Mary Mogen

Mary Mogen

@smallleopard950171 · Jan 12, 2026

I got an email from my past self today and it caught me off guard

Today I opened an email I had scheduled for myself a year ago. I barely remembered writing it.
It wasn’t long — just a few sentences and a photo — but reading it felt strangely comforting. Past me was stressed, unsure, and trying really hard… and current me kind of needed that reminder.
It made me realize how much changes quietly over time, even when it doesn’t feel like it day to day.
Has anyone else ever left something for their future self and forgotten about it?

Mary Mogen

@smallleopard950171 · Jan 11, 2026

Is IT Ops ok with fires?

Are IT Ops professionals delusional in thinking the job is to make “IT Operations” better, more efficient, more advanced?
Where do you land - Fireman or Builder?
Why are labor and finance resources always tight for IT Ops? Budgets go up only when there’s a breach or when there’s hype for a product.
In my experience, companies seem to be ok with silos, single points of failure, lack of training, etc. The IT Ops department budget is treated as a liability rather than an asset. Although, there’s always lots of talk behind “efforts” for real cybersecurity, zero trust, and governance; it always falls off.
This also leads to secondary consequences, of knowledge hoarding, hero behavior, toxic environments because the work becomes- “How do I get noticed?”. Or worse, belief that one’s chosen behavior facilitates job security.
So are IT OPs professionals mid? Should we accept that the job is to fix things. Thats it.

Mary Mogen

@smallleopard950171 · Jan 10, 2026

Terrified of following my passion.

Title says it all.
I hate my current job. It pays well and there’s career growth that is attractive but I hate it. I’m stuck in an office 24/7.
My previous career, I was working on live entertainment productions. It was hard work, but the rush was amazing. Being behind the scenes and having the crowd cheer at the end of the night, I felt so fulfilled.
I ended up switching due to finances and politics.
I’m considering switching back but I’m terrified.
I’m terrified that it’ll be a mistake.
For context, I’m alone, single, no family. I have no property, and basically live out of a suitcase due to the current potion. (Previous position was basically the same) I’m also 33.
For context, the previous position does not really have any financial growth, but the current one can grow +$3000.
My worry is that in the long run, I will not be able to support myself if I move back to following my passion. Especially if I eventually retire. But at the same time, I don’t feel fulfilled where I am currently.
I’m not lucky enough to have family to fall back to if my plan fails.
It’s terrifying. I’m terrified and not sure what to do. It’s giving me stress and anxiety. (On the upside, that’s forced me into the gym🤣)
For reference the positions were:
Seafarer - Audio engineer.
Seafarer - IT

Mary Mogen

@smallleopard950171 · Jan 10, 2026

does picolaser actually help with hyperpigmentation?

idk ive been offered both carbon laser and pico, i chose picolaser. its been my 3rd session alr and im still not getting results, anyone has experience here?