How many times were you told “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”? Working isn’t necessarily optimal. You may find something to be working in a sub-optimal way. When this happens, fixing it should be a valid option. Very often, “if it isn’t broken” is said when “we’ve always done it this way” is intended.Continue reading “If It Isn’t Broken…”
Category Archives: Tips
The Life Of A Contractor, Part 1
A colleague suggested I’d share my experience as a contractor. Hopefully this helps you if you’re about to become one or are just starting out. In this post I will cover the growing pains. I will then touch on managing your finances as contractor. Lastly, I will discuss ways to get more work. How itContinue reading “The Life Of A Contractor, Part 1”
It’s Like Apples And Pickles
When I need to explain a complex idea, I often use an analogy. This helps convey concepts to people from different disciplines, too. One thing I learned is how important it is to choose the right analogy. A colleague recently used car design as an analogy to software development. This analogy was fundamentally wrong onContinue reading “It’s Like Apples And Pickles”
A Stain For Life
From time to time, the unavoidable happens. I spill or splash something on my carpets, sofa, bed or clothes. Coffee stains, food stains, grease… As careful as I try to be, these things still happen. For years I had to either learn to live with those stains or pay a professional to get them removed.Continue reading “A Stain For Life”
Like An Open Book, Part 1
I love books. I’ve loved books since before I could read. When I did learn how to read, I remember walking to the library while reading the last book I borrowed. I’d then read another book in the library and borrow one for my walk home. I remember how exciting I found Joules Verne’s stories.Continue reading “Like An Open Book, Part 1”
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’m a software developer. If you aren’t one, you’d probably imagine us as sitting in a dark corner in front of a bright screen, typing away. But really, I’d imagine pretty much like any other professionals, we spend a lot of time working with people. WorkingContinue reading “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”
Smile, Part 2
My hygienist always used to tell me off for not flossing. I couldn’t get myself to consistently do it. Then we started buying dental floss. My wife placed them in convenient places around the house. Picking one up after a meal became so much easier. My teeth have never been cleaner. Or so I thought.Continue reading “Smile, Part 2”
Maybe I Am Biased
I try not to spend too much time reading the news. I try to stick to just enough news-reading to be generally informed of trends that may affect me. When I do read the news, I often find myself wondering. How is it that the world is so messed up? Almost every single person IContinue reading “Maybe I Am Biased”
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Have you ever found yourself walking down a long passageway only to meet a dead end sign? How about completing a form, tapping submit and only then finding out some fields were mandatory? If you’re a developer, how many times have you ended up with data in a weird state? What do all of theseContinue reading “The Light At The End Of The Tunnel”
Do Nothing
When buying or signing a contract, I am often pressured to make an immediate call. Do I want to lock in the price? I have to pay now. Do I want that contract? I have to sign it now. Can I commit to this deadline? I have to do it now. No, I don’t. ThereContinue reading “Do Nothing”
Optimising My Life 