About
Background
Professional history
Humble beginnings
Starting at a graduate IT position at a big four consultancy in Sydney, Australia, directly out of university, I was convinced I didn't like being "technical". In hindsight, my first role wasn't a very technical role - it was data entry to an enterprise CRM.
After enduring this role for six or so months, I was moving to a business analysis role and before it was confirmed - it fell through!
My manager at the previous role heard about it and found another technical role, then I never left the space.
Introduction to automation
My primary intro to automation was all around install software on to Windows servers (~2014). It was an error prone, lengthy process that really did not spark joy when it had to be done. A collection of crude Powershell scripts later, the install process was 2 weeks -> 4 hours, I had caught the automation bug.
Personal history
As an immigrant from South Africa in 2001, I've always had a point to prove. Life in Australia has provided opportunities that I would not had otherwise had in my birth country and I am not one to squander an opportunity.
When I commit to something, I can't do it with anything less than 100% effort. I've never found comfort in, "I wasn't trying very hard" when a goal wasn't hit. Time is that precious thing you simply cannot get more of, if the task wasn't a priority - don't waste time on doing it then.
Why "The Salty Dev"?
Anyone that knows me, knows that I can be critical chasing the best of anything. That being said, I don't applaud participation or "that's good enough" attitude. This critique can have comparisons drawn between "being salty" as I'm not an overly chipper individual.
All that being said, if you're putting in the work and genuinely want to better your craft - I'll always be in the trenches with you
A slightly more upbeat reference would be "Salt Bae", an internet sensation that would season his award winning cuts of meat with salt with a level of showmanship.