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About Me

I spent the last two decades independently consulting with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and everything in between. Along the way, I've authored over 100 software articles and a book, spoke at major conferences, and won community awards for my contributions to open source.
Jacob Orshalick

Recent Articles

Building the career you want is about raising your value as a developer. My weekly articles will guide you in the right direction.
Cover Image for What makes a great software architect

What makes a great software architect

Being a great software architect is not about using the latest and greatest technologies. It's much more than that.

Cover Image for Sometimes starting over is the most productive thing you can do

Sometimes starting over is the most productive thing you can do

You don't always have to salvage the work you've done. The only value left may be what you learned. And that's extremely valuable.

Cover Image for Failing software projects can be fixed

Failing software projects can be fixed

Almost all the reasons projects fail can be fixed. But, nothing is going to change until you find the source of the problem.

Cover Image for How a promotion without a raise changed my career

How a promotion without a raise changed my career

A "position realignment" gave me the kick in the butt I needed to take back control of my career.

Cover Image for Don't be afraid to ask your Product Owner "Why"

Don't be afraid to ask your Product Owner "Why"

Software developers uniquely understand what's possible with software. But, we need to know the “why” to guide the business.

Cover Image for Decades of software experience distilled into a podcast

Decades of software experience distilled into a podcast

A video full of software career essentials and actionable advice to help your team succeed.

Cover Image for Becoming the developer every organization wants

Becoming the developer every organization wants

Are they looking for the best technical skills or something else? Here is the formula for the developer every organization wants to hire.

Cover Image for Configure a custom domain for your AWS Amplify App

Configure a custom domain for your AWS Amplify App

A custom domain lets you share your AWS Amplify App with the world. This tutorial will show you how to do just that.

Cover Image for Start tracking subscribers in AWS in under 30 minutes

Start tracking subscribers in AWS in under 30 minutes

Building an audience is key to growing your brand. You need a way to keep them informed! This tutorial will have you tracking your subscribers in AWS in no time.

Cover Image for Host a portfolio site with Next.js and AWS in under 30 minutes

Host a portfolio site with Next.js and AWS in under 30 minutes

A tutorial where you can learn how to use Next.js with AWS while actually building something useful.

Cover Image for Never fear another layoff

Never fear another layoff

Layoffs are heart-breaking and difficult for everyone involved. But, it doesn't have to be something you fear.

Cover Image for You can be a Rockstar developer

You can be a Rockstar developer

Anyone can be a "Rockstar" developer, but there's only one way to do it. Find out how.

Cover Image for How to 2x your Developer Salary this Year

How to 2x your Developer Salary this Year

Throw in better work-life balance, the ability to choose what projects you work on, and where you work from. Learn how I got started independent consulting.

Jacob Orshalick
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