Play To Your Strengths

I really enjoy playing with radios [ed: we know, you won't shut up about it]. Something as simple as checking in to a local net (basically saying hi to a bunch of people on the radio) is fun. However, there's so much more to it. In the last few weeks I've been testing a new digital mode (M17), texting over the radio (andFlMsg), and sending lots of emails on the radio (Winlink). I've also been experimenting with mesh networks (LoRa).

Fact is, after 35+ years in IT, constantly learning new stuff, I kind of can't stop learning new stuff. I can't decide if it's a problem or a reward [ed: it's a problem for us because you can't keep quiet about it].

I do sometimes wish I'd taken a different turn though. I have some friends who have chosen to climb the corporate ladder rather than just stay technologists. Sometimes, not often at all, I get a little jealous when I see the great things they've accomplished. But, I long ago realized that I'm good at figuring out coding problems, data problems, problems on machines, but horrible at figuring out people problems. Overall, I'm pretty gleeful to just be a technologist [ed: a noisy one].

My thoughts for today are simple. Play to your strengths. Sure, work on your weaknesses, but play to your strengths. You'll do better and be happier. At least, that's been my experience.

What do you think?

Grant Fritchey

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