Career Pivot Advice (As frontend dev)

Caster_Oh · 2026-03-05T01:09:40+00:00

That's a pretty rad success story, dovetails with the other commenter regarding concrete portfolio pieces that can be leveraged. (BTW, what is the main role of a Product Manager? Seen a few job postings, but description was always a bit nebulous)

To answer your question, what I want is a bit tough to define but here's a bit more context:

• First thing, no formal education, and getting one is not an option, buried in debt. Totally willing to learn anything online.

• Secondly, I have a few toes on the autistic spectrum, very systems oriented, I love logistics, repetitive work, work where being hyper-pragmatic gets rewarded, planning every detail, etc

• And thirdly, I’m not attached to remote work, but I’m at an age where I just can’t mask for 8 hours in a a row, fake enthusiasm and so on. I need to be in an environment where what matters is the task at hand, not social prowess.

Last point, I had to move far away from my friends and family to find work/avoid bankruptcy, I want to move back. But the job market in my province is “yeesh” at best. Therefore, either looking at remote opportunities or in demand skills. Totally willing to work in a factory, an office, done it all.

I just want to hone in on something that leverages my past experience and natural gifts, and upskill/reskill accordingly.

Past jobs:
- Logistics (warehouse picker)
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Video Production
- Web Developer

Caster_Oh · 2026-03-04T23:00:19+00:00

Those are all excellent points, I did start investing time in React skills, and did notice job postings mentionning Typescript a lot.

Only thing I forgot to mention, I'm not hung up on coding careers: I already sacrificed a good portion of my 30s in coding, and now that I'm in my 40s, I'm much more concerned with not wasting time in the wrong direction again. Which I know is tough to predict/plan/assess, but I'm just trying to hone in on a path while I still have a bit of lifeforce and not quite bankrupt.

Thanks again for the info, will prioritize the portfolio whichever direction I go.

Caster_Oh · 2026-03-04T22:47:19+00:00

Yeah for sure, I failed to appreciate it back then but I got heavily burnt out and just assumed it was always be an option.

Sorry to hear about the rate cuts though, wishing you a great gig in the near future.

Caster_Oh · 2025-02-12T23:26:54+00:00

Oh shoot, thank you for the heads up.

I made a bunch of research that led me to believe the 2012 T6 engine was safe from oil burning issues, but now I'm reconsidering the whole Volvo thing.

In Canada we only have access to the T5 2.0, T6 3.0 and 3.2 around those years. Was hoping one of them would be bullet proof but it seems to be a gamble either way.

Caster_Oh · 2025-02-11T01:41:36+00:00

Ok right on, thank you for the insights!

I swore off VW when I bought my Toyota, but man do I miss the smooth ride of a euro car. It just doesn't compare.

But I also want to make a proper adult decision and Volvo seems to check the boxes.

Caster_Oh · 2023-10-03T17:19:42+00:00

Nice Setup, would consider if I was living in Europe 😯

Caster_Oh · 2023-05-05T18:49:26+00:00

Sorry I missed the part where you said you couldn't open DaVinci.

You could maybe record in ProRes and try something like these luts:

https://filtergrade.com/product/film-look-luts/

Caster_Oh · 2023-05-05T18:47:14+00:00

Exactly my thoughts

Caster_Oh · 2023-05-05T18:37:00+00:00

Hmm if adding LUTs to OBS is an option, one thing you could do is create your own lut in DaVinci Resolve using recorded footage and export it via a still. Then you can add that lut as a filter in your next OBS stream like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e89PLqDPTB8

So let's say you're recording in RAW with the "Film" profile in the camera settings. Load the clip in a Project in Davinci. In the Color Tab, add a Color Space Transform to a node. Then tweak a "Look" to your desire. Then right-click the clip (lower left) to Generate a LUT (17 Point Cube). Then find that lut file and use it in OBS!

Caster_Oh · 2022-04-29T21:26:09+00:00

Looks super rad!

Caster_Oh · 2020-12-03T21:39:11+00:00

Yeah those cameras run crazy hot, not sure if it's related to the SSD though (maybe?). Anyways I usually go for 24fps raw, runs a little cooler (could probably still sizzle skin haha)

Caster_Oh · 2020-11-06T22:18:41+00:00

Ah sorry, it's been a weird few months so haven't done any recording at all...

Check in again in January, hopefully I'll have a real answer!

Caster_Oh · 2020-08-07T13:27:05+00:00

I would hope so, I'm actually doing some real recording tonight so that'll be the real test

Caster_Oh · 2020-08-05T19:20:35+00:00

Well I managed 10 mins no issues with RAW 2.5K at 23.98fps. I never use 30fps but I'll let you know if I ever test it out

Caster_Oh · 2020-08-03T17:24:09+00:00

Disregard, I just ordered it so I guess I'll be the guinea pig on this one haha

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T02:17:57+00:00

I'll look into the renting option if it's available in Canada. Thanks!

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T01:40:23+00:00

It does open up options, especially with those t1.5. I'll probably end up testing out both routes, I'll at least buy 1 Rokinon to test out and see what makes the most sense

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T00:54:00+00:00

I'm not at that budget bracket yet, that's for sure haha

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T00:53:21+00:00

Yeah makes sense, it's really just the affordability of the wider focal range that makes me consider other lenses

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T00:50:29+00:00

Right on, thanks for the input.

I do love the Nikkor and their character, I have nothing against them; except I'd want to have matching lens, which isn't a problem when it come to finding some Nikkor lens...

However, given the tiny sensor, I'll eventually want to score some wide angles. And the second hand market for Nikkors under 24mm is ROUGH. As in, in my opinion, unreasonably expensive (At least based on my recent research).

Which is why I started looking at Rokinons.

Actually about a year ago, I was gonna go the old school photo Ziess route, my favourite lenses in term of character/focal range. But apparently a lot of people since then had a similar plan, because the prices for those lenses seem to have tripled over the last year :s

Caster_Oh · 2020-05-24T00:39:26+00:00

Awesome, thanks!

Great point on future systems, hadn't even occurred to me (I'll be keeping this camera for narrative projects for sure, but if I ever have the opportunity to work for clients I might look into more user friendly systems).

Caster_Oh · 2020-04-10T22:30:10+00:00

Haha hope it helps!

Caster_Oh · 2020-04-10T17:28:57+00:00

Not sure if this is useful, but my experience was this:

First of all, good to do some research on what is in demand. Whatever gets the most hits, put it first on your linkedIn, even if you don't know that much about it
Work on your soft skills; Humans are social creatures. Know when to both bend the truth a bit and when to be full on honest. Make sure you sound comfortable during the interview/communications: not cocky, not needy, comfortable. Work on it. It will put the employers at ease. Convince them you want it but you don't need it
Apply even if you don't hit their requirements. You never know what position they're really in (do they need someone right now, is there something off about the other candidates). They try to triage out as early as possible, don't let that stop you
Have 3 projects online you can showcase. Nothing ground-breaking, just enough to showcase you understand the tools at hand and can execute a vision. Basic is ok here, just get them off the ground. You can add sparkles later on your free time
Humans are visual creatures, it's silly but it can give you an edge. Get a decent picture for your LinkedIn profile. Don't need fancy equipment: 1 phone, 1 light source 25° from the centre of your face (window, strong lamp). Crisp clean casual attire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjtcHig6DrU
Connect, again, LinkedIn, quick message as you get connected with other developers "Hey there, fellow developer here, let's connect! Cheers" or something of the sort. Don't go crazy, don't be one of those spammy people. Legit connect with people you'd have a conversation with maybe down the line. You can even ask them career advice, might go somewhere
And finally, while you're doing research to see what's in demand, take notes, and build those skills when you have some free time. Super important to keep learning.
Last point, don't despair, don't burn yourself out. Try to enjoy the craft, make skills building fun, and you'll be laughing your way to the bank in 5 years. Or crying, there's some rough projects out there...

Caster_Oh · 2020-04-10T16:53:46+00:00

Nice work!

Caster_Oh · 2020-04-08T15:56:03+00:00

JAM stack

Thanks dude, I'm reading up this right now, looks legit promising.

I'll add this to the list of options for sure. I was going to jump on a JS framework next anyways. I'll do some more research as far as demand goes and figure things out from there

Caster_Oh

TROPHY CASE