Goodbye, 2023

Looking at 2023 through the rearview mirror.

What did I try to accomplish?

• Land an internship or full-time job as I wrap up the homestretch of my computer science degree.
• Reduce consumption and be mindful about how I consume goods and services.
• Do better work by engaging in deep work.

Where did I hit or miss my objectives?

Most of my applications for Summer 2024 internships went unanswered or were rejected. Once the Fall 2023 recruitment cycle ended, I redirected my efforts toward new grad and full-time positions in software development, supply chain, and data analytics, and I’ve seen a better conversion rate since I shifted my focus.

I successfully downsized my lifestyle to one that is more minimalistic.

I’ve improved my ability to work on cognitively demanding tasks. From drawing and painting to computer programming, I noticed a remarkable increase in the quality of my output when I concentrated my attention and efforts to the task at hand.

Why did I hit or miss my objectives?

Career

The tech job market was absolutely brutal in 2023, with mass layoffs from big tech firms flooding the market with experienced product managers, analysts, and software engineers. Growth was stifled by the high-interest rate, a natural consequence of the Fed using monetary policy as an instrument to combat inflation. Companies at best were reluctant to hire and at worst froze hiring all together, slashed internship programs, and rescinded outstanding offers. It’s a mess.

I mention all of the above only to provide context - not to shirk personal responsibility. I take full ownership of the outcome of my internship search. Job openings were sparse, and there was a glut of highly qualified candidates, but I had all the resources I needed to build valuable skills and strengthen my resume, just like everyone else. I tried, and I came up short. That’s the nature of competition.

Minimalism

To unlearn my very American instinct to constantly pursue more and better things, I took inventory of everything I owned and noted all the items that I no longer needed. I gave away, donated, and - as a last resort - recycled a good amount of electronics, clothing, collectibles, and more.

Focus

The sad reality is that many brilliant people are out there working on algorithms designed to maximize the amount of time we spend distracted, innundated with products on e-commerce websites or endlessly scrolling through social media feeds. Developing the ability to focus prepares us for a world that is increasingly filled with distractions. With that in mind, I was motivated to improve my ability to do deep work, defined by Cal Newport as “professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit. These efforts create new value, improve your skill, and are hard to replicate.”

Using the principles highlighted in the book “Deep Work” by Cal Newport, I deployed a few rules to facilitate focused work. I noted that my most productive hours are in the morning, so I guarded those time slots zealously, reserving them for my most important tasks. With to-do lists and schedules, I formed and sustained healthy habits that helped me resist distractions and work with depth.