Exciting Opportunities
Today was an exciting day. There was going to be a sponsor hall which meant I could connect with many companies for a referral or direction to apply. I thought it was at 9am, but it actually started at 8am! I walked around the hall, and saw WooCommerce, and quickly went in there. It was fun, I got my own disposable camera and pin! I talked to the employee regarding issues that I have been facing at my job’s stores, and we worked it out. After that, I asked about any open jobs, and it took him by surprise, which I don’t blame him, but he did help me in where to apply. I should have known my day was going to be like this.
Caffeine. Throughout the morning, I have been drinking strong black coffee. I am already caffeine sensitive as it affects my sleep, but I needed the rush. I started to feel the effect, but it helped me a lot in talking to many other employees from their booth. One of them, who was working at GravityForms, was very enthusiastic about his work, and we nerd out about JavaScript. I did get his contact information eventually. Unlike him, though, the others sort of brushed me off. They helped me know where to apply, connected with me on LinkedIn, and that was it. There was no true connection between us like the guy from GravityForms. Like I said, it is to be expected. The caffeine rush began to crash down hard, so I had to rest for a bit, and call my mom.
Afternoon Break
After a while of talking to the employees from the booths, I went to go eat lunch. They had tacos, but sadly they were disgusting. Where were the carne asada, orange rice, and pinto beans?! I’m kidding, they were fine but the rice was odd! I sat alone and ate, but I felt that my social battery was drained after the caffeine crash and talking too much. So, like yesterday, I went to the quiet room, and recharged my batteries. As well as my laptop and phone!
I didn’t go see any panels today, but I eventually went back to the lobby, and talked to the lady from yesterday. As usual, we had a marvelous conversation about our lives and stories. However, a strange man panting came by looking around frantically. Turns out he lost his bag and wallet! Thankfully, the bag never moved and was right beside us. So, he grabbed it, sighed in relief, and stood in front of us. We spoke eventually, well, more like he spoke. As the lady and I were wanting to introduce ourselves, he kept abruptly stopping us for him to speak. Frankly, I wanted to wave him away, because I genuinely hate people like that. Blah blah blah, cool they have their famous plugin, blah blah blah, bye.
Once he left, the lady and I spoke, but I had to leave! We waved goodbye, and I went running to the Google event. Once again, I felt as if the walls were closing into me and the room became dark. The people around me owned large agencies, they knew what they were after, and were probably twice my age. Everyone had a voice, and it was frightening. I learned somewhat a little during the event, but I kept looking forward to the tour. The tour was amazing, and there was a person there whom I wish to speak. We talked, and they were truly helpful, so we connected, and after the tour, we went to the WooCommerce social gathering.
Let’s just say I felt pathetic. I already dislike large social gatherings where it’s an all-or-nothing scenario. You either find a group that fits with you, or you’re excluded. I cannot engage a conversation without help, so I ate as much as I could to head home. I did meet a great businessman who ran a successful bowling company, and we connected, but after that, I didn’t connect with many others. I kept hearing laughter, chatting, “here is my LinkedIn”, and I knew I needed out. I prefer my bed and some tea instead of this. As I was about to leave, a lady approached me from whom I spoke with a little early but briefly. We talked about where we are, and she brought up how she started, which was interesting. However, whenever I spoke, which I already have trouble with, I had a feeling I wasn’t interesting enough. So, I called it quits near the end, and went home.
There is something interesting that I felt that night. People who are successful either grew up with it being well-merged to the times, or know successful people to boost them up. This includes already being in a large industry for many years and knowing the ropes. That is one thing I noticed at school in the Bay Area. Many students’ parents are already software engineers or in the industry. Those who are not, have to work incredibly hard to get a foot in the door. Otherwise, they are left in the dust. That is why connecting with these people is so important.
Extra
Look at this silly drawing they made for me at the Woo event! I love it!
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