A Year In Review - 2023
Reflecting on the past year, 2023 brought its fair share of challenges, testing my resilience from every angle. It has taken me a while to gather my thoughts for this blog post, but here I am, ready to share my journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Things I Learned This Year
-
Embrace Your Unique Touch: Personalization grabs attention, but it's good design that truly satisfies.
-
Ship and Improve: Don't wait for perfection. Ship your creations and iterate along the way.
-
Quality Over Quantity: Your time doesn't need to be filled constantly. Focus on what brings you joy, aligns with your long-term goals, and adds value to others.
-
Do What Lights You Up: Discover the sweet spot where your happiness, smart choices for your future, and usefulness to others intersect. Whatever that is, make it a regular part of your life.
-
Execute Your Ideas: Ideas alone aren't valuable; it's the execution that counts.
-
Cherish Relationships: Friends may come and go, but their enriching impact on our lives is irreplaceable.
-
Share Meaningful Reads: It's not about the quantity of books you've read; people care about the books that have truly impacted you.
-
Prioritize Self-Care: Instead of obsessing over self-improvement, prioritize self-care—it's more crucial than you realize.
-
Intelligence Takes Many Forms: The speed of your thoughts doesn't define your intelligence. Slow thinking is deliberate and less driven by emotions.
-
Be Selective with Technology: Just because AI exists doesn't mean you need it in your creations.
-
Build Your Online Presence: Personal websites and newsletters hold more value than any social media presence.
-
Balance Solo and Team Projects: Solo projects may evolve quickly, but collaborative efforts often result in better outcomes.
Career
Laid Off
Facing a layoff from my previous company, a once-thriving startup, presented a turning point. Despite the challenges, I approached the situation with optimism, knowing it was an opportunity for personal growth. The one-month notice provided by my former company was a generous gesture, and during this period, I applied to 15 jobs, specifically targeting product-oriented companies.
Encountering rejection from some, I persevered, ultimately receiving offers from three companies after rigorous technical interviews and assessments. Choosing to embark on a new journey with Mintos was a decision I made with careful consideration, and I am excited to share more about this experience in the following.
Joining Mintos - A Venture into Multi-Long Investment
One of the standout aspects of my 2023 journey was joining Mintos, a dynamic platform that caters to multi-long investments. Being a part of the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) development team added a layer of excitement to my professional life. Mintos, with its innovative investment approach, presented an opportunity for me to contribute to the creation of products that align with the evolving landscape of financial markets.
Working on ETF development allowed me to dive deep into the intricacies of these investment vehicles. It was a captivating experience to be part of a team dedicated to crafting solutions that provide investors with diverse and strategic options. This role not only broadened my knowledge in the investment domain but also allowed me to witness firsthand the impact of cutting-edge financial products on the market.
The collaborative spirit at Mintos, coupled with the forward-thinking approach to finance, has made my journey here both rewarding and educational. As I delved into the complexities of multi-long investments and ETFs, I found myself continuously challenged and motivated to contribute my best to the team.
A Year in Latvia: Chilly Adventures!
Over the past year, my journey in Latvia has unfolded into a tapestry of enriching experiences, vibrant culture, and a welcoming community. From the moment I set foot in this beautiful country, I've been captivated by its unique charm and the warmth of its people.
One of the standout aspects of my time in Latvia has been the remarkable English proficiency of its residents. As a stranger in a new land, the ease of communication has been a significant plus. Most people readily converse in English, fostering a sense of connection and making the integration into daily life seamless. It's heartening to experience such a linguistically inclusive environment.
Most importantly, I've found genuine happiness in Latvia. The sense of belonging, the friendly faces, and the plethora of opportunities have made this country feel like home. It's incredible how a place can go beyond being just a location on the map and evolve into a sanctuary where happiness thrives.
As I reflect on this first year in Latvia, I look forward to more adventures, deeper connections, and continued growth. The warmth of the people, the cultural richness, and the resilience in the face of winter's chill have all contributed to an unforgettable chapter in my life.
Website
I've revamped my website, witnessing its evolution from a static HTML site to a React App, then GatsbyJS, and finally settling on a minimalist approach using Next.js, Tailwind CSS, and DatoCMS. This tech combination guarantees a smooth, speedy, and visually pleasing user experience. 🚀🌟
Coding
In the coding domain, my daily pursuits center on the adept utilization of Vue.js and Node.js, orchestrating the intricacies of my side projects with a nuanced touch of Next.js and occasionally React Native. 💻✨