I am humbled by your comments.<p>&gt; 1) Have the courage to try out new languages&#x2F;frameworks fearlessly. (I am a bit of a coward here.)
&gt; 2) Be a finisher. If you can complete projects - even if they&#x27;re small (actually, the smaller the better) - you can always look back and say &quot;I did that. That system they&#x27;re using there ... I had something to do with it.&quot; I know the spouse couldn&#x27;t care two hoots but it is the stuff that keeps me alive with hope. There&#x27;s something deeply Marxist about this - I know - but I don&#x27;t want to philosophise.<p>Agree 100%. Working in the bank (really a credit card bank at the time) taught me so many ways to overcome obstacles and to get the job done.  Plus now 11 or 12 years of scrum (agile light) helps.  I am a director so I am required to be the face of web development with campus units. Interpersonal skills, collaboration and an understanding of company, working units and individual&#x27;s culture and how to use that to you advantage helps immensely.<p>Stay positive, keep a sense of humor.