Thanks for sticking with me and reading my emails and newsletters – I really appreciate it. I wish you all the best business success for 2025.
The last quarter of 2024 was tough for me personally and financially.
We had to replace our family home’s entire top and lower roofs, which cost a staggering $120,000. Now that they’re done, we must save up to replace all the damaged indoor plasterboards and remove black mould.
Next, an uninsured UTE driver reversed into our car, totalling the driver’s door and causing the car to be written off. Thankfully, there were no injuries other than a few scratches from the shattered glass and some trauma for me and my son.
Update: We found a second-hand car and hope to get the keys in a few days, but we spent more than double what we originally budgeted when the accident happened in October.
In November, I organised the WordCamp Sydney 2024 conference. While it was a success, we had to deal with the consequences of Matt Mullenweg’s nuclear war with WP Engine for not contributing enough development hours to the core WordPress project.
Organising a two-day conference is stressful enough without being told you have to drop a sponsor, three speakers and an organising team member because WP Engine was now banned from WordCamps days before the conference opening.
In addition, I was bullied into handing over our X account to WordCamp Central under the threat of being removed as lead organiser. Also, Automattic spies recorded conference attendees speaking about the WP drama. They sent the recordings back to Matt Mullenweg, who made false comments about what was said and the context in which they were told in subsequent podcasts and video interviews.
I had to put a client project on hold until I was better mentally able to cope with continuing work. Being a freelancer who relies on word of mouth and reviews is never a good place to be.
We’ve also had some family issues to deal with over the last 6 months, which I don’t want to discuss but have been time-consuming and challenging to address and navigate.
This all took a toll on my mental and physical health. Thanks to friends, family, church and the Linux Australia council for helping me through the last quarter of 2024. It’s been a tough journey.
I’m in a better headspace now and resuming my freelancing business.
Lessons learned?
🟣 Family always comes first, no matter what.
🟣 Be prepared to deal with situations when 💩 hits the fan.
🟣 Save for a rainy day.
🟣 Have a network of friends and colleagues to support you in tough times.
🟣 Look after your mental and physical health.
So, when life throws you lemons, take a deep breath, lean on your tribe, and build something sweeter than lemonade. Resilience isn’t just surviving – it’s turning the bitter into better.
Until next time, keep thriving!
Wil.
