# Now

*2026-11-06*


This page is a snapshot of what I'm up to right now. It's inspired by [Derek Sivers](https://sive.rs/) and the [nownownow.com](https://nownownow.com/about) project.

## Working

<small>Things I've been working on.</small>

### Finding work

Still on the lookout for work in this crazy job market. Over 160 applications sent so far: some with responses, some ghosted, some flat-out rejected. Just gotta keep going!

### This blog

Whilst out of work I've been busy on this blog - improving the site, adding new features, writing more content. Most of the posts I wanted to write are now up, so I'll be getting back to other things.

### Unreal Engine build server

Alongside applications and blog content, I've been building an [automated Unreal Engine build server]({{< relref "posts/2026/automated-unreal-engine-build-server-on-aws-1" >}}) to automate the build process for Unreal Engine projects.

### Graveyard Gunner

I keep meaning to get back to this [Unreal Engine project]({{< relref "posts/2026/graveyard-gunner" >}}). The build server and blog posts have eaten most of my time (I get distracted easily). I'll eventually get back to it and finish what I started!

## Learning

<small>Things I've been learning.</small>

### Degree enquiries

Believe it or not, I don't have a degree. When I was living in the UK I only got as far as a [Higher National Diploma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_National_Diploma) in Software Engineering before life took a different direction.

Since doing my [AWS Certifications]({{< relref "posts/2024/getting-aws-certified" >}}) I've been inspired to potentially go back to university. I'm enquiring with [RMIT](https://www.rmit.edu.au/) and [Monash](https://monash.edu/) to see what counts towards [Recognition of Prior Learning](https://www.vic.gov.au/get-recognition-your-skills-experience-and-past-study).

Reaching back out to my old universities for transcripts feels odd at this point in life, but who knows where it may lead.

### Programming languages

Since [delving into C++]({{< relref "posts/2025/delving-into-c-plus-plus" >}}), I've been looking into learning [Rust](https://www.rust-lang.org/) and getting into [Go](https://golang.org/) more. I've got a pretty good foundation in [most languages](https://maceage.com/#skills-section), so picking up another two shouldn't be too arduous.

## Reading

<small>Things I've been reading.</small>

### Lean Startup

When I'm not writing or snowed under by [bookmarks](/bookmarks), I've been reading [Lean Startup by Eric Ries](https://theleanstartup.com/book) on my Kindle. Pretty insightful so far - I'm about halfway through.

### Game Engines

Following my Unreal Engine studies, I wanted to delve deeper into the workings of game engines. My partner kindly bought me the two-volume set of [Game Engine Architecture](https://www.amazon.com.au/Game-Engine-Architecture-Two-Set/dp/1041162596) in paperback for my birthday. Both are sitting on the shelf waiting to be read, which I plan to do when I have some downtime!

## Playing

<small>Things I've been playing.</small>

### Battlefield 6

My go-to game in downtime has been [Battlefield 6](https://www.battlefield.com/en-au/battlefield-6). I've always been a massive fan of the series (except [2142](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battlefield_2142), ugh) and this latest installment is the best yet. It's also the only game I will ever buy from EA.

### Chivalry 2

Picked up for a mere $5, I've been having great fun with [Chivalry 2](https://www.chivalry2.com/). There's nothing quite like bashing someone over the head with a wooden mace :wink:

### Company of Heroes 3

Another favourite - I've absolutely loved the [Company of Heroes](https://www.companyofheroes.com/) series and the 3rd installment is a great addition to the franchise. The best thing about it: you can play at any time of day and there's always someone to compete against.

## Watching

<small>Things I've been watching.</small>

### Gogglebox

Ever since it first aired, I've been a huge fan of [Gogglebox](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2762330/) - the UK version though, nothing else compares. Great for picking up other random TV series to watch, and the occasional dose of UK nostalgia.

### The Traitors

A fan ever since it appeared on UK TV. [The Traitors](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23743442) is a murder mystery of lies and deceit, and we've just finished watching the excellent [celebrity version](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33248156/).

### The Great British Bake Off

More my other half than me, but [The Great British Bake Off](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877368/) often makes for dinnertime viewing. Can't say I'm much of a cook, but the food always looks delicious :joy: