About Me

About Me

So, this is the part where you read what I write about myself, and assume that it's some sort of embellished drivel intended to capture the attention of would-be employers.

NOPE... well, maybe a little.

I began life as a normal, if slightly nerdy, kid from the Midwest. That soon changed, as I went through more than my fair share of childhood trauma (which, in retrospect, could be classified as "first world problems").

I have always had a passion for reading, for learning and studying new things, especially mathematics and science. The majority of my post-teenage life has been spent online, using the Internet. Some would call it an addiction or dopamine-seeking; in my case, it was self-education and long-term career development.

The Internet's "School of Hard Knocks" was IRC; I was a loyal and dependable student for well over a decade. Through it, I made lifelong friends (and probably a few enemies, too). I gained knowledge, experience, and awareness that have served me well throughout my tech career and international travels.

By my mid-30s, however, my time on IRC had largely come to an end, as I moved on to bigger and better things. My career has *mostly* flourished (with the obligatory extended job search periods that come with being a remote tech worker). I was a remote-work pioneer, as one of the initial generation of full-time VPN workers who set foot in the office less than 5 times in 8 years. While that changed, with management and directorial roles (as well as a brief return during the COVID-19 pandemic), I still enjoy making it possible for as many people to work from home as is possible, even if I can not.

Perhaps a bit late in life, I came upon the true meaning of work/life balance. As a parent, I take great pride in what my children learn, and who they are becoming as young people. While I have achieved many things as an individual, nothing gives me greater joy than the proud moments of fatherhood.