I'm tired.
Honestly, I'm not sure how much should be attributed to the state of modern web design or raising two absolutely feral boys under six. But whatever the reason, I typically get to the end of my day feeling pretty dang tired.
And yet in the midst of the tiredness, I find myself increasingly excited.
With AI and the promise that it brings, it truly feels like humanity is on the cusp of technological and scientific breakthroughs never before seen. Every other day, something new drops that will "revolutionize" how we do [insert product market here]. But to be candid, I find it harder and harder for me to parse the difference between signal and noise in an endless sea of hype merchants.
With over a decade in the "tech space", you would think that's the stuff that gets me excited. That because the barriers for building have been lowered, I'd be giddy about the opportunity to take an idea from inception to real product faster than ever. Well, that is true but it isn't the reason I wake up every morning excited to start the day.
I'm excited because 2025 is the year I finally put myself out there.
To be vulnerable for a moment, I've played a safe and passive game career wise. Never shared my work publicly. Never pursued new and interesting opportunities but rather waited until ones fall right into my lap. It has worked out fine but I've reached a stage where I'm just wanting more. More challenge. More growth. More risk.
And now, the true conflict begins to take shape. To put one's self out there risks being seen. Being seen risks being known. And being known risks being rejected.
Do I have a head full of negative thoughts telling me it is a waste of my time to even apply for the Product Designer opening? That I'm an imposter who's completely and totally unqualified for the position? Yep.
Am I uncomfortable at the prospect of making myself known and still rejected outright? Absolutely.
Would it be easier to continue on my current nice and comfortable path? 100%.
But the age of me playing it safe is over. I'm getting off my ass and leaving the cave in exploration of my next great adventure.
It's time to let it rip.
- Allen