Daphne Bennett

I was very uncertain whether I should go to Revolution in York for dinner, as I don’t know anyone there, and don’t know enough to call myself a woman in tech. I even sent a message on LinkedIn to the organiser. They predictably told me it is the right kind of place for me.

Then came the difficulties, that I had to do the drop-off & pick-up for school activities. I picked my son up at 3, came home, walked the dog, and planned to take the bus at 4. But the bus broke down after one stop. It said the next one was coming in a few mins on the phone, and 20smin on the display screen, then 20 mins passed one came that says ‘not in service’. I waited another 20mins, finally I got to the train station just after 5 and got there just about 6.

It’s lovely to be back in York.

I saw a woman with a laptop backpack as I arrived at the bar, dying for a pint. We had a chat about her work and my work that sort of thing. Then we went upstairs. It was quite busy, about 30 people. More men than I expected. I learnt two ladies were doing similar job as I do, mainly using SQL and PowerBI in their work at a mental health charity . The night was sponsored by Insotoma and the theme was Butterfly Effect. Three ladies, one works in QA, one is software developer and another one is… escaped me, shared their journey how they get into the role they are in. One thing I learnt is, yes this will take a while, no rush. Second thing I learn is, even if I think what I am doing could be quite backward and outdated, they are foundations, I have to trust the process and keep learning. I spoke to a few people. I left before 9 to catch the train, but again there was delay and I couldn’t get home until 10.

I absolutely love York and I love cities. I would really really love to move back to a city.

But that’s ok, we are where we are.

I am quite tired. Calling it a day now. Maybe there is a part 3 tomorrow. Maybe I will remember more tomorrow.