Looking Back: My Early Fascination with Electronics

During my childhood in the late 70s and 80s, I was captivated by electronics, crafting circuits that sparked joy and curiosity. My initial projects revolved around audio amplifiers and sound effects for my music keyboard, even gaining publication in a magazine.

The mid-80s ushered in the home computer revolution, diverting my attention to software development while I also created add-ons for my machines, like sound samplers and MIDI interfaces. Despite my shyness, my passion for electronics helped me shine in my first job interview, where I felt like I was getting paid to play with components.

The Impact of Life Changes

However, life took a turn in my twenties when I married and embraced adult responsibilities. With a full-time job and an old house to maintain, my time for hobbies dwindled. Even as I held onto electronics as a hobby, it primarily existed in my professional life.

Advancements in technology also played a role; the rise of Surface Mount Technology made components significantly smaller, complicating home projects.

Adapting to New Realities

In my early thirties, I could still easily handle small components with my regular glasses, using magnification only for final checks. But as I entered my forties, my deteriorating eyesight made this increasingly challenging. Thankfully, I shifted to a job with a heavier software focus, allowing me to manage the situation without too much fuss.

I occasionally had chances to utilize my electronics skills, yet I hesitated to admit my struggles in front of younger colleagues with perfect vision. I often pondered if my new employer doubted my hardware capabilities. Fortunately, their lab had a microscope, which allowed me to engage with electronics on at least one project.

A Personal Loss and New Perspectives

Four years into my new role, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. After two years, I left my job to care for her and our children. Tragically, she passed away a year later, and I never returned to my previous profession. This profound loss shifted my focus towards raising my children, while I explored software ideas to keep my mind active.

A Bittersweet Return to Electronics

In a bid to reconnect with my identity as an electronics engineer, I impulsively purchased tools to repair my son’s broken tablet connector. I felt compelled to prove my skills, even if it would have been more economical to hire someone else.

I successfully completed the repair, but it was bittersweet. The excitement I once felt about building circuits was replaced with stress over the potential for damage. Eventually, I sold my microscope.

Shifting from Electronics to Writing

Today, while I still enjoy tinkering with electronics occasionally, my focus has largely shifted to writing. The constraints of my budget often lead me to opt for ready-made solutions instead of building from scratch.

For example, during the pandemic, I considered creating a circuit to charge my car battery from another vehicle but ultimately chose to buy a pre-made module. I did, however, design a few custom control circuits.