James Battersby

News

Plans for the future

Posted: 18th August 2009

I feel somewhat relieved with this post as I can finally reveal my true intentions for the next year or so.

The reason I moved back home to Sheffield is because I applied for and received an Unconditional Offer to study for the MSc in Games Software Development at Sheffield Hallam University. The course starts on the 21st of September and can't start any sooner. I'm viewing it as the close of one chapter of my life and the opening of a new not only in career terms but also in social and fitness ideals. I plan to make the most of my 13 months studying here by making use of all possible services, facilities and opportunities in order that I emerge a better person after the abysmal past year.

As such when I first arrived in Sheffield and found the job with Rare I had only ever intended to stay until the last possible moment before I start the course full time. The job was open ended in terms of how long I should stay but I do feel a little bad perhaps for not divulging my true intentions: I didn't lie, I just didn't tell them. Fortunately they are in agreement with my decision but sorry to see me go. I have offered myself for part-time services but that remains to be seen if that will ever come to fruition. As such if anybody is looking for a job as a web developer, I know a great place to work at! I am to continue working there until the 18th September and that for me is cut off day.

In addition to starting anew I will be changing this site to better reflect my passion and goals in life (i.e. gaming) but also because I've learnt a lot of lessons using this CodeIgniter framework and think I need to start from scratch again by taking advantage of some new libraries.

A new dawn approaches...

50th news article

Posted: 20th July 2009

Unknowingly I've hit my fiftieth news post - who'd have thought I'd make it this far!

The past month or so has been rather eventful namely attending my good friend's stag do and then being an usher as his wedding which was absolutely fantastic.  Couldn't be happier for the newlyweds and I hope they're enjoying themselves on their honeymoon.

Work has been going fine - I've been involved with a good number of projects including a website that has launched today. Although I'm not responsible for the look and feel for it I am responsible for the nuts and bolts. It turned out to be trickier than expected as its PHP running on an IIS server which means less friendly URLs.

Unfortunately I've not got a lot planned in the near future - in fact the next event that comes to mind is running in the Great Yorkshire Run in early September.  An event that I REALLY should be training for!

Recent Activity

Posted: 28th May 2009

I've been doing a few things since the last update.

I'm still working for Rare which is a relief - things seem pretty solid here with more than likely contacts coming through. Currently working on a site with complete free reign which has made development easier (although I probably should have anticipated that CodeIgniter wouldn't work brilliantly with IIS).

I ran in the BUPA London 10000 on the 25th which wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped. The sights weren't all that great and I had the worst preparation for it (lack of training in the past few weeks, no breakfast or water beforehand). Not surprising I finished in 47 minutes. It looks like Sheffield will have to be the place where I break 45 (and hopefully 40) minutes in September - provided I get some training done.

I've also joined Twitter this week which I've been making good use of - its been fun keeping up with Stephen Fry and Barak Obama. You can find my profile at http://www.twitter.com/jamesbattersby. I think when I have a bit of spare time I'll post the updates on this site via their API.

In sadder news Katie and I ended our over 5 year relationship last weekend. It was very enjoyable but all things come to an end for one reason or another. But silver lining and all that: I will be reconsidering all my options over the next few weeks and see where it takes me.

What a difference 22 hours makes

Posted: 11th May 2009

Yesterday at about 4:30pm I applied for a role as a Web Developer at a company based in Sheffield called Rare Creative Group. Half an hour later they rang me to invite me to an interview at 10am, the following morning. At 11:30 am the following day the interview finished and I thought I had done quite well. At 1:30pm today they offered me the role.

This has quite possible been the quickest application process in my entire life (at least in my professional career - bar work doesn't count).

Its an interesting position too as they are principally a design company and they want to see how it plays out having an internal development team. As such I have a definite 1 month, with possible 2-3 month extension, followed by a permanent position. So I am effectively the only person there who's primary goal is web development. Intriguing...

Looking for work again

Posted: 8th May 2009

Dear James,

Due to a company wide hiring freeze just having been implemented, I regret to have to inform you that the advertised position will not be filled at this point in time.

This is getting really boring - I was due to start this new role and then I recieved this in an e-mail yesterday.  Its extremely frustrating but it seems I am back on the market again.

As such I am now looking for contract or freelance work as a web developer (HTML / CSS / Javascript / PHP / MySQL /XML) in the London, North West and Yorkshire areas.  If you are interested in what services I can provide please visit http://services.jamesbattersby.com.

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