The last few weeks have been a little frustrating. Not because they have been any different than usual, but because they haven't been. I've said before that I think engineers should rule the world, and I actually mean it (well, mostly). But we just don't live up to our potential. I'm watching it play out live in front of me at work. There is such great need for people to step up and make a difference. But the people that have the most potential are disinterested, or focused on making their narrow little empires neat and tidy. There are so many organizations that need the logical, rigorous thinking that engineers are good at. But rather than help, we watch them struggle, and make excuses that it's not our job, or we don't have enough budget.
I continue to struggle with the question of whether I should stick with engineering, to try to change the culture, or move to program management, where I might or might not have more influence. Or, perhaps start my own business....
Along those lines, I've got 5 more Java lectures left from Stanford, and 5 more of the other Java exercises. When I'm done with these, it will be time to focus on practicing. Aside from the projects from the lectures, I also have the program to develop to improve my son's multiplication skills.
The hovercraft is still alive and moving slowly forward. We've made a few significant design changes, so there was definitely a few steps back. But I think this time we are going to have a pretty radical machine. If not, I think I'll make it into a coffee table...
