Jerry Jones

Category: Professional Development

  • Qualities of Expertise

    Gaining expertise is difficult enough, but how can you tell if yourself (or someone else) has reached expert status? Unfortunately, multiple-choice tests are ineffective predictors since the benefit of expertise is being able to conjure up complex, situational-dependent solutions where there is no “correct” answer. One of the simpler ideas is to see how long…

  • Must Read: Unspeakable Conversations

    I started reading Disability Visibility this week to expand my understanding of the experiences of the one in five people with disabilities in the US. I had intended to do a blog post on things I learned, what struck me, etc. However, instead of reading what I think, please read Unspeakable Conversations (which is the…

  • Across the Atlantic Handoffs

    Across the Atlantic Handoffs

    Automattic is a large worldwide team, made up of smaller, worldwide teams where everyone works remotely. That was one of the things that made me excited to work there, but also very curious as to how it worked in practice. Would the timezone differences slow us down? Would we unintentionally get in each other’s way?…

  • Getting Hired at Automattic

    Getting Hired at Automattic

    I started at Automattic on November 20, 2019, and it’s an incredible place to work. I’m constantly impressed by my coworkers kindness, intelligence, and compassion. If you’re looking for a rewarding remote job that you can work from anywhere in the world, definitely apply. I’m still overjoyed and amazed I was hired. While going through…

  • Share Pie with Strangers

    Two years ago I spent the night in a cabin in an RV park in Northern California. My family and I finished dinner and lounged around a picnic table. A jovial man sat down and introduced himself. Talk quickly turned to work, and we realized we were both web designers/developers. I was a bit further…

  • 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Working for Free

    It’s tempting to work for free or with steep discounts for friends and nonprofits, but there are some pitfalls to be aware of. If you can get to the end of these questions and feel great about designing a logo, building a website, or whatever it is you do, then by all means, go for…

  • 7 Easy Steps to Fail at Building a Network

    For most of my career, I’ve felt like an imposter. I didn’t think I knew enough to contribute to the web designer/dev community, so why would anyone want to network with me? If I tried, wouldn’t people just figure out I didn’t know as much as them? I used to believe this was true. As…

  • How to Get Started as a Web Developer

    I became a designer and developer by baking bread. Wait… let me start over. I accidentally became a web designer/developer by baking bread. Here’s how it happened: Get a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Elementary Education Learn how to make great sourdough breads Sell bread and my wife’s granola bars (best bars…