Hey friend, here's what's been on my mind

This week, I wanted to reflect on why I'm starting a blog and a newsletter. I'm surprised that I haven't made a post about it already.

I started a blog and a newsletter mainly to write in public.

By writing in public, I'm hoping to:

• Exercise my writing muscle
• Establish a personal online brand
• Build a library of my thoughts

My writing muscles are severely underutilized.

I overindulge in consuming content. I read books, go through courses, and watch videos for self-improvement. I play video games and listen to music to relax and unwind. In the past, I used to write and know firsthand how helpful it is in processing whatever is happening in my life. Teenage Arvin had a short-lived blogging dream that I am now rekindling.

Maintaining a blog and newsletter is like having a weekly workout for writing.

Everyone has an online brand, whether or not they are actively building it.

One of the things modern humans do when they hear of someone new is look them up on the Internet. Modern humans are used to having easy access to information. So, when you're lucky enough to have someone's attention, give them something good to read. Not having something for them to dive into is a missed opportunity to connect.

If you're not building an online presence, you're not maximizing your chances of making a lucky connection.

My blog and newsletter will become my thought library.

Whenever I see someone who's managed to take good care of their journals, I experience a bit of regret. My past writings are gone forever since I have not been a good caretaker of my notebooks. In my youth, I destroyed many pages of my thoughts because I couldn't bear to reread them. Now that I'm more mature, I wish I hadn't done that. I want to see how my thoughts and perspectives have changed, so I'm writing on a more durable medium.

They say it will last forever if it's on the web. I hope so.

Check this out

TypeScript resources

I've been chipping away at my goal to learn TypeScript this summer.

Last week, I ran through the learning pathway, Build JavaScript applications using TypeScript, on Microsoft Learn. The path introduces you to the basics, which include the initial setup, the documentation, and the benefits of adoption. The path uses active learning through code exercises and end-of-module short quizzes. If you're looking for educational content on TypeScript written by the organization that developed it, follow the bookmark below.

Build JavaScript applications by using TypeScript - Training

Learn how using TypeScript for JavaScript development can help you build more robust code, reduce runtime type errors, take advantage of modern features before they are available in JavaScript, and work better with development teams.

Microsoft Learnsoftchris

JavaScript roadmap

Before jumping into TypeScript, it might be helpful to review JavaScript concepts.

I like using learning roadmaps from roadmap.sh. The JavaScript roadmap covers a wide range of topics sorted by difficulty. There are links to other learning resources for each concept. If this sounds like a good starting point, follow the bookmark below.

JavaScript Developer Roadmap: Step by step guide to learn JavaScript

Community driven, articles, resources, guides, interview questions, quizzes for javascript development. Learn to become a modern JavaScript developer by following the steps, skills, resources and guides listed in this roadmap.

roadmap.shKamran Ahmed

In case you missed it

Part three on how military experience helps when changing careers

I finished a three-part series showcasing my expertise as a weapons engineering technician in the Royal Canadian Navy.

Veterans often feel like the skills they have earned through years of military service do not transfer to the civilian world. I left the military three years ago. I would argue that the skills I've built to earn my technician qualification serve me well in the tech industry. To see my thoughts on this, check out the blog below.

How Experience as a Naval Technician Transfers to Tech

Experience as a naval weapons engineering technician transfers over to the tech industry. I learnt this after making the switch three years ago. Let me explain how it transfers. This post is part of a series about better showcasing my experience as a technician in the Royal Canadian Navy. It

Arvin JosolArvin Josol

Reflecting on Life Lessons After Switching Careers

This weekend is the three-year anniversary of my leaving the military.

I took some time to reflect on it and highlight some areas where I have significant life lessons. There's a bit about job markets, job security, career progression, volunteerism, and setting the pace. To read my thoughts on it, check out the post below.

Seven Lessons I Learned After Leaving the Military Three Years Ago

Looking back on how I quickly switched careers, I could have been better prepared. In hindsight, it was impossible to feel more ready for change. There is no such thing as being 100% ready for something. I followed community wisdom on what to be aware of while switching careers. However,

Arvin JosolArvin Josol

That's all for this week's newsletter. Share this with someone who might be interested in these topics. Your recommendation helps grow this newsletter. Thanks!