Yes, you read that right. I am currently doing my dream job.
I’m currently an Open Source Program Manager at Automattic. I work full time on open source software (WordPress) – my focus is on making its contributor experience the best it could be. I am working on building and improving programs such as mentorship programs and Five for the Future to ensure that WordPress – the open source software that powers 43% of the web (and counting) continues to grow and thrive. I feel quite privileged, humbled, and grateful to be doing something I love for my full-time job, what also excites me is the impact my job has. My work keeps the internet as we know it free and open.
Not too long ago, I could not even dream about the life I have today. I had a point where I was branded a failure, shunned by my family, and could barely make ends meet. Through a combination of hard work, luck, and support from friends and my wife, not to mention WordPress itself – I found my Ikigai, and entered a journey which brought me where I am today. I wrote about my story in HeroPress, give it a read if you are so inclined.
If I could share briefly about how I got where I am, I think it is because I really followed my heart. I really kept doing what I enjoyed, and I pursued it with all my heart. Even in my darkest moments, I was lucky enough to find inspiration in spirituality and a supportive wife, which kept me going. With that said, I am not sure if “following your heart” generally is sound advice for everyone – but in general, doing what you like doing for your work does seem to make sense.
I really love what I am doing for work, and my hope is to continue doing what I am doing, and to make an impact in the world (and the web).
Let us see how this journey unfolds…
This post was written as part of the Bloganuary challenge of WordPress.com. Bloganuary is a month-long challenge, where bloggers are challenged to write a new blog post every day, based on a daily writing prompt. You will need a WordPress.com account to get the prompts, but you can blog on any platform of your choice – OR even journal privately. Oh btw, there is no bloganuary police – so you can pick your own prompts if you wish to!
Hari Shanker R 
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