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What I do, when I'm doing it for money

It's all about the challenge...

I enjoy tough problems, the real-world puzzles; those are the learning opportunities.  I love to know that I'm treading the ground that others avoid.  I know I may not always reach the best solution; but I'm willing to search for it, and search hard.

So... BRING IT ON!


The Gory Details:

 

I am a software architect and a would-be visionary.

I spend a great deal of time and energy preaching the gospel of solid architecture and clean designs.  I seek out the tools that have been overlooked by the masses, whether they've just emerged, or been abandoned long since.  Not all of the best technologies are new ones.

I am an aspiring tycoon of business, large and small.

One recent focus on learning has been in the business arena.  My library of audio programs and books would put most small libraries to shame.  I have run a few successful enterprises, but never for long.  They were temporary businesses, by design.  Those that follow will be designed for the long haul.

I am a semi-pro securities trader with a great system, but no stamina.

Once upon a time once turned $10,000 to $30,000 in a year in the stock market.  I had developed a system that seemed flawless.  That $30K became $4K in the six months that followed because I walked away from it.  I just left in the middle.  Several times since, I've built it back up just to walk away and watch it dwindle again.  It's tough to maintain the discipline, focus, and constant attention needed to be a good securities trader, while simultaneously subjected to the learning curves and client pressures of a consulting career.  I can do it when the full-time job is dull; but when it gets interesting my focus shifts.  If I ever nail that focus problem, maybe I'll open a hedge fund. Got a few bucks to invest??

What more could there be?

 

I'm a Digital Mercenary:

 

Software is my primary game.

This is my playground.  I love making the abstract real.  Embedded systems is my first love, because so often it's like puppetry; one can make physical things happen in the real world.  One can make magic that the rest of the world can see; more so than on a monitor or printout. I've often bragged that "I can make a computer dance."  And this is my forum.  The writing the programs is not as challenging as I once found it. If I can design it, then I know I can code it.  Because of that, I now concentrate on creating architectures and designs.  This is such a fertile field for challenge, I could play here forever.  But when I raise my eyes from the monitor, I see that there is more magic that I can do...

I'm an "Hourly Gunslinger".

An employer once called me that in making a comparison against his "regular employees".  It was intended derisively, but it fit well with my self-image, and I wear it as a badge of honor.  He was talking tough (by email) about getting rid of those like me, but that would have been bad business for him.  The employer needed me to do what his regular salaried employees couldn't or wouldn't do.  I get the job done... every time!  The hourly gunslinger can't get lazy, or he's done for.  He must sell himself, or he's a goner.  He must understand the market, or he can't exist in it.  Yes, I'm still an hourly gunslinger; and if the client lets me do what I do best, they'll win every time.

I'm great as a team member, but I love running the show.

As a manager I'm easy going and direct.  I think I bring out good things in the people I supervise, and I believe they like my management style.  The business side of things presents a few challenges of its own, and I enjoy bringing my own twists to the solutions.

 About software I could go on ad nauseum.

In time, I'm sure I will.

 

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Copyright(c) 2006, Max A. Hinkley. All rights reserved.