Andrew Astleford’s Post

5 remote work quirks: 🏠 Do you have some? The other day, I looked around the working space in my house. I’ve been a remote employee for most of my working life, and I’ve developed some quirks. I thought it would be fun to share 5 here. • I leave empty coffee cups and mugs in my space too long. • I can’t work without a shoelace nearby. (I play with the plastic tips as a stress reliever.) • I feel most comfortable working while wearing fuzzy socks. • I always participate in meetings while standing. • Unless I’m in a meeting, I leave the lights off and allow only natural light to come through. If you work at home, what quirks have you developed over time? #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

A nod to a new life: ☀️ I’m thinking about the past. Six years ago this week, I was told I’d be laid off. It was the second and last layoff of my former career. I started my first content design position a few months later. Looking back, this was one of the most consequential weeks of my life. It’s interesting how nudges can push us in new directions. I had no idea where a career change would lead me. I’m evolving each day. But I’ve been fortunate. I’ve come to understand this: Reinvention is possible. Believe. A few years ago, I wrote an essay about leaving a familiar life and finding lessons in new beginnings. I’ve thought about the consequences of evolution and how much I’ve changed in the past 6 years. I resonate less and less with the person I used to be. But I try to hold onto pieces of the past and remember, especially around this time of year. Maybe you’re considering a different career. Maybe you’re in the early stages of a new life. Whatever the case may be, trust yourself. That belief will take you far. View the essay: https://lnkd.in/dV6Hrd9. #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

3 things for you: 🌟 Here’s more about me. I share quite a bit about my professional life here. I’d like to give you a glimpse into my existence away from work. Here are 3 quick things to know: 🌟 This week always holds special meaning for me. Six years ago this week, I learned about the second and final layoff of my former career. I’ll share more here from that experience in the coming days, but it’s interesting to consider everything that came after that moment. Sometimes, life pushes us in new directions, and that can be a good thing. 🌟 I have mixed feelings around this time of year. I enjoy the traveling and water-related activities that come with summer, but I’m sad to see spring near an end. Where I live, summer and all its sticky “goodness” lasts about 5 months, which is 2 months too long. 🌟 Here are 3 things I do in the spring that I wish were possible in the summer, ranked: 1. Spend time outside comfortably from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2. Wear a hoodie and long pants, 3. Avoid sunburn. Do you have 3 things to share? #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

Open chat: 💬 It’s a new week. Let’s chat. Each Sunday, I’ll create a post where you drive the conversation. Leave a comment, and I’ll respond as soon as I can. Have a question about UX writing, content design, and career journeys? Curious about what I do for fun? Do you have something else on your mind? Ask away! You decide where this goes. Hope to hear from you! View the previous chat: bit.ly/3wycLLt. #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

Weekly rewind: ⏪ Miss anything? Find it here. Each Saturday, I’ll publish something that includes links to all my posts from the week. I know it’s easy to miss or overlook things here. Hopefully, you find this useful. • Open chat: https://lnkd.in/eu2-2V3M • 3 things for you: https://lnkd.in/eQaeynJF • A controversial opinion: https://lnkd.in/ejR34fby • Flying home: https://lnkd.in/e3ekGz_K • Using social media: https://lnkd.in/eaQfzTQg Thoughts? Questions? I’d love to hear from you. Thanks for reading! #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

Using social media: 📱 How much is too much? In my most recent open chat, Bhushan G. asked me whether it’s possible for us to use social media platforms too much on a daily basis. It’s very possible for this to happen. Anyone who creates content is particularly vulnerable. I have strong thoughts on how being an active creator on more than 1 platform isn’t good for a person’s mental health. In my previous career, I was active on Facebook and Twitter daily. After I changed careers, I had to wean myself off writing on those platforms and tracking engagement as much as I did. (I only create content here now.) Platforms train us to make them part of our daily lives, and it’s hard to kick our habits once they form. I wouldn’t mind a mobile operating system that allowed me only to use a messaging service, 1 social media platform as a passive user, and 1 social media platform as an active creator. That resembles my daily habits now with my activity here and my passive use of Twitter. I’ll check Facebook and Instagram maybe 3 to 5 times a week, but I don’t post anything. What’s your approach to social media use? View the chat: bit.ly/3wycLLt. #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

Flying home: ✈️ It always feels good. I snapped this photo during a flight back to Atlanta recently. I’ve lived here since 2016. I’ve made trips in and out of here countless times. But, as time passes, it’s interesting to consider how “home” can take on different meanings for us. I moved here for a job in my previous career. I didn’t know anyone. But I figured the city would be a good place to be if I had to change careers someday, which ended up happening 2 years after my move. When I see the photo below, quite a few memories rush back. I see the stadium where I filed my last story from a live event in my previous career. I see the area where I worked in my first content design job. I see the park where I walked during lunch. It’s tempting to wonder where life will lead us. If only we knew, right? But I’ve learned the journey is a lesson in itself. Sometimes, we find our home in an unexpected place. #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

A controversial opinion: 🧐 It has to do with interview feedback. I’ve settled on the idea that interview feedback is largely unhelpful. Usually, this feedback is specific to 1 company’s situation, and it may not be relevant or useful for another company’s process. The needs, personalities, and environments involved can vary so much from one interview process to the next. I still think it’s good to ask for feedback, and I’m pleasantly surprised when I receive it. But, overall, it’s better to stay true to yourself and find a fit instead of trying to fit a mold based on past feedback. What do you think? #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

3 things for you: 🌟 Here’s more about me. I share quite a bit about my professional life here. I’d like to give you a glimpse into my existence away from work. Here are 3 quick things to know: 🌟 I did some traveling over the weekend, and I’m still amazed by how much the experience can take out of me. Depending on when I leave, and especially if I have an early morning flight, I need a full day to recover from everything. Do you feel this way, too? 🌟Walking through a few airports recently reminded me how hard it is to find healthy eating options while traveling. I’ve surrendered to the idea that it’s impossible to eat healthy in a public setting. If you have any healthy hacks while traveling, let me know! 🌟 Here are 3 things I wish I ordered less while traveling, ranked: 1. Buffalo wings, 2. Donuts, 3. Candy. Do you have 3 things to share? #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy

Open chat: 💬 It’s a new week. Let’s chat. Each Sunday, I’ll create a post where you drive the conversation. Leave a comment, and I’ll respond as soon as I can. Have a question about UX writing, content design, and career journeys? Curious about what I do for fun? Do you have something else on your mind? Ask away! You decide where this goes. Hope to hear from you! View the previous chat: bit.ly/3Ww9gA0. #UXWriting #ContentDesign #ContentStrategy