]

The Enneagram of Personality has been widely promoted in both business management and spirituality contexts through seminars, conferences, books, magazines, and DVDs.[3][4] In business contexts it is generally used as a typology to gain insights into workplace interpersonal dynamics; in spirituality it is more commonly presented as a path to higher states of being, essence, and enlightenment. Both contexts say it can aid in self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-development.[3]

There has been limited formal psychometric analysis of the Enneagram and the peer-reviewed research that has been done has not been widely accepted within the relevant academic communities.[5] Though the Enneagram integrates concepts generally accepted in a theory of personality,[6] it has been dismissed by some personality assessment experts as pseudoscience.[7]

 

[Macallik86]

Completed Course​

The Python Bible™ | Everything You Need to Program in Python

Build 11 Projects and go from Beginner to Pro in Python with the World's Most Fun Project-Based Python Course!

www.udemy.com

I caught Covid last wknd and so I called off Thursday/Friday and kept my momentum going and knocked out the course in a week. The course was a good Python intro but I need more reps/material to truly feel confident. The instructor kinda skimmed over important things like indentation or launching IDLE via Linux/Mac, so I had to bang my head against a few walls at times.

When all is said and done, I now know the basics of Python. That's probably why other Python courses with deeper dives have +20 hours of content vs the 9 hours in this course.

Next Steps​

I started the second Python course this morning. The instructor says up front that his goal is to get you automating things with a rudimentary understanding of Python.

Lowkey, a part of me wants to take a more in-depth Python 101 course. Also tho, although I enjoying learning for the sake of learning, it sometimes comes at the cost of efficiency. Rereading an entire book when I could just revisit essential chapters for example. For now, if my goals are primarily Data Viz and automation, then a deep-dive exclusively on Python might be unnecessary. I will add the Python 101 course as an optional route once the other main tasks are achieved.

 

[Macallik86]

The Enneagram Institute Testing Center

tests.enneagraminstitute.com

The Enneagram of Personality, or simply the Enneagram (from the Greek words ἐννέα [ennéa, meaning "nine"] and γράμμα [grámma, meaning something "written" or "drawn"[1]]), is a model of the human psyche which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types.

Although the origins and history of many of the ideas and theories associated with the Enneagram of Personality are a matter of dispute, contemporary Enneagram theories are principally derived from the teachings of the Bolivian psycho-spiritual teacher Oscar Ichazo from the 1950s and the Chilean psychiatrist Claudio Naranjo from the 1970s. Naranjo's theories were also influenced by some earlier teachings about personality by George Gurdjieff and the Fourth Way tradition.

As a typology, the Enneagram defines nine personality types (sometimes called "enneatypes"), which are represented by the points of a geometric figure called an enneagram,[2] which indicate connections between the types. There are some different schools of thought among Enneagram teachers and their understandings are not always in agreement.[2]

The Enneagram of Personality has been widely promoted in both business management and spirituality contexts through seminars, conferences, books, magazines, and DVDs.[3][4] In business contexts it is generally used as a typology to gain insights into workplace interpersonal dynamics; in spirituality it is more commonly presented as a path to higher states of being, essence, and enlightenment. Both contexts say it can aid in self-awareness, self-understanding, and self-development.[3]

There has been limited formal psychometric analysis of the Enneagram and the peer-reviewed research that has been done has not been widely accepted within the relevant academic communities.[5] Though the Enneagram integrates concepts generally accepted in a theory of personality,[6] it has been dismissed by some personality assessment experts as pseudoscience.[7]

Found a link w/o a strong paywall and got this result:

1 THE REFORMER
The Rational, Idealistic Type: Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic

2 THE HELPER
The Caring, Interpersonal Type: Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

3 THE ACHIEVER
The Success-Oriented, Pragmatic Type: Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

4 THE INDIVIDUALIST
The Sensitive, Withdrawn Type: Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

5 THE INVESTIGATOR
The Intense, Cerebral Type: Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

6 THE LOYALIST
The Committed, Security-Oriented Type: Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

7 THE ENTHUSIAST
The Busy, Fun-Loving Type: Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered

8 THE CHALLENGER
The Powerful, Dominating Type: Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

9 THE PEACEMAKER
The Easygoing, Self-Effacing Type: Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent

Seems in line w/ my Coli posting style too

 

[Macallik86]

Study Outline​

1. Advanced SQL Server Course - Work on automating queries and scheduling recurring jobs within SQL Server Management Studio. There will likely be overlap between this course and course #3, but my guess is that this course is more in-depth potentially.
   1. Completed
2. Git Course - [27% completed] This course is so that I know WTF I'm doing when I start publicly documenting my code for prospective employers.
   1. Completed
3. General Python Course - A more fundamental understanding of Python from an instructor I enjoy. Could be redundant though.
   1. Completed
4. Python Course on Automation - A course introing automation via Python. Ideally it will free up more time for studying/over-employment.
5. Python Data Visualization and Analysis Course - Big fan of Colt Steele and this course is exactly the type of data viz I want to add to my repertoire. I should be more proficient in Python after completing the first two course
6. Mind Mapping Course - [40% Complete] Create structure to learn more efficiently. A more recreational slant to this course but it could improve my learning across the board
7. Improve my data analysis skills - Will cross this bridge when I get there.
   1. This might be partially covered by the final Python course but I think I will need additional resources
8. New - 100 Days of Python - An extensive deep-dive into Python. Optional and low-priority since it's starting to go off on a tangent.

Rewards​

• Once I finish the Python courses on automation and Data Viz, I will reward myself with a PlayStation 5. Not sure I'll have time to play it guilt-free given how productive my life is becoming, but I won't feel guilty about buying it at all.

Thoughts​

Learning​

I don't know if I've been this motivated/consistent w/ my learning since my college days. My other goals could use a bit more attention though.

Dating​

Bumped into my kinda-sorta ex at the club a few weeks ago. She broke things off because I didn't want to settle down after kicking it on-and-off for 3-4 years. We've done the breakup-to-makeup thing 4-5x it feels like, but this time feels different. She has basically moved on and doesn't return my texts. Ouch. We talked briefly at the club but then her best friend legit pulled her away midsentence and kept her away from me.

In terms of new women, in the past month, I scooped one girl from a bar (Alex) and one chick from a festival (Chrissy). With Alex, I was really feeling her but she wasn't feeling me like that apparently. A few weeks passed and I bumped into her at the club last weekend, but of course, that was an hour after I had met Chrissy and was vibing with her. With the Chrissy, we'll probably kick it 2-3x a month moving forward. I feel like she might want a relationship and I'm not interested in that.

Overall, it could be the meditation book I've been reading, but my laissez-faire attitude towards getting curved is slowly returning and with it, my shot is getting better.

Fitness​

I want to step it up and push myself to tone up my body before I'm +40 and washed. This may or may not have something to do with Alex post-coitally saying I had some pudge around my stomach . Granted, she's a runner and super fit but either way, starting Monday, I'm looking to do Kettlebell workouts daily before a banana + protein powder lunch. Also, I'm way behind schedule with my cycling for the month/year, so I literally need to be out in these streets.

Trading​

Trading has taken a backseat as I've focused on professional development. I still do ~25 minutes of Flashcards daily, but that is nowhere near enough time if I want to make a career out of my skillset. Ideally, once I finish the Python Data Viz course I'll carve out 1-2 hours/day for trading, but OTOH, I will likely be spending a lot of time applying for jobs by then. I want to ideally find time within workhours so that it feels less like a chore and more like I'm getting paid to trade. I might try to set up a schedule between 3-5pm daily.

Reading​

I still carve time out to read after work. It's been great decompressing at the end of the work day. I joined a book club or two to keep things interesting and I'm chugging along.

Reflections​

I think I might start posting weekly check-ins to track my progress and reflect on where I can improve and/or when I'm heading off course. With the check-ins to provide context/updates, I think my actions will be more consistently in line w/ my goals and progress will be easier to see.

 

[ViShawn]

Found a link w/o a strong paywall and got this result:

Seems in line w/ my Coli posting style too

So you're a 8w7.

 

[Duke Wy Lin]

Ever taken an ennagram test?

What's your enneatype breh? I spent last few years delving deeply into the enneagram and other typology systems, and I know a lot about it (at least the personality types that are related to mine). I'm a 5.

If you want to delve deeply into it, read Naranjo's book, I think it's called "character and neurosis". If you're in doubt, you will know your type for certain after reading it. He focuses on the dysfunctions of each type. shyt was eye opening

I'm saying this because the test from Riso-Hudson completely got me wrong as did other tests.

 

[ViShawn]

What's your enneatype breh? I spent last few years delving deeply into the enneagram and other typology systems, and I know a lot about it (at least the personality types that are related to mine). I'm a 5.

If you want to delve deeply into it, read Naranjo's book, I think it's called "character and neurosis". If you're in doubt, you will know your type for certain after reading it. He focuses on the dysfunctions of each type. shyt was eye opening

I'm saying this because the test from Riso-Hudson completely got me wrong as did other tests.

I'll respond more in detail but I'm 7w8

 

[Macallik86]

I'm making progress w/ the Python Automation course. I've knocked out 70% of the course now. The first ~50% of the course is rehashing Python basics, but now I've learned RegEx and how dope the re module is. I still don't know how to cycle through multiple pages of a website yet, but I can pull patterns out of anything on my clipboard which is surprisingly powerful. I tested it out on a community college's directory website and was able to scrap name, phone numbers and email addresses for the first page of results which was dope.

With that said, I am taking this whole week off for some downtime/vacation but I'll jump back on the grind next week. On a related note, I currently have access to a website to cop a PS5 right now but Imma hold off until I finish the Python course on Data Viz... I'm too productive w/ my time right now to buy a new toy.

I did cop 3 new Udemy courses (this includes 100 Days of Python which was already on my list) but I don't view any of them as required before I start applying for a J2.

Learning Path​

1. Python Course on Automation - A course introing automation via Python. Ideally it will free up more time for studying/over-employment.
   1. 70% Complete
2. Python Data Visualization and Analysis Course - Big fan of Colt Steele and this course is exactly the type of data viz I want to add to my repertoire. I should be more proficient in Python after completing the first two course
3. Mind Mapping Course - [40% Complete] Create structure to learn more efficiently. A more recreational slant to this course but it could improve my learning across the board
4. Improve my data analysis skills - Will cross this bridge when I get there.
   1. This might be partially covered by the final Python course but I think I will need additional resources
5. New - Bash Mastery - Trying to approach the automation puzzle from multiple angles here Also, I just like Linux and want to learn more.
6. 100 Days of Python - An extensive deep-dive into Python. Optional and low-priority since it's starting to go off on a tangent.
7. New - Complete Machine Learning & Data Science Bootcamp 2022 - This is some pie-in-the-sky stuff. Don't think I'll even start it in 2022 tbh but keeping it in my back pocket as a way to take my skills to the next level if I'm feeling like really really applying myself.

 

[Macallik86]

Completed Course​

Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Programming Course

A practical programming course for office workers, academics, and administrators who want to improve their productivity.

www.udemy.com

The first half of the course was Python Basics which I already knew thanks to my initial Python course. It did a good job reinforcing the basics, but in retrospect, it was probably overkill as a course to take. FWIW, I got it for free when people were giving away free software in mid-2020 . The second half of the course was much more interesting although, out of 52 lessons, there were only like 10 that taught me skills that I can see using regularly.

I need more experience writing code to feel truly proficient in Python, and Angela Yu's 100 Days of Python course would provide that opportunity but I'm in no rush to become a Python Pro. In terms of improving on my existing skillset, I also think know that spinning up some personal projects that use Python is the best way to learn, but I don't have anything on my plate right now. I might use Python to automate some things when I start my backtesting (simulating trading w/ historical data) again. Otherwise, I am content w/ it as a complementary skill on my resume.

Learning Path​

1. Python Course on Automation - A course introing automation via Python. Ideally it will free up more time for studying/over-employment.
   1. Completed
2. Python Data Visualization and Analysis Course - Big fan of Colt Steele and this course is exactly the type of data viz I want to add to my repertoire. I should be more proficient in Python after completing the first two course
   1. 1% Complete (This is a huge course, so progress will be slow)
3. Bash Mastery - Trying to approach the automation puzzle from multiple angles here Also, I just like Linux and want to learn more.
   1. 5% Complete (For shyts & giggles when I have down-time. I want to use my existing automation skillset before I delve too deep here though)
4. Mind Mapping Course - Create structure to learn more efficiently. A more recreational slant to this course but it could improve my learning across the board
   1. 40% Complete
5. Improve my data analysis skills - Will cross this bridge when I get there.
   1. This might be partially covered by the final Python course but I think I will need additional resources. The course below should do the trick:
      1. Machine Learning & Data Science Bootcamp 2022 - This is some pie-in-the-sky stuff. I'm keeping it in my back pocket as a way to take my skills to the next level if I'm feeling like really really applying myself.
6. 100 Days of Python - An extensive deep-dive into Python. Optional and low-priority since it's starting to go off on a tangent.

 

[Macallik86]

Today was my first time back in the office since April 2020. NGL, I was irritated and checking my calendar the last few days knowing it was coming.

I'd lie if asked under oath, but I'm NGL... it wasn't a bad experience at all. Turns out my WFH setup using a laptop & a 40" TV is not as productive as two high-grade monitors in a professional work environment with a desk. We also moved to a new building that is fancier and no longer has any cubicles/assigned seating. It's all just open space and 'grab what you want'.

With that said, I spent about an hour commuting and +30 minutes waiting for the bus today. Did flashcards to keep myself productive fwiw but there's inefficiencies when I head to the office that aren't there when I WFH.

That's it for now. Will do a larger update on everything in the near future.

 

[Macallik86]

Completed Course​

2023 Python Data Analysis & Visualization Masterclass

Pandas, Matplotlib, Seaborn, & More! Analyze Dozens of Datasets & Create Stunning Visualizations

www.udemy.com

Spoiler: Time spent

Thoughts​

Great course. I used to be piss-poor at Data Visualizations. I still have a lot of room for growth, but this course boosted my confidence and I was able to instantly apply it to some new analyses that I've been given at my job since late August.

The course structure is great. It starts off with the Pandas data viz python package. Pandas can do the entire ETL process and create graphics but requires specific instructions and can get verbose quickly. That is why the next data viz python package we learn is matplotlib.pyplot. It is solely for data visualizations but more powerful and customizeable. Lastly, he teaches seaborn which is an extremely efficient version of matplotlib.pyplot. It does most of the heavy lifting in less than a fifth of the code. I think I benefitted the most from this course because I had the ability to instantly apply what I learned through my job. When I leave my job, I need to work to implement the things that I learn ASAP and consistently to retain the knowledge.

Next Steps​

Welp. I realized when I finished the course, that there's nothing else that I'm interested in learning professional for the time being. I wouldn't mind a deeper understanding of Python/Statistics but I have no plans on implementing either anytime soon. The OG plan was to finish the course in September and quit around the same time, but life (along with an accident -> E.R. visit -> broken collarbone) happened which threw my plans for a loop temporarily. As it stands now, I'm almost back to full strength. I now know first hand how medical bills can rack up, even with good insurance, so before I quit & get Obamcare, I wanna get screened for a cancer that runs in my family. The soonest available screening is early January so I have to bide my time until then.

The plus side is, I've already earmarked enough $$ for my work sabbatical, so everything else I save (including my EOY bonus) is really the house's money. I plan on making 1-2 big ticket purchases (which is rare for me) and then throwing the rest in a savings account.

In terms of my workdays moving forward, I have to head to the office 2x a week. I don't mind going to the office because it's no longer pre-Covid vibes... I went in today and saw one person in our brand spanking new office, so I basically grabbed a window seat overlooking the city, docked my computer into a fresh dual monitor setup and got to it. That leaves WFH 3 days a week. Studying the Python course took up a decent chunk of my WFH workweek (when I wasn't bullshytting), so I need to fill that gap. I'm still workshopping the specifics, but as it stands now, I want to spend ~50% of my WFH workday on stock market trading...

...I'm thinking bust my ass with deliverables when I'm in the office, or until ~1pm when I WFH, and then spend the rest of the day trading. The best part about that is that I can still knock off @ 5pm and do wtf I want to without feeling burnt out or lazy. I'll try and throw something together more concrete when I get a chance.

 

[Rawtid]

So sorry to read about your accident. I’m glad you’re recovering and back on your journey. The work sabbatical is probably just the thing you need.

 

[White City Black]

Very dope thread and I’m looking forward to following it regularly

I’ve wanted to do most of this for the longest but just never formally got started