My Month of May 2021

Introduction

In one word, how would you describe the month of May?

“For me, I would say… CRAZY”

Well, it feels good to know that I am not the only one in my circle to have that summary of experience, as I confirmed from a colleague three (3) days ago 😑

The Story

Five (5) days ago, we had a training at the office. During the introduction, the facilitator asked everyone’s name, and what each person does. While some said things like “I am a developer”, “I am a product engineer”, “I am a product manager”; at my turn, I told him sternly:

I am a multipurpose engineer.

I guess that is good enough description of my level of involvements all through the month.

As crazy as the month was, looking back now, I cannot but laugh. Simply seeing the whole high frequency sinusoidal waves of activities that kept me up my seat and toes, all month long. I absolutely did not plan it to be this way, neither was it fun at all.

The crazy began when I was dished out the company goals for the month. Let us just say I already envisioned the outcome of the month for the things pertaining me. But whatnot, “I can do it”… so I thought 🤔💭

Moving rapidly from one activity to another, attention needed here and there, including:

• Answering to customers (for technical support), business development team and operations team
• Innovating for the organisation, and also for clients, although with the help of some other engineers
• Liaising with two different Product Managers on different sets of tasks
• Balancing different customers’ (B customers) interests within one product line
• Integrating new products into an existing infrastructure
• And lest I forget, I had little time in all this to practice for my exam that was to come up on the afternoon of the last day of the month

Yes, time to break the ice. I finally got my long awaited Microsoft Certification in Azure, AZ-900 Azure Fundamentals, for core infrastructure concepts 🎉. My first officially recognised path into DevOps Engineering, although, I have been involved in related activities more recently.

Learning Points

As usual, in all of this, I learnt quite a lot.

1. I learnt more about my colleagues, because I had to interact more than ever before, especially given this new organisational construct. I had more insight into their responsibilities, and I believe some of them also had better insights into mine. This was where respect for one another was strengthened.
2. Another important thing I learnt, which is well needed for work (and even life) henceforth, is to take tasks in bits and pieces. Rushing to achieve many things because they all seem important based on demand can be very disastrous. So, stay calm, research (ask questions, be intentional about clarity), prioritize (doesn’t mean you must do all), consider dividing certain tasks into phases to stay focused and mindful, communicate timely (be intentional, discern need-to-knows), document tasks and requirements before execution (this is very key for vision and purposefulness), update tasks and requirements during execution (this will help to not get lost in the activities), and ensure you remain productive.
3. From the previous the point, I believe that I better know how to go around my work, personal development and life in all, much better. That is, I have significantly grown in intelligence (neuro-elasticity). What I ought to do now is to practice diligently and circumspectly, thereby helping me become a master in my field of endeavour (neuroplasticity), with my newly accrued skills and the skills garnered along the way.
4. With the help of God, I really can achieve much more than I might think or imagine. Definitely not for a vainly selfish desire, but a truly purposeful one.
5. I learnt to be a better modern software developer. Relatively because of my improved understanding of infrastructure, security, modern deployment and maintenance concerns. Thanks to Andela, Microsoft and OnePipe. I became more aware of how to better conceptualise, and even refactor my codebases. “Did I hear someone say 10X Engineer?” 😄
6. Never forget the practices, no matter how little or inconsistent they used to be, which got me to where I am today. They were the things that made me noticed enough to be given a chance. Remember, never get lost in the activities or in the now. The activities might be important, but if not considered properly, could end up being distractions.

More Personal Testimony

The attainment of this certificate was an awakening for me. Yes, at a point I felt quite lost and unintentional, unlike how fervent and intentionally driven (the continuous cycle of purposeful growth and attainment) I used to be. But thank God, I have got myself back. Now, the intentional journey begins. I am quite excited to see the great things that turn out from this.

Thanks for sticking with me till the end ✌️😄