So this was a fantastic year for filling my brain full of stuff. I’m pleased with what I learned this year, and only a little disappointed that I didn’t do more. It’s been crazy. So what’d I learn?
Formal Education
College was supposed to be a thing again this year — after finally finishing my degree in 2023, I decided I was going to start a new degree in September of 2024, but losing my job (and the education benefits it entailed) put a crimp in that. I plan to revisit this idea in 2025, though.
Self-Directed Learning
I spent a ton of time in Udemy and LinkedIn classes this year. I need to go through and wrap them up so I can add them to my “completed” list, but my focus was on:
- python
- flask
- pandas/numpy
- docker/kubernetes
- graphQL
- AZ-104 exam prep
- Gutenberg blocks for WordPress (finished)
Certifications
Stalled out here, but I plan to get back to my AZ-104 stuff in early 2025, and want to pursue some python certifications, as well (PCEP and PCAP).
Books
This year’s nonfiction was a pleasant mix of technical materials and stuff that I wouldn’t necessarily call “self-help” but something similar. Sivers is someone who I find myself always wanting to read — he clearly puts a great deal of thought into his writing, and he has a gift for succinctness that I envy. Meanwhile the 48 Laws of Power was something useful for a socially-inept, on-the-spectrum nerd such as myself. And Atomic Habits was useful in helping me figure out how to build routines that ensure that things get done.
Additional Stuff I Picked Up Along the Way
Life lesson: if you don’t plan to adopt a kitten, you should not cuddle with the kitten. (In other news, welcome to the family, Emi.)
Looking Ahead to 2025
For 2024, I had pretty high aspirations. Higher perhaps than I should have, given my schedule for the year — wedding, travel, cycling events, etc. I think my plan for 2025 is going to be to sit down and figure out a battle plan for the year during my first couple days of January.
(Featured image created with/by Adobe Firefly 2 Beta. Prompt: A cluttered desk in a crowded home library.)