You can’t judge a professional by his attire

I’m a computer programmer (C/C++) and have been for a long time. I think very logically and do my best to see the best path forward, and its potential pitfalls, once in a while I am even correct (sarcasm, I’m pretty good I’ve been told). If my brain were a set of muscles, it would probably remind you of Quagmire when he first discovers the internet.

You might expect me to be driving a newer style VW bug, wear thick glasses and a pair of new jeans with a sport coat to work, and know where every Starbucks between my home and office is. It couldn't be further from the truth, however. I’m in my mid-40s, wear band shirts and jeans, drive a sensible Nissan Rogue which does well in the Colorado snow, and have long hair, no glasses, and a scraggly beard. During my non-working hours, you will usually find me in my garage hammering and grinding away on some weird project. Politically, love is love, abortion is healthcare, and I am a strong supporter of women in STEM.

After spending all day in front of QT Creator, pinging, building, breakpointing, disassembling, and all around [=]()’ing the day away. C++ programmers will get the last part of that sentence. I like to spend my off hours working with my hands and getting a little dirty. My “hobby” has led me to a new appreciation, more than I already had, for the men and women who do this day in and day out. Carpenters, machinists, specialty craftsmen/women, and the one thing I reallllllllly suck at, plumbing, I’m looking at you. You create long lasting functional art that stands the test of time and works. You dont develop your skills in a weekend seminar, and there is no “Learn Carpentry in 24 hours” book that flys off the shelf.

Go ahead sometime, go to the local hardware store and buy a 2x4. cut it into 4 pieces and make as close to a perfect square out of it as you can. I imagine most people wont do that good of a job. That level of talent and experience comes just as hard earned as mine has.