At the close of each year, we often find ourselves reflecting on new insights and setting goals for the upcoming one. In this blog entry, I want to share a personal reflection: the past year marked a notable increase in my focus and dedication. This shift coincided with turning 30, a milestone that made me perceive myself as closer to the Boomer generation and farther from my early Millennial and Zoomer self.

During this time, I discovered the anime 'Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan,' which left a lasting impact. It chronicles the life of a man trapped in a job he despises, pretending to enjoy it to the detriment of his mental well-being. The fear of becoming him motivated me to reevaluate my life choices. Like I seriously became bestie with this anime.

"Let's face it, many of us have been there—feeling stuck in something we don't like, whether it's a job, a relationship, or some other aspect of life. But here's the thing: you don't have to be stuck. Regardless of your age, the experiences you've had, or where you come from, there's always room for change. You can pivot and do something that truly brings you joy, no matter where you currently find yourself.

That's the heart of what I want to share in this post. This year, I've set some goals that I genuinely believe I can reach. They're designed to help me acquire new skills and eventually land a job that I'll not only be good at but one that I'll actually enjoy. To make this happen, I've identified specific technologies that I consider valuable to learn. These technologies aren't just random picks—they're like secret weapons in the ever-evolving realms of software engineering and computer science, shaped by the current trends and demands of the industry."

     Cloud Engineering: This should be obvious. Let's take a deeper look into Cloud Engineering, a pivotal space in today's tech landscape. The surge in companies shifting their applications to the cloud, seeking enhanced scalability, makes mastering this domain more crucial.

In my learning cloud arc, I plan to acquire these essential skills, I'm honing in on AWS and GCP, the top contenders in the realm of cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms. It's not just about keeping up; it's about being at the forefront of technological evolution. I've set my sights on the 'Learn to Cloud' site. I believe understanding the fundamentals in depth is akin to having a solid strategy in a game-changing chess match—it's strategic, and every move counts.

What adds an interesting twist to this narrative is my current role in management at Amazon. I see it as a unique advantage, a bit like having insider knowledge. This experience offers a valuable perspective and, I believe, will facilitate a smoother journey into mastering AWS. It's akin to having a seasoned guide as I navigate through the intricate paths of Cloud Engineering.

**     Go**: Golang, stands out as a fantastic language, particularly in the realms of cloud and DevOps engineering. Its widespread use is a testament to its efficiency and reliability. What makes it even more appealing is its relatively easy-to-grasp syntax. The absence of a convoluted type system makes it a smooth ride, allowing for the creation of production-ready software with relative ease and speed.

Currently, I've embarked on the journey of learning Go, leveraging the resources provided by JetBrains Hyperskill. It's become my go-to (pun intended) for delving into the language intricacies. What's interesting is that I'm not just learning quietly; I've decided to share my insights and projects on the platform. Writing about my findings serves a dual purpose—it reinforces my learning and contributes to the learning community.

Navigating the plethora of learning resources, including YouTubers and books, can be a bit overwhelming. The challenge I anticipate is falling into the trap of learning the language as a whole without a focus on specific use cases. To address this, I've identified this book that seems to be the go-to reference, likely due to its popularity and reputation. I'll be diving into it meticulously to gain a more profound understanding of Go, ensuring that I not only learn the language but also comprehend its applications in various contexts

**     Rust**: In the coding world, Rust is causing quite a stir. It's like the cool kid on the block—popular, hyped, and making waves. Thanks to its solid type system and borrow checker, Rust has become the go-to for folks building low-level infrastructure and high-performance systems. It's the key to crafting code that's not just reliable but also kicks some serious tech butt.

On a personal level, Rust is my waifu. It's not just a language; it's my favorite sidekick for writing and getting stuff done. But, you know, every hero has a quirk. Rust's got this complex and strong type system—it's a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it lets you be all fancy with expressive and robust types, but on the flip side, it can lead you down a rabbit hole of complexity. If you're not besties with the code base or standard library, things can get a bit tricky. It's like Rust's very own plot twist.

Now, here's where the story gets interesting. One major reason I'm diving deep into Rust is the spotlight AWS is shining on it in their cloud stack. It's like getting a VIP pass to the tech world's hottest party. To decode the secrets of Rust, I've been hitting the books—especially 'the book'—and wrestling with Rustlings, picking up the language's tricks and quirks.

So, Rust isn't just a language; it's a journey filled with challenges, complexities, and the promise of mastering a powerful tool. And with AWS giving Rust the nod, it's like stumbling upon a hidden treasure map in the vast world of programming languages.

     Linux: Despite being a devoted Mac/Apple fanboy, I acknowledge the industry standard that is Linux. It's not a must for me, but more of a must-have skill in this tech landscape. So, here's the plan: I'm diving into the world of Linux, on my trusty Mac mini packing an Intel chip. The mission? Get to know Ubuntu inside and out. It's like exploring the less-traveled path while staying true to my Mac fanboy roots. I’m not entirely sure where I’ll learn but i’ll find something eventually. Potential this.

**     Streaming**: I strongly believe in the power of learning in public—it's not just about acquiring skills but also about putting yourself out there for potential employers to notice and engaging in a broader network. There's something special about the real-time feedback from viewers that can shape you into a better developer. So, I'm gearing up to share my coding journey on public platforms.

But it's not all about code. I'm also planning to mix things up by streaming games and jumping into political debates and discussions. I know it's a bit of a wild card, as opinions can stir up feelings—both positive and negative. It's a risk, but hey, sometimes you've got to roll the dice. Big shoutout to Destiny and BashBunni for being my sources of inspiration.

Phew, after pouring all of this out, I'm feeling the weight of my goals and plans. But you know what? With proper planning and unwavering focus, it's not just doable; it's inevitable. We're all on our way to our version of a happy ending, just like Uramichi Ojiisan.