Temporality

You work in technology. How did you first get into this industry? If you weren’t in this field, what do you think you’d be doing?
I guess like a good number of the youths in my generation (or so I think), I was misguided by myself into thinking my passion and ability for video games and gadgets would automatically translate into technological skills. I was obviously wrong, but I think over the years, through an abundance of luck, self-learning and good mentorship, it has sort of worked out (laughs). But yes, in a way I always knew I wanted to be in this industry in some shape or form, so if I weren’t in tech, I would probably be finding a way to get into tech.

You’re also a dad to two kids! What has parenting been like for you?
The pressure can be absolutely nerve wracking, but at the same time, fantastic. It’s a very special experience, and is quite hard to describe. It’s as though a switch in your brain you never knew existed gets flicked on when you first set eyes upon them, and you instantly go into “dad mode”—increased maturity levels are, however, debatable—and your wallet starts bleeding out. Still, it’s definitely completely worth it.

What are some things your kids have taught you?
That a lot of the things I thought of as important before and fought so hard to get really aren’t that important. The same goes for problems.

Being a working parent, what boundaries have you set in place to maintain a work-life balance?
This is a tough one. It could be the industry or role I’m in, but I feel like once you reach a certain point in your career, there’s not much of a work-life balance to be had, and it’s more about integrating work into your personal life, and similarly, the other way round. Or perhaps I’m just terrible at it.

What is one thing you wish you had more time for?
Spending more time with the kids, family and the Playstation, which to be honest, is still unopened in its box, but the second I get the chance to open it, Elden Ring will be first game that goes on it.

As for family time, we enjoy getting ice cream together, watching movies, and taking walks in nature, preferably without all the monkeys chasing us. We tend to keep to the safe spots like MacRitchie and the Botanic Gardens because they’re more accessible and somewhat more child-friendly. And if we have to bail out for whatever reason, there are also good food and coffee spots close by.

Outside of work and being a dad, what are some things you like to do? Is there anything you’re hoping to pick up this year?
Running. There is something about getting the running shoes on, heading off in some random direction, and seeing where you end up when your legs start to give out—just don’t do it at night. I had an injury for some time and then the pandemic came along, so it’s stopped me from doing this. Hopefully I can start trying again, if my stamina allows it.

What is one thing people might not know about you?
That will continue to remain a mystery.