It's been a busy couple of months, hence why I have not written a blog post for over a month now. It's been ups, downs, and more. So let's dig into it all.
Work
Working for Leighton reminds me why I am happy I am out of academia, and this month I realized I should have jumped out sooner for my career. I was invited by the University of Manchester Division of Development and Alumni Relations to speak at a careers event about my own career pathway through PhD, postdocs, being an RSE, and then into industry, plus my freelance writing. I spoke to an array of students and graduates, plus met some people from other industries. But it did make me reflect on the 10-year slog as a postdoc and what they got me.
At the same time, the last 3 months have seen me busy working on AWS for a client, helping a team on a small budget create a modern, cloud-native platform for large, fast, real-time data gathering from sensors on fleets of vehicles. It was fun as it was nice to have a project to work on that was Python first, and also one where I got to suggest a lot of improvements, implement what I have learned in the last year already working on AWS, plus mentor some junior developers at the client company. Hopefully, their next round of funding will bring me back to them.
Another thing I am working on is AWS training, particularly working toward my AWS accreditation as an AWS Solutions Architect. It's hard going, with lots of jargon and some nuances to getting into my head.
It was also a fun day yesterday as I drove, for the second time ever, to Manchester and back (this is the furthest I have driven since I passed my test in November) to a company co-location day, which serves as a way for many of the company's remote team to meet up without having to go to the main office in Newcastle. So for the first time, I met my line manager and boss in person, plus a few others I have worked with.
Finally, the other thing that was well received was the series of tutorials I delivered to the company on the topic of machine learning as I carve out my niche at Leighton.
Writing
So more writing is out. This time my work for Cubicle 7 for Wrath & Glory, as I contributed to the Threat Assessment: Xenos book, particularly the Corsair and Genestealer Cult chapters. Such a fun book to write for, as I got to write about some of my favorite 40k factions. It's now not long until the next book is out, Vow of Absolution, which is a Space Marine player book that has a heavy focus on the Absolver Chapter.
More writing, in fact a huge piece, was turned in to Privateer Press for the upcoming "The Deep Wild" Kickstarter for Iron Kingdoms. This scenario explores the themes of the Farrow, the wilderness, and eco-horror. More about that on upcoming podcasts and the Kickstarter itself.
Also, there have been some other new work. For Helmgast, I turned in some work for Kult, and for Green Ronin, I have also done a bit of writing.
Hobby
So I am finally getting back into in-person gaming on a larger scale. Playing some Chaos in the Old World has been a great ice-breaker, as I have now gathered a good group size for a Necromunda campaign. As Arbitrator, I will be using my Enforcers (on theme), and it should be good to see how the narrative emerges from the campaign.
The month or so has also seen me get back into painting minis, such as the MK4 Warmachine battle groups for Khador and Cygnar. And a Kindgom Death 54mm figure so I had more of an excuse to practice NMM and good flesh tones shading.
Events
I'm currently considering what events I want to go to this year, especially as I can drive to them. At the end of the month is Chillcon, where I will be running demos of Warmachine MK4.
Then there is Warhammer Fest at the end of April, where I will be going as a fan and taking pictures and chatting with people, and recording interviews.
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