I attended my first WordCamp this weekend. WordCamp Philly 2014. 
Not like any industry convention I had ever attended. There was so much support, recommendation, sharing, and help. Not any of the dog-eat-dog, uber-competitive business environment I am used to. I’m not sure yet if this is related to the open-source aspect of WordPress, or if this is a commentary on the WordPress community itself.
Whichever it is, it feels comfortable. It feels supportive. It feels empowering. It feels like a place I want to be. It feels like a community that will enable me to take my introductory knowledge of WordPress, PHP and the LAMP environment, and grow it into a sustainable business that not only can support my family and I, but give me the opportunity to support others, to give back, and join a community of like-minded technologists.
Thank you WordCamp Philly for enabling me to feel at ease with this path I find myself on. I look forward to becoming a contributor.
Badge design by Tracy @ Yikes, Inc.