I'm working in Derry for the next couple of weeks. I don't usually work outside of Dublin, but duty calls and all that. I feel like a travelling salesman. I'm staying in a shithole travelodge (room nothing like photos), I'm away from my comforts (i.e. Donna), and I'm tired from the drive up this morning (got up at 5.20am, poo) and working all day.

However, no matter where you are, its easy to make it feel like home. So I've bought 2 days of wifi from bitbuzz, and just got some dominos delivered. And there seems to be millions of channels on the telly.


Still, makes you appreciate your own home.

Being a "rogue" in a company large, small or even one person in size can be a great way to get stuff done and ultimately work out to everyones advantage. I am always one for encouraging the rattling of cages. Questioning middle and upper management decisions can result in a better run organisation and sometimes respect from your peers and seniors.

The main reason behind this is the fact that they hired you in the first place. You were hired for your unique skills at a technical level and interpersonal level. Each person in an organisation is usually better than every other person in at least 1 specific skill. The decisions on this technology or niche should come on advisement from this person. But may not be the case where you work.

At times it can be worth being an Intrapreneur to just get something changed or done where too many meetings and management decisions will delay the work or stop it in its track altogether. You'll need a passion for what you believe in, and that has to be evident to convince your peers the advantages of your actions.

I have found myself questioning or saying "no" to my seniors at times. The reason being that I know more about the results of the request than the person asking. People respect no, and they people notice of no. If you question something, you can make it better.

Get yourself out of the "Yes man" rut and start saying no. Always ask why, and say no to yourself and to others.*

*Results may vary. Side affects include anal leakage.

Bit of a pipe dream really. Money can be made from Blogging, some make a lot of money. But most don't.

On that day more than 500,000 people hit my site—by far the biggest day I'd ever had—and through Google's AdSense program I earned about a hundred bucks.

That's not very inspiring. I seriously figured more people clicked on ads. I don't click on ads, in fact I've managed to stick them in my blind spot on most sites I visit, so I guess I can't assume everyone else does.

It would be great to be able to make money directly from blogging, but realistically, the only main value that can come from a blog is to be able to sell yourself as a writer/designer/developer or someone competent in your professional field. When it boils down to it, this value should be worth more to you than ad revenue. Building relationship with your readers, and converting them into paying clients should be the goal of a professional blogger. In fact a personal (?) bloggers goal should be to build relationships too.

One month I made €4.36 in google ads, and I was stoked. Still haven't reached the €100 mark after almost 5 years writing BahFlafBurb, so have yet to actually get money (Major party when that cheque comes!!). I guess I'll just have to put up with the enjoyment of having an outlet and some reliable readers and commenters.

My tip? Like other networking platforms, focus on quality content that sells you as a person/professional.

I am tired. Really tired. All the time.

For about 2 months, I've been up and down (it's ups and downs). Work is going well, I'm learning a lot and doing a lot. I think that's the problem. I've never produced as much stuff in work as I have in the last 4 months. A lot of it is good quality too.

But my personal life is taking a hit. I used to be able to go to work, and come home ready for whatever the evening brings. Now, I barely have the energy to change clothes, and get onto the couch.

Yes I went for pints last night, and they rocked (the pints) and it was a good night overall, but today my head is fucked, I can't focus, but I can't relax either.

Some advice would be nice...

(this post was a waste...pointless drivel, expect more like this)