Hello! Quick quarterly update about my life and my software engineering career since graduating the Flatiron School Software Engineering boot camp in November 2021.
In January 2022, I got diagnosed with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis which simply put is inflammation of the thumb muscles and around the wrist. I visited my wrist doctor because I was in too much pain to get through my remote workday.
I informed my doctor about my computer habits during the year 2021 and the computer usage that got me through the Flatiron School curriculum. I spent around 12 hours daily on the computer: an eight hour workday and at least four hours of studying. My doctor was horrified by this and stated that I immediately stop spending time on the computer outside of my workday. Thankfully for me, I already graduated the Flatiron School and spent all my time outside of work applying to jobs.
My doctor provided me with a wrist brace and sent me on my way. After about a month of rest, my wrist felt a lot better. Another advantage I had during this time is that by this point I had two job offers!
I experienced my fair share of rejections after mass applying into the online void. I continue to receive rejections from the many roles I applied to, and honestly at this point I don’t take it personally. My job searching experience consisted of applying to jobs from around 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, scheduling technical interviews, phone screenings, and completing take home assessments.
After accepting my new software role, I took about a month off away from my computer. My wrist healing became my number one priority. During this time, I also reached out to my recruiter to have a better idea of the languages required of the new role.
Since mid-March I’ve been learning sharpening up my React and Java skills through free online resources. I still take week long breaks when my wrist is feeling iffy. I’ve been dividing my time between learning and spending much needed time outside.
Reach out to me on LinkedIn if you have any questions about my job searching experience, my time as a Software Engineering student with the Flatiron School, or what I’m currently reading :)
Have a good day!
