Advice appreciated

[realityhack]

I think the chance to pick up new skills and change what you are doing tend to crop up by chance and I think you've just got to grab one when it comes along and run with it and see how things work out.

That's how things have panned out so far - but I'm all for taking control of my direction, or at least mapping out an intended route. It gives me something to aim for.

[rootsnall]

That's how things have panned out so far - but I'm all for taking control of my direction, or at least mapping out an intended route. It gives me something to aim for.

To be honest I used to hatch plans and go as far as doing some re-training but the most lucrative changes of direction came about via lucky breaks and having well connected boozing mates. I now can't be arsed and have settled for code monkeydom for aslong as I can hang on in there.

[realityhack]

That dichotomy is wrong. It's a hard balancing act but don't do either or. If you enjoy the artistic side, stick with it.

By continuing to operate in all these different areas I'm beginning to feel a little watered down/stretched thinly, like a jack of all - this is making me uneasy. I've seen what happens to managers who have no one specialism. Sticking with one subject can take you down a cul-de-sac. It's a balance of those with a push in a particular subject area I'm aiming for.

Just add other skills while keeping your core ones intact.

Exactly what I suspected.

User interface/usability issues are largely underestimated in my opinion - just look at Microtulipe products.

Unfortunately, few business value them highly enough to pay good rates. I've done some research with several preferred and potential suppliers of usability services - backgrounds range from normal web dev to ppl with degrees in Human Computer Interaction. Most of the info they provide is common sense I've picked up on the job - hence why my BS detector went off.

[realityhack]

I think you should knock off for the day and go and have a few pints !

Maybe you're right.