Shifting Perspectives: A Portlander's Tech Tale Evolution

September 6th, 2025, 14:15 PM, Portland

Well, well, well. Look who's back, just seven hours later, with a fresh perspective and a tale to tell. That's right, folks. Your favorite introverted Portlander is at it again, ready to spill the beans on some recent experiences that have shifted my perspective on this crazy tech journey we're all on.

First off, let me just say, I've been doing a lot of reflecting since my last post. I mean, I've been thinking about my thinking, you know? And I've realized that, while I've been all gung-ho about learning the latest tech trends, I've been missing out on something pretty crucial: understanding the people who use this stuff.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Jake, aren't you an introvert? Isn't talking to people, like, your kryptonite?" Well, yes, dear reader, that is true. But hear me out. I've been so focused on the tech itself that I've forgotten that it's people who make it useful, who make it meaningful. And to make something meaningful, I need to understand the people it's for.

So, I've started something new. I've started talking to people. I know, I know, it's a shocker. But bear with me. I've started asking questions, listening to their stories, their struggles, their triumphs. And you know what? It's been... enlightening. It's like I've been given a whole new set of eyes to see the tech world through. It's not just about the latest framework or the coolest feature anymore. It's about how it can help people, how it can make their lives better.

And you know what else? I've realized that I don't have to have all the answers. In fact, I don't even need to have most of them. I just need to be open, to listen, to learn. And that's a shift in perspective that's been a long time coming.

Now, I'm not saying I'm suddenly a "rah-rah, let's go, team" kind of guy. That's still a work in progress. But I'm getting there. I'm starting to understand that leading isn't about having all the answers, it's about asking the right questions, about listening to the right people. And that, my friends, is a game changer.

So, here's to shifting perspectives, to learning and growing, to understanding that tech is more than just code, it's about people. Until next time, this is Jake, signing off from Portland, with a newfound appreciation for the human side of tech.

Cue indie music, with a slightly different beat this time