Hobby for ICT Professional/Enthusiast

Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 09:39

Hi people, I've been trying to find some fun technologies or skills that are enjoyable. I'm a computer nerd and work in IT with a broad range of knowledge but a focus around data and reporting.

I'm time poor so struggle to find the time to explore these things in order to get a feel for them.

For example

  • I'm interested in AI/ML but struggled to get on board with the stats - I enjoy videos on youtube about people using genetic algorithms to improve performance
  • I'm interested in graphic design and maybe video stuff but it seems to have big, up front software and hardware expenses.
  • I've bought and played with a mavic mini but I don't know I have the photography to back up something more expensive.

I'm most at home in Python/SQL/Analytics tools but I'm happy to push beyond that.

My goal is to find something that can be done in small chunks of time. It doesn't have to all be "free" but a reasonable cost input to output.

What have you tried and enjoyed or given up on?

Education & Work

Comments

  • SF3 on 02/06/2021 - 09:48
    +11

    Hobby for ICT Professional/Enthusiast

    Why not try something outside of tech, seems like you are either time poor or only show an interest, but not (yet?) committed to anything to persist.

    Maybe try non ICT activities such as, Music, Drawing, Sports, Gardening, Lego, etc…

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 09:52

      Fair point.

      Music is another one I'm having a go at and have been doing on and off. I was starting to get lessons when covid hit.

      I do really enjoy random tech though but quite right that it doesn't really need to be in that space. There would also be some provision that the right digital skills could be incorporated into my work.

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:15

      As for "trying" stuff im back to my original problem. Hence why I'm also interested in the hobbies other people have - tech or not.

      • IVI on 06/06/2021 - 08:00

        I was browsing this forum in search of a Volunteer to help us build a simple website that educates users about - what else? - Nuclear Energy.

        (That's right: Help to Save the Planet by making a big dent in CO2 Emissions.)

        So, imagine an array of text boxes (with a topic-title in each one). If user sees a topic, that they're interested in (or want to review), they tap its box, to cause a short video to run (either from the Internet OR from a folder on our webserver's modest Hosting Service (the lowest amount of space you can buy from our provider).

        After the topic's video finishes playing, the array of topics reappears, to invite user to pick another topic or Exit.

        ATM, we're using BlueGriffon (free) as our HTML (5?) webpage making tool.

        Since all text boxes will likely look alike (except for topic-title & link to the corresponding short video), if we can find or have written a template for any of our "cells" we should be able to spin-off the rest of them.

        • IVI on 06/06/2021 - 08:12

          ATM, we don't know our tool well enough to make all these things happen.

          Using its video icon, we can make it play a video, but after it finishes, other cells' text boxes don't cause their short videos to play.

          We'll also need to make intro + outro audios (eg, a chosen podcast) to play, as if it were a video, but maybe show its title & time-remaining.

          Sometimes it can be rewarding to do something, above & beyond work tasks, that are significant to "improving the World" for a change.

          If that applies to you, let us know, thanks…

    • purplelady on 02/06/2021 - 11:31

      Yeah that's what I thought too. Why does your hobbies have to be all work related?

  • mini2 on 02/06/2021 - 09:58

    Surely PowerBI/Tableau would be right up your alley given your background?

    If you're into AI sorta thing, I think the Azure Chatbot fairly fun to play with but gets a little pricey if you forgot to switch it off. I think it can learn on its on (some ML aspect) like I would tell it to read a webpage and learn from but it still has a large reliance on you loading the chat into it then it applies some sorta AI to interact with you?

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:00

      I do powerbi/tableau for work but as a hobby I dunno what I'd do with them…

      The Azure chatbot sounds interesting - i'll have a look.

  • alexlim2000 on 02/06/2021 - 10:07
    +4

    Asside from non tech hobbies (badminton), I'm slowly working on automating my front door - I want it to detect me and unlock as I approach, kind of liek your car's keyfob.

    Find the small things which annoy you in life and automate them. Either you succeed and are fullfilled, or you build a soup robot and end up a youtuber superstar

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:13

      I've done some home automation with home-assistant and I add new routines from time to time. something more ambitious could be fun though. thanks!

  • DarthAntz on 02/06/2021 - 10:09
    +1

    Gunpla. Not sure about getting kits in your area, but some beginner kits are very cheap. Great alternative to lego.

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:14

      I've never heard of it, I'll check it out! thanks

    • mini2 on 02/06/2021 - 10:19

      Yeah they get spendy very quckly.

      • DarthAntz on 02/06/2021 - 13:36

        When you start buying paint, you've gone too far and you might as well turn to warhammer for an expensive, low-return hobby. Sorry warhammer fans. I live in Japan, and gunpla kits start at $8-$20. For a few kits there completing with minimum tools and spread out over a few sessions to build, this hobby has been great. It's a starter for other similar model kits too.
        Youtube has plenty of videos of the pro's spending hundreds of hours (and the money) making some terrific, detailed models.

        • mini2 on 02/06/2021 - 13:54
          +1

          That makes a difference, everything cost substantially more here. The cheapest HG kit is $25 a pop, nevermind MG/RG and of course PG.

  • poohduck on 02/06/2021 - 10:27
    +4

    I'd be looking for a life balance, eg exercise, outdoor stuff. If you're time poor are you able to incorporate exercise? Walking to work? Riding to work? Walking to get groceries etc. Try learning navigation - compass and map. GPS are good, but it is amazing how they can totally screw up too. Being able to pull out a compass to confirm things or orient a map is a simple confirmation. It will also give you some incentive to go bushwalking - utilize those skills. Or navigate an urban environment with a map on foot. Set yourself a navigation challenge.

    • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:30

      That sounds cool - i'll check it out.

      • Presence on 02/06/2021 - 10:33
        +2

        Look at Geocaching

        • Waffles on 02/06/2021 - 10:34

          I have actually done that before. Might be worth rekindling

        • Quantumcat on 02/06/2021 - 11:21
          +1

          Or orienteering

          • IVI on 06/06/2021 - 08:27

            @Quantumcat: Podcast: "Ham Radio Workshop" had over an hour on a group that combines Sky Diving with Ham Radio (they make dives after wearing all sorts of radio gear).

            Like eRockit, it's not a cheap hobit to get into…

      • IVI on 06/06/2021 - 08:23

        Cf DW's "REV" for some ideas (from eRockit to an evoke rental business, & a few in between).

        Find it via app "DW Breaking World News" I caught REV on the weekend, but they may arkive their shows on one of their YouTube channel(s).

    • ItsMeAgro on 02/06/2021 - 11:09
      +1

      On the exercise front: a lot of IT people got into it because we're pretty nerdy. Often overweight, or weak and skinny.

      Studying a martial art can be absolutely life-changing for people like us.

      You won't believe what it's like to be automatically, instinctively respected by people just because you look and move like someone who can handle yourself in a fight.

      That's aside from all the health benefits, including better mental abilities, that come from being fit and healthy.

      Or the very small chance it could actually save you, or someone around you, from death or serious injury one day.

      • singlemalt72 on 02/06/2021 - 11:23
        +2

        You won't believe what it's like to be automatically, instinctively respected by people just because you look and move like someone who can handle yourself in a fight.

        Who are you trying to impress, why are you in situations where you "look like you can handle yourself in a fight". Apart from walking around the streets in a gi striking poses of course.

        • psyren89 on 02/06/2021 - 12:36
          +2

          Apart from walking around the streets in a gi striking poses of course.

          I think that'll have the opposite effect.

      • IVI on 06/06/2021 - 08:31

        If you have TONs of $$ accumulating, form a boating Club w/ others in a similar situation, & group-buy "Canadala 7" 100% Electric speedboat (from nuclear Sweden, of course… ;~)

        Faster than most, as it lifts itself up out of the water… See their videos…

        Fast rescue boat…. Maybe racer?

  • bjdchwr on 02/06/2021 - 10:52
    +4

    I am an IT tech and I do love 3D Printing and Laser cutting when I am not on duty so you might think about something that is not closely IT related :-)

    Also 3D Printing and Laser cutting have the involvement of graphical designs and modelling stuff.

    • hentabara on 02/06/2021 - 11:28

      Any machine brand suggestion? I am interested in 3d printing/laser as well

      • bjdchwr on 02/06/2021 - 12:17
        +1

        For 3D Printer, depending on how much you wish to get involved, Ender 3 Pro or Ender 3 V2 can be a good starting point.

        If you prefer reliability and support, I would personally recommend Prusa printer - they have better quality hardware and the structure is more rigid.

      • Haulien on 12/06/2021 - 05:14

        If you're up for a reliable diy printer, check out the Voron line. over engineered but work wonderfully, and great community willing to help out at with any issue.

  • Quantumcat on 02/06/2021 - 11:19
    +3

    What about something non-tech? You will get tired only using that part of your brain and leaving the rest unstimulated.

    You could get into arts or crafts. I am enjoing sewing. You need to use spatial skills to the max as you try to visualise how to construct your garment or quilt, especially if you're going to try something different to the pattern. And when you're actually putting it together most of the time you can relax, and just concentrate on what your fingers are physically doing and not obsess over whatever thoughts are usually going on in your mind. Like meditation.

    Or learn an instrument. Similar to constructing a sewing project you have to concentrate fully on what your body is doing and really feel it from the inside. And you have to listen really carefully to see if your intonation is right and listen to the piece as a whole to figure out how you can play it more musically. I have been enjoying learning the cello for the last year or so.

    I am not a sports person but I know many people get enjoyment from pushing their body to the max and seeing what they can achieve. Team sports can be a great social outlet as well.

    Or just some home DIY projects. Is there anything about your house that has always bothered you but wasn't worth paying a guy to come fix? Maybe learn how to do it with a class at Bunnings or youtube videos. Eg fix all the washers on your taps or plaster up a hole in your wall. Or build some garden beds or build a built in bookshelf.

    Doing too much of one thing will make you tireder and more irritable. I would give something different a chance. (I would have suggested Bridge or Chess but that's using the same part of the brain as programming, so maybe don't do that)

  • geekcohen on 02/06/2021 - 14:14
    +1

    I am in IT anmd I am into Amatuer Radio. Its great fun! I got into it through my Dad and have had my license since I was about 11 (now 27).

    Being into IT and technology helps, sometimes the two can be mixed. There is some stuff (depending on how far you get into it) that requires IT. Like setting up internet links to connect into radio networks etc.

    Just a thought, it is what I do and its great fun. PM me if you want to discuss more.

    • Waffles on 03/06/2021 - 11:24

      Sounds interesting and I would never have thought of it, thanks. I'll have a look!

      • geekcohen on 03/06/2021 - 11:52

        It is a little unique, but good fun.

    • martians on 09/07/2021 - 16:28

      wow this sounds really interesting

  • tabitha731 on 03/06/2021 - 07:19
    +1

    My work has me heavily intreched in IT as well, I find the best hobby for me is weightlifting…. Getting a good break from IT outside of work allows u to channel thought processes better… I find for me anyway

  • 82norm on 03/06/2021 - 07:48

    Ardunio, if your into electronics.
    Nanoscaping/Aquascaping- keeping shrimps.
    3D printing.

  • 82norm on 03/06/2021 - 07:51
    +2

    Ardunio, if your into electronics.
    Nanoscaping/Aquascaping- keeping shrimps.
    3D printing.

    • skillet on 03/06/2021 - 12:32

      Nice view of shrimps if you work from home.

    • Waffles on 05/06/2021 - 22:45

      I've done some very basic arduino. That's a good idea. Thanks!

  • soaringphoenix on 03/06/2021 - 07:57
    +1

    Will your wife allow you to purchase a motorbike for offroad use only?

  • iridiumstem on 03/06/2021 - 07:58
    +1

    Mechanical keyboards could be fun. There are a lot of vintage keyboards out there beyond just Cherry MX style switches.
    At least watching this guy talking about all kinds of different keyboards from the past I found was interesting.
    I don't think it would be cheap though, if you actually want to get into it, restore things or make things compatible with modern computers.

    • Waffles on 05/06/2021 - 22:44

      Sounds interesting. thanks!

  • Silver-Arrowz on 03/06/2021 - 08:33

    I'd try something non-tech to stop getting all squared eyed.

    Exercise helps with my focus (also in IT). Sitting in long technical meetings and remaining focus was always a problem when I wasn't fit.

    A lot of IT friends are really great kitchen chefs or gardeners. Music is also a common thing.

    Cars/motorbikes also appeals to the engineering inner geek.

  • giftcardinspector on 03/06/2021 - 09:06
    +1

    If you like beer, why not all grain homebrewing.
    Once you get the basics down pat, you can start working your way into automating the systems.
    There is heaps of different programming involved you can delve into

    • Waffles on 05/06/2021 - 22:46

      Nice idea. Thanks!

  • Lastchancetosee on 03/06/2021 - 09:57
    +1

    If you'd enjoy doing different manual stuff for a change, try Ugears models.

    https://ugearsaustralia.com.au/

    No way I'd have the patience for them, but some family members enjoy it, and the results look great.

    • Waffles on 05/06/2021 - 22:50

      never heard of them before, thanks!

  • Rockets84 on 03/06/2021 - 11:22

    I've been a IT Pro for 24 years now and gaming used to be my hobby but as a Dad of three and very time poor too now as after school and weekends is running around for kids activities so don't get a lot of time for games now. Occasionally play with my son but I'm not a fan of modern games. Other IT Pros I know are quite interested in audio or home theatre setup, home automation, home brewing and hydroponics. A good friend has his hydroponic and home brewing setup all kitted out with Audrino's and Raspabery Pi's for monitoring and automation.

    Perhaps something that's got some exercise and completely away from IT would be better, cycling is very popular with other IT pros I know. I used to be really into too but a medical condition now makes that hard so I only do a bit cycling now. I took up target archery with my daughter a couple of years ago and I really enjoy that. It can be expensive if you go down the Olympic Recurve or Compound path (lost of carbon fibre and precision machined equipment) but traditional archery with a longbow has quite a low entry point and is still fun.

    • Waffles on 06/06/2021 - 21:40
      +1

      Interesting, thanks heaps!

  • AaronRain on 04/06/2021 - 08:59
    +1

    If you are used to programming languages, why not try learning just a language, particularly since languages are usually learned over time. I am learning Japanese at the moment, and using something like Duolingo can make it very casual. Combine that with a treadmill desk combo and you can even tackle the exercise front.

    • Waffles on 06/06/2021 - 21:40

      That's an interesting idea and one I had played around with a while ago but not recently.

      Do you feel that Duolingo works though? Maybe I never got far enough through basic but it just seemed like I wasn't learning anything.

  • BrettSh on 05/06/2021 - 18:28
    +1

    I enjoy tinkering with with Raspberry Pi's, setting them up as media servers, stuff like that.

    I know you are time poor and it's perhaps not what you had in mind, but one thing I've got a lot of value out of is a folding bike. I'm too busy and (maybe lazy) to stick to an exercise regime. However, a bicycle is a fun way to get around… well in Melbourne at least. I've taken it on trains, trams etc. There are are 4 of us in my office who bike in… well when we aren't in lock-down anyway.

    • Waffles on 06/06/2021 - 21:39

      I do also do a bit of raspberry pi's and have a decent collection of them but not a whole lot for them todo. Basically just home assistant

  • ngengerous on 08/06/2021 - 17:39

    Fellow IT worker here - over the last year I've picked up the odd hobby of fragrance collecting. Started by ordering in some tiny samples of real high-end colognes while in lockdown, and now I've built up quite a collection of smaller and larger bottles. It's a bit pricey, but if you get into the fragrance groups on Facebook you can buy/sell/trade without losing much/if any money. I've really enjoyed exploring and collecting some fantastic stuff, and as an added bonus, you always smell fantastic!

    • Waffles on 08/06/2021 - 17:44

      That's fascinating! I'm definitely intrigued… Especially as someone who (as I understand it) doesn't smell great

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