Reflections of Engineer Turned Educator - 4k

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Some thoughts from engineer turned educator.

When the world went into lockdown I effectively lost my job.

Seeing people struggle with motorsport tech, I “naively” chose to double down. With a small blog of just over 100 subscribers, I began sharing all I knew.

The journey has been quite something.

To friends with “real” jobs, 4,000 seems low, especially in this age where millions of YT views are the norm - more so considering I’ve been working more hours per week than is probably healthy for the past three years!

I ask them, “When was the last time you voluntarily signed up for a newsletter?”

Most tell me they go out of their way to avoid sharing their email address - and for good reason!

Success, however defined, is often the result of years of prior work. Trying things that work, but mostly that don’t.

As a solopreneur, creator, or whatever the current label in vogue is, I’ll be honest, the low days are pretty low. They are also pretty lonely—like talking into the void. “Is anyone out there? Is this helpful at all?” Often, the answer is_____

But then, you wake up and someone has left a nice comment on a YouTube video or takes the time to reply to your email or tells you how your course has made a big difference.

They’re simply say thanks for what you do but it makes huge difference. I actually have a digital sticker book of every one of these kind comments. To anyone who’s shared their feedback, thank you.

I often wonder what my parents would have thought. Both sadly passed away in recent years before their time due to terminal cancer.

My mum was a teacher, marketer, and writer. Given that I spent most of my education trying to avoid books, reading, and anything to do with writing, I’m sure she’d find it amusing that this is now all I really do!

I often wonder what her counsel would have been.

I’m a bootstrapped entrepreneur learning on the job. It comes with all the freedoms and frustrations you might associate with that. But without having had to craft a bespoke CV or pass a panel interview, I get to serve some of the most interesting, diverse, and intelligent people in the world.

“Racing is life,” right?

There’s a flip side, but today, as I celebrate my mini-milestone, I’m pleased and thankful.

Not least for the support from my tiny corner of the internet—some of whom are remarkably generous with their time and encouragement—but also to my wife and family. Without their support, it would have been easy to pack up shop a long time ago.

Thanks for indulging me here. Onwards to 5k and helping more people have more fun on the race track. #keeptruckin

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