Starting 2026: New Year, Same Hustle
New year, same mission. Here's my approach for the months ahead.
The Reset
January feels like a fresh start. New budgets. New hiring plans. New energy.
I'm ready.
My 2026 Focus Areas
Job Search (Obviously)
The strategy:
- **Quality over quantity** - Targeted applications, not spray-and-pray
- **Network activation** - Following up on seeds planted in December
- **Interview prep** - Mock interviews with the Discord crew
- **Stay visible** - Continue building and writing
Technical Growth
Areas I want to go deeper:
- **AI/LLM integration** - Building with APIs, not just using tools
- **System design** - Common interview topic, genuinely useful skill
- **Performance optimization** - React, Node, database queries
Content
Keep the blog going:
- 2 posts per week minimum
- More practical tutorials
- Maybe try video content?
Community
The Discord will continue. Planning:
- More structured job-hunt accountability groups
- Code review sessions
- Mock interview practice
What I'm NOT Doing
- **LeetCode grinding** - Diminishing returns after basics
- **Learning frameworks for resume padding** - Focus on depth
- **Comparing myself to others** - Dangerous game
Realistic Expectations
I hope to find a role this quarter. But I've learned: hope isn't a timeline.
What I control:
- Showing up every day
- Building consistently
- Staying connected
- Taking care of myself
First Steps
This week: 1. Update resume with 2025 projects 2. Refresh LinkedIn with recent work 3. Send 10 targeted applications 4. Schedule 2 mock interviews
Small steps. Consistent execution.
The Mindset
I've been in this limbo for 8 months. The worst part? The beginning.
Now I know I can handle it. The uncertainty is familiar. The routine is set.
2026 is the year it changes. Or it's not, and I adapt again.
Either way, I keep moving.