My 2021 in review
Developers often work in a stressful environment and in most cases, they hardly get enough rest due to project timelines and other areas in the work environment
Like many others, I had set goals and made plans for how I envisioned my 2021 would unfold. However, as the year progressed, I realized that not everything went according to plan. Unexpected events and circumstances arose, forcing me to readjust and approach things with caution.
At the start of the year, I was determined to prioritize attending church regularly and consistently tithing. Though it presented its challenges, I made a sincere effort to honor this commitment. Additionally, my girlfriend initiated a Bible group where we embarked on a journey to read and discuss the entire New Testament throughout the year. With only a few chapters remaining as the year draws to a close, I'm grateful for the progress we've made.
Within the first two months of the year, an exciting opportunity came my way when I secured a contract with Hubtel, an E-commerce company. The task at hand involved maintaining their PHP-based website, despite my expertise lying in JavaScript development. With sheer determination, I immersed myself in learning PHP and Laravel, dedicating long hours to research and overcoming obstacles. Although my tenure with the company was short-lived, circumstances beyond my control prevented me from disclosing the exact reasons for my departure.
Following that, things took a turn for the worse, and I found myself grappling with feelings of depression. I yearned for a job change and sought out new hobbies to infuse my life with fresh experiences. Despite my fondness for my current job, I desired to explore remote opportunities. However, I faced obstacles that prevented me from making a smooth transition. The constant setbacks and a lack of understanding left me feeling disheartened. Thankfully, throughout this challenging period, I found unwavering support from my girlfriend. Her prayers and encouragement have been a source of incredible strength and comfort.
Amidst the difficulties, I held onto hope, continually praying and believing that things would improve. My girlfriend even took the initiative to apply for jobs on my behalf when I was unable to do so. Despite facing numerous rejections and participating in multiple interviews, I was unable to secure a new position. Some companies doubted my abilities solely based on my geographical location in Africa, as they lacked a frame of reference to vouch for me. Undeterred, I remain determined to reapply to these companies next year, showcasing why I am a perfect fit for their organizations.
As the year draws to a close, I maintain my faith that God will intervene and bring about a miracle. Despite the challenges, I did have the opportunity to work on some rewarding projects throughout the year. Regardless of the difficulties I encountered, I am grateful that I could fulfill many of my planned purchases and acquire the items I desired.
Here are some highlights of my year:
- I moved to a new apartment and furnished it according to my preferences.
- I set up a dedicated workspace that suits my needs.
- I supported my mom in establishing her own business.
- I indulged in several personal purchases and enjoyed the things that a person my age would typically desire.
- I embarked on learning Go and started utilizing TypeScript.
- I had the privilege of collaborating with the Amapiano and Brunch as well as the Afrochella teams.
While this year presented its share of challenges, I hold an optimistic outlook for the future. I'm confident that beautiful things await me in the remaining days of this year. Reflecting on my planning for 2022, I am determined not to repeat the same mistakes and believe that the coming year will bring a fresh set of opportunities and positive experiences.