@matigo Your plight is certainly relatable.
One thing I'm unclear about is what kind of work you really want to do. For instance, if you were to create a one-page website, a simple landing page that clearly state, "Hi, I'm Jason, and here's what I do (or want to do)", what would it say?
@matigo It makes sense that programming languages are nothing much like spoken languages. After all, we don't speak in subroutines, variables, constants, arguments and so forth. It would be interesting if we did…
// @variablepulserate
@matigo It's interesting, because you'd think that JavaScript or Ruby or any other programming language would just be like another language to an LLM. Unfortunately, the thought processes that go into writing code are somewhat different than formulating ideas to make a coherent sentence. Writing code involves creating solutions to problems. The solution doesn't always have to be elegant, but it has to conform to the syntax of the language, and account for all of the system and project requirements.
I saw this promotional video on YouTube for some kind of all-in-one turnkey software solution that touts that you can create anything you imagine, presumably using its AI-based software solutions. As far as system development goes, I don't think we are there yet.
// @variablepulserate
@variablepulserate Good question. AI has had both a disruptive and a transformative effect on the translation industry thus far. For the kind of specialized work that I do (the translation of musical instrument and audio equipment documentation), the human touch is still very much required. I predict that within a decade or so, however, AI will be able to do much of what I am doing now. I've been thinking that if the day comes when the manufacturers and agencies tell me that my services are no longer required because AI can do as good of or a better job, that's the day I will retire from this line of work 🤨
@matigo Ah, those rest stop soft ice creams are definitely a temptation, aren’t they…
I hear you on the weight gain thing. It can be frustrating when your body seems to rebel against you, despite your best efforts. I was recently diagnosed with a fatty liver, and that was a real shock to me, considering how much walking I had been doing and the fact that I don’t drink at all. Now I’m reviewing my whole diet and realizing that I would have to cut out refined flour products like white bread and white rice as well, which is a big change.
// @phoneboy
@matigo Only two per year? I used to enjoy two or three per month, if not more… The plant-based sugar glazed donuts at Starbucks are probably my favorite—simple and tasty. Starbucks certainly isn't known for their delicious food products and probably should stick to drinks for the most part, but they do make a nice plain donut. I haven't indulged since last spring, though…
// @phoneboy
@matigo Oh, I know Yaruki Switch… were you angling for a development-related position there? Any interest from them? Anyway, I can see that referrals from acquaintances and friends are often the most productive. It's the personal touch of knowing someone who can make the all-important introduction.
At least you know the kind of work you would like, including the position and possible roles you could fulfill, I assume. That's an important part of finding the job that fits your needs and the company's needs as well, it would seem.
@matigo What is your strategy for finding smaller companies that you might want to work with?