I am in my 40s and writing a browser application that is highly distributed so I wrote a test automation component that executes in the browsers of multiple computers from a single command and control one a single computer outside the browser. It provides full keyboard and mouse control, except mouse movement events, to any point in the DOM just like a user and can therefore remotely test messaging an accessibility.
Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
141–150 of 164 posts
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#142Mine is minor... I started doing my own yard at 42. I've hated doing yard work forever - I've always outsourced it. Then the guy I used started being unreliable. Got a used lawnmower and other tools - it has been such a fulfilling adventure! Plus I'm saving $300/month.
Looking into developing some gardening skills next!
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#143Picked up on woodworking when I was 40, built a ton of little furniture and things for the house. Last year finished my most ambitious project and built a home office shed that I’ve been using since. I’m 43 now and spent a couple hours browsing Pinterest this morning getting some inspiration on what to build next. Life long learning!
So, what is your next project fellow woodworker?
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#144We can make a little oveview of our co-workers from CyberCraft https://cybercraftinc.com and other companies. Let's consider new skills they picked up from scratch in their 40s or later:
1. Detailing (it's all about car care, polishing, cleaning, etc.)
2. Book review (it can become not just a hobby).
3. Winery (they grown different variaties of grapes for vine).
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#145Since my late 40s: Learned how to sing opera and pop. Learned sax, flute, trumpet, violin. Learned how to write songs. Started a farm.
Musical instruments were mostly self-taught. Singing required a teacher. Main source of knowledge is web research and YouTube videos.
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#146Earlier quoted context omitted.
Here in southeast Alaska, I usually hear people say "drive". For example if people are talking about a somewhat sketchy or tense return from a trip, you might ask them "Who was driving?" I never hear anyone say "Who was captain?" or "Who was steering?" "Captain" seems to imply a title, and "steering" sounds like you just took the wheel for a moment. That may be different for people who spend a lot of time on commerci…
I specifically remember seeing this distinction in, of all things, a 40's war-era Superman comic, where an everyman G.I. character tasked with truck driving was told, "anyone can steer - we need drivers! " Which makes me believe "drive" probably is nautical in origin and then corrupted through casual usage in automotive transit, where steering and driving are more often equated.
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Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#147Earlier quoted context omitted.
Here in southeast Alaska, I usually hear people say "drive". For example if people are talking about a somewhat sketchy or tense return from a trip, you might ask them "Who was driving?" I never hear anyone say "Who was captain?" or "Who was steering?" "Captain" seems to imply a title, and "steering" sounds like you just took the wheel for a moment. That may be different for people who spend a lot of time on commerci…
I specifically remember seeing this distinction in, of all things, a 40's war-era Superman comic, where an everyman G.I. character tasked with truck driving was told, "anyone can steer - we need drivers! " Which makes me believe "drive" probably is nautical in origin and then corrupted through casual usage in automotive transit, where steering and driving are more often equated.
Maybe not. Long before there were cars, the people who held the reins of a carriage were called drivers. They were literally driving the horses forward. So too the mule drivers
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#148Strength training - deadlifts, press, bench, squat etc. Started as I turned 40 because although I didn't mind being 40, I didn't want to be 40 and fat and piss weak.
//edit// Should also add I've done three novice strongman comps. I came last in them, but a competitive last and it was something for my daughter to watch me do. Also got a few PBs like doing a farmers walk with my bodyweight (100kg) in each hand.
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#149You should also ask if the people who learned new skills were raising kids. I have a feeling that is the dominant confounding variable.
I started strength training partly in response to having kids and wanting to be around for them.
Re: Ask HN: Have you picked up any new skill from scratch in your 40s or later?
#150Giving woodworking a try. I need to break out of the acquiring tools and shop things phase and get into the building things phase.
Learning via YT is immensely helpful. I also live near a woodworking legend that offers classes and took a class. It was humbling and gave a good perspective on the time required to be good.