I am human who likes building systems. I currently do this full time as a programmer.
"The programmer necessarily sees the world as suffering from bad software: better coding makes for happier people." - Douglas Rushkoff
Growing up I believed that programming is how I would make a difference. Rushkoff points out that better coding doesn't necesarily make for happier people. When I read some version of that quote in Team Human, I lost some gumption for my chosen career and my passion turned into a job. I wondered how my efforts were helping or exacerbating various problems. So I stopped programming (at least in my free time) and started reading to learn and listen.
Like many people I talk to, I find practicing self acceptance to be an ongoing challenge. Over the past few years I've become more comfortable with the idea that I'll make a difference in ways other than writing code. I will prioritize the daily interactions with family, friends, and coworkers over the code that I write. The world will change if I focus on what is important: valuing other people and the spaces we inhabit. That frees up programming to be something I do for a job, hobby, and most importantly myself. I still love building systems and the feeling of calm that comes from structuring and organizing. This is why I am excited about programming.
So what is next? I don't know. I am appreciating the ambiguity and the humanity that comes with the uncertainty. I plan to keep learning, listening, and having fun. I'd like to also be proactive in sharing what I am thinking about.
If you have ideas on what I should do next, please reach out. macallan(at)perabrown(dot)com