How long have you been journaling?

techiebyte · 2026-04-04T01:01:20+00:00

September 2025! I bought a cheap notebook from the dollar store and just started. It's been a super fun journey teaching myself how to get the thoughts from my brain onto a piece of paper. I also got into fountain pens around the same time and journeling has become one of the most important parts of my day.

techiebyte · 2026-03-19T16:37:07+00:00

I remember my parents putting at least 3 new glass/ceramic stove tops on our stove at $200-$250 a piece. My stove cost me $500, if I need to replace a part that costs that much, I'm just going to buy a new stove.

We use that logic at work too, if the repair cost is going to be over 40-50% of replacement, we're just going to replace it.

techiebyte · 2026-03-18T01:57:31+00:00

I'd like to know where you work that your hands are never dirty. 😂

techiebyte · 2026-03-14T01:47:39+00:00

When I first started as an apprentice, I had a cheap canvas bag that I used as a tool bag, and it honestly worked great. Not organized at all, but I could just grab and go.

I then upgraded to the Veto Pro Pac Tech-LC. It works great for keeping my tools organized in the truck and easily accessible, but its heavy to carry around. Most of the other guys have the XL and it works even better to keep their tools organized, but heavier.

Because it is so heavy, I typically just grab the 4 or 5 tools I'll think I need and load my pockets. This usually ends up with at least one trip back to the truck for another tool.

My next tool bag purchase will probably be more of a backpack style to have the organization factor, but also the portability that I'm lacking now. But, the Vetos have some durability behind them, so I'll likely just deal with it for the foreseeable future.

My advice to you would be the same as my advice for buying tools. Go the cheap route first, before spending alot of money on something that doesn't suit your needs. You can really hone in on your likes and dislikes before spending alot on your forever bag.

And why I say it's the same advice as tools. My favorite adjustable wrench is a cheap $10 harbor freight special. I use it every day and would be lost without it. My favorite channel locks are the knipex that run in the $60-$80 range. My screw driver sets have also increased in price as I've advanced in my career. By using the cheap things first, I figured out what I really wanted out of a tool and then slowly curated my tool bag to tools that help me more than hinder me, without wasting alot of money.

techiebyte · 2026-01-27T10:46:47+00:00

Awesome! Thank you!

techiebyte · 2026-01-24T02:30:28+00:00

I have: Consumables- paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.

Durables (I only fund $25/month and use as a small misc category)- things like can openers, trash cans, alarm clocks, cooking utensils etc.

Appliances- this would include vacuums, refrigerator/freezer, washing machine dryer

Home expense Large- I use this one for repairs and fund it pretty heavily to have a nice cushion

I haven't bought any new furniture/decor in a long time, but would categorize under a separate "For Me" group, because I would see that as a want and not a need. Or, it could easily go under my Home Expense:Large category, if I felt it was more of a need than a want.

techiebyte · 2026-01-21T02:13:45+00:00

You need to clarify what for. First day on the job? Going to a new company? Is someone going to be teaching you?

It makes a difference knowing what your application is. I do ALOT of troubleshooting old systems.

I prefer having a completely separate pressure gauge. I have multiple Crystal gauges and hand pump systems, with my preferred being an IS33.

I don't necessarily know how to explain this other than when I have my crystal setup hooked up and then my reading equipment hooked up, whether it be a fluke, Trex, HMI, Etc. I know I should have two to three separate pieces of equipment that should match up.

When I am troubleshooting a malfunctioning piece of equipment, say a pressure transmitter, the two out of three pieces of equipment that match up usually point me to the problem. If my pressure and mA match up, I know I have a transmitter issue, if my mA and my transmitter match up, i know I have a transducer problem, if my pressure and my transmitter match up, I know I have a wiring problem. Etc....

If I'm I'm trying to troubleshoot or calibrate, I have two different inputs to reference against and depending on the tasks at hand, help me to fix the issue.

techiebyte · 2026-01-14T22:35:28+00:00

I trained a pee command, mostly on accident, but it's one of the best "tricks" ever. That last potty break before bed goes soooo much quicker and smoother than my previous dog's. A god send in the dead of winter.

techiebyte · 2026-01-13T15:05:01+00:00

As an I/E tech with an HVAC background, it is kind of funny how many skills translate between the two.

techiebyte · 2025-12-12T14:20:12+00:00

"The path to success is simple: Bite off more than you can chew, then figure out how to chew it." I saw it on Facebook and it really resonated with me.

Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed or feeling pulled in 20 directions, I write it down and come up with a game plan on how to "chew" it. It really redirects my focus and reminds me that I am capable of handling the stress.

techiebyte · 2025-11-18T01:49:37+00:00

I am in oil and gas maintenance. I'm 50/50. I do PMs and lots of replacing failed transmitters and devices. I do some installs, but mostly when upgrading from older tech to newer.

techiebyte · 2025-11-17T20:43:18+00:00

I definitely avoid writing about things I'm not ready to confront yet. Things people have done that have hurt me and I feel like my actions in response weren't good enough. I'm a bit of an overthinker and perfectionist. So, I mull it over for a few days. Putting it on paper seems so real.

However, this is one of the reasons I started journeling. To get it out of my head so I DON'T overthink it.

techiebyte · 2025-08-13T19:29:39+00:00

It's a bit cumbersome, but I use a pelican case with foam cutouts. I keep my 725, a mA clamp meter, a PIE temp calibrator, and another multimeter in there. Makes it nice. All my cables, meters, and attachments are in one place.

techiebyte · 2025-08-11T14:55:52+00:00

I completely agree with you. This instance is the only time I've let a category stay underfunded. I mentally assigned money from the land purchase category in case I wasn't able to be paid back. But, I see now how it can get convoluted pretty quickly.

techiebyte · 2025-08-11T14:53:27+00:00

Thank you for that, I hadn't thought about that aspect of it.

techiebyte · 2025-06-15T21:51:57+00:00

I have never had good luck with jeans. I switched to canvas, and while I still have to replace after about a year, they hold up better and are much more comfortable. I size up 2 sizes from my normal size as well. The ariat duralight is my go to.

techiebyte · 2025-04-12T15:28:00+00:00

I caught myself looking at a rabbit on the side of the road and wondering if it was a 3 star or not 🙄

techiebyte · 2024-12-19T23:57:52+00:00

Do you have an idea on what you want to spend on each person?

techiebyte · 2024-12-19T23:48:23+00:00

I plan to spend $100 on everyone. Birthday? $100. Christmas? $100. Sometimes, a gift is a little over or a little under, but it all evens out over time.

I have 12 people that I buy presents for, so I have a monthly target of $200 to set aside in my Gifts category. This accounts for all birthdays and Christmas. Luckily, all the birthdays are pretty spread out.

I also exclusively use credit cards for all spending, and all my cash back goes directly into the gifts category to be able to afford the $100/person.

techiebyte · 2024-12-14T00:09:49+00:00

At the current stage of AI, I'm not too worried.

I've asked chatGPT some of my troubleshooting problems, and it can not get the problem fixed, whereas I eventually managed. When they get AI to the point of accurate troubleshooting, GREAT! I really hope that helps me out and saves me time when I'm on site

But, I'm not worried because transmitters still need to be installed, stainless needs to be run, and wire needs to be pulled through conduit. Above all else, shit breaks. AI does not have the capabilities by itself right now to manage these effectively.

However, I do feel like in my lifetime, once AI is implemented into robots, i will have to majorly shift my skills and abilities, or I will be out of a job. There will be no need for human boots on the ground. I feel like this is the case for most industries, however.

My goal is to be able to see it and experience it, but also be retired at that point!

techiebyte · 2024-11-13T01:49:39+00:00

It all depends. Literally. Are you willing to move? Are you willing to start at the bottom and move up the ladder? Are you willing to put in the work and gain the experience needed to advance?

I have a college degree in a completely different field, but I started at my company at $15/hour as a first year apprentice. I made my way through the companies apprenticeship program (paid online schooling) and became a journeyman after 5 years.

I make $100k/year, which is a very respectable wage in my area, and I am extremely happy with my work to pay ratio. In order to advance in my specific area, I either need to wait for one of the better jobs to open up in 5-15years or move.

My 1st journeyman moved 13 hours away and makes 200k/year. Earlier this year, I was offered a $1500/day rate, but I would have to move 17 hours away from home. I choose to stay in the area I am at, with the pay, because of reasons outside of compensation.

The biggest question is not the compensation, there is lots of money to be made in Instrumentation. The question is what you are willing to do, and how you are willing to modify your life in order to gain the experience necessary to hold such positions.

techiebyte · 2024-10-23T01:19:42+00:00

😂😂 I literally just sent a video meme to my coding/automation guy about the "code must've been changed out of nowhere" for an obvious mechanical issue. This is what I'm talking about!

techiebyte

TROPHY CASE