The self taught-coder overcoming fears of not being good enough
- Text by Daniel Tapper
- Photography by Greg Funnell
“There is so much pressure on young people today to present their lives as perfect – especially when it comes to their careers. It seems like there is always one more task you can do, one more hour you can work, and one more skill you can add to your CV.
“I enrolled on my first computer class at the age of six. By eleven I’d learnt how to touch type and by twelve I’d built my own website. After university, I launched my first iPhone app, Beauty Geek, and then I landed an amazing job at UK start-up SwiftKey, where I helped to build an app that got one million downloads on its first day. But I wasn’t content.
“Soon after starting work for another company, I was struck with a deep bout of depression. Some days I barely managed to get out of bed, never mind be productive. And in response, I pushed myself even harder to meet expectations. I was eventually rushed to hospital with what turned out to be a severe panic attack.
“It turned out I wasn’t the only one imploding from the mental stress of work. After blogging about my experience, I received hundreds of messages of support from people with similar experiences. The majority were victims of a growing work culture that promotes long working hours, while frowning upon any signs of weakness.
“I’ve since turned my life around. I now work my dream job as a programmer and designer for art collecting website Artsy, a company that nurtures its employees and values productivity and creativity over long hours. I’m still happy to pull an all-night work session but I now have a more balanced approach to my career.”
Keep track of our Millennial Hopes and Fears online special.
This article originally appeared in Huck 55 – The Freaked Out Issue. Buy it in the Huck Shop now or subscribe to make sure you never miss another issue.
You might like
A stark, confronting window into the global cocaine trade
Sangre Blanca — Mads Nissen’s new book is a close-up look at various stages of the drug’s journey, from production to consumption, and the violence that follows wherever it goes.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Venice Biennale will not award artists from Israel & Russia due to war crime accusations
Art Not Genocide — Both countries will still be allowed to exhibit work at their respective pavilions, but be excluded from judging considerations, as they have leaders facing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court.
Written by: Noah Petersons
Confronting America’s history of violence against student protest
Through A Mirror, Darkly — In May 1970, two separate massacres at American college campuses saw deaths at the hands of the state. Naeem Mohaiemen’s new three-channel film memorialises the brutality.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kneecap, Brian Eno, Erika de Casier sign Eurovision boycott letter protesting Israel’s involvement
No Music For Genocide — It calls upon the European Broadcasting Union to ban Israel from the upcoming competition, which is set to take place in Vienna between May 12 and May 14. Other signatories include Massive Attack, Hot Chip and Nadine Shah.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
“Madness can be overcome”: Robert Del Naja releases statement after Palestine Action arrest
“Small price to pay” — The Massive Attack frontman was one of more than 500 people detained on Saturday on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action, a group that has been banned under the Terrorism Act 2000 by the UK government.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Defiant photos of New York’s ’80s & ’90s queer activists
Arresting Images — Dona Ann McAdams’ photographs document the AIDS crisis, lesbian organising and civil disobedience from one of the most fraught eras in American LGBTQ+ history. A sale of her archive takes place later this month.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
