New Beginnings
Hello again and welcome!
First things first. Hello again to my initial subscribers and welcome to my new subscribers! I haven’t posted much lately, but as you’ll soon find out, that’s about to change. Truth be told, I still love to write even if it’s challenging to find the right time or topic. For me, there’s something magical about putting my thoughts into words to tell a story. And when I share my stories, I always hope they make some kind of connection with people.
If I had to sum up 2023 in two words, they would be new beginnings. As we approach the end of the year, I thought this would be the perfect time for me to reflect on these new beginnings and take a moment to be grateful for them. I also have some exciting plans for 2024 and I’m thrilled to share them with you.
2023
Valence
In January, I reached out to my former co-worker, Brian Parks. He was building something in his free time that piqued my interest. At the time, I was a few months into being unemployed and I was itching to code again. Most of my previous side projects were solo ventures, so I was excited to join a small team in pursuit of building a product. Over the summer, I officially became a co-founder.
Valence is an unfunded, early-stage startup. We have pivoted our product a couple of times this year. Some have the left the team and others have joined. We’re still in the process of refining our product. We have significant experience with software engineering, product development, remote work, and cross-functional communication, so we will most likely build something in that space. Today, we have a dedicated team of five. I love working with them and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in 2024.
Deepwatch
In May, I started working full-time for Deepwatch as a Senior Developer. I was elated to join a new team and beyond grateful I found a company that valued my previous experience as well as future potential.
If you’ve ever been unemployed for an extended amount of time, you know what a rollercoaster ride it is. I learned a lot about myself during that time. Most importantly, I realized that I will never give up on myself. No matter how hard life gets, I have the willpower to push through the darkness and discover the light ahead.
Deepwatch is a cyber security company. I work on the Product Engineering team and help build the Deepwatch Security Center, a web app for medium-sized to enterprise businesses. Two months into my tenure with the company, I was asked to become a team lead. My department was rolling out a new program to foster engineering leaders and I was one of four developers selected to join the first group. I’m so grateful to work with an amazing group of talented and helpful people. I’m delighted to continue building with my co-workers and growing as an engineering leader in 2024.
Daily Well
In October, I was bit by the entrepreneurial bug. I got the itch to start a new side project. Thanks to the free co-founder matching service provided by Y Combinator, I met Adam Smith. We share similar interests and decided to work together. Daily Well was born.
Right now, we are focused on building a health and wellness Chrome extension. We are targeting a Q1 2024 beta release of the extension (please let me know if you’d like to join the beta program!). My goal for Daily Well in 2024 is to publicly release the extension on the Chrome web store. I’m grateful for my business partner, Adam, and I’m looking forward to collaborating more with him next year.
2024
And now for the exciting news. I plan to start the new year with more new beginnings!
Project A
Recently, I got bit again by the entrepreneurial bug. I really have to do something about those pesky bugs! Do I have time for a third side project? Probably not. Will that stop me from starting a third side project? Also, probably not. After engaging in some conversations with people in my network and reading about the stair step method, I’ve decided to build a micro SaaS app. I will do this as a solopreneur (all by myself) and build the app in public. This means that I will be sharing my progress regularly on X and Substack. I’ve never done this before, but since I like to write, am extroverted, and like to build things, why not?
I will share more about Project A in 2024, but I can tell you now that it will be a tool to help improve communication at work. And as you might have guessed, Project A is a placeholder name. If you happen to be a magician at naming things, please reach out!
Weekly newsletter
I am committing to publish a weekly newsletter in 2024. That’s fifty-two posts just like this one (I’ll try to keep them short and sweet!). Every week I will share updates on my side projects. I am doing this for a couple of reasons:
To build in public
Since I will be building Project A in public, I’d like a place where I can share updates, revelations, and feedback while not being restricted by a character count.
To hold myself accountable
Let’s face it. My plans for 2024 are ambitious. I will probably fail more times than I succeed. And my totally logical idea to start a third side project might turn into a proverbial shitshow. My only hope for success is to manage my time well and follow through with what I say I’m going to do.
To become a better writer
Writing is something I love to do and the best way to get better at things you love is to practice, practice, practice. I actually have some other writing-related goals for 2024 so publishing a weekly newsletter will help me improve my writing skills and reach these goals.
To expand my network and connect with new people
I wouldn’t be where I am in my career right now without my former co-workers, LinkedIn network, and professional connections. The world truly is filled with kind people who want to help you succeed. You just have to know where to look for them. Through my weekly newsletter, I hope to make some new connections, be open to feedback, and help others.
Onward and upward
I hope my enthusiasm for 2024 has inspired you. What are you goals for next year? Drop a comment below or send me an email.
I will spend the final week of the year celebrating Christmas with my family and relaxing. My Week 1 newsletter will be published on January 1st. Subscribe below to read it and join me on this adventure!