The Life of a Voronezh Programmer: An Interview with a Front-End Developer

Contents:

• My plans for moving: from Voronezh to new horizons
• My first encounter with anime
• Anime preferences: what inspires and what scares
• Where and how I watch anime: my experience and recommendations
• How my cat Fyrya came to be: the story of acquiring a pet
• Why does your cat prefer a designer bed?
• Additional photos of Fyrya: variety and uniqueness

My Relocation Plans: From Voronezh to New Horizons

Before the pandemic, I was considering moving to Moscow, seeking to improve my quality of life. Despite a decent salary in Voronezh, I was faced with a lack of convenient services. Delivery options were limited to sushi and pizza, and cleaning services did not meet my expectations. I dreamed of variety and a higher level of service, which was lacking in my hometown. Moving to Moscow seemed like the only way to gain access to a wider range of services and meet my needs.

Attempts to pass interviews did not bring the expected results. Each time, the question of the financial costs associated with the move arose. I carefully analyzed the cost of living in Moscow and compared it with my current income, adding ten thousand rubles to create a financial cushion. As a result, to live comfortably in the capital, I needed an offer of two hundred thousand rubles, which was rare at the time. Currently, moving to Moscow no longer appeals to me, and I'm considering emigrating abroad, although I haven't had this experience yet. My English requires improvement, especially after recovering from COVID-19, but I'm committed to improving it. First and foremost, I plan to find work abroad, which will allow me to gradually adapt to my new life and avoid drastic lifestyle changes. I plan to write articles, and if they prove in demand, this could open the door to a Global Talent visa in the UK. This option is interesting because it doesn't require a high level of language proficiency, making it suitable for me. This is my main plan for the next two to three years, but I also have alternative strategies.

I don't have a college degree, and I don't plan to get one in Russia. Therefore, I am researching countries willing to accept people without a degree, but there are not many of them. For example, in the US, moving requires either a college degree or a talent visa. I have a friend who was able to move without experience working in open source projects, but rumors about the difficulties with veterinary care in the US make me doubt this country is for me and my cat. I continue to look for more suitable options for migration, where the lack of a degree will not be an obstacle.

Canada requires a college degree, which limits my options. In this regard, I have started considering countries such as the Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, and Poland. However, I am concerned about the need to learn local languages ​​in non-English-speaking countries, since learning English is difficult for me.

I am interested in learning Japanese, although I currently only know a few basic phrases. I can say "good morning," "good evening," and count to four. I know that Japanese has four writing systems, which makes me even more interested in learning it. Although I don't have any specific plans to move to Japan, I believe that knowing the language will open new horizons and allow me to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions.

Moving to Japan requires a college degree. However, it is possible to take courses in the Philippines that can be recognized in Japan as equivalent to a diploma. This could be a good alternative for those planning to immigrate to Japan in the future.

Currently, I am actively searching for job opportunities and learning languages, which will help me realize my dream of moving. Japan could become my new home if I can find suitable ways to achieve this goal. My focus on learning the Japanese language and the country's cultural characteristics allows me to better prepare for my future move and integration into a new society.

My First Encounter with Anime

My passion for anime began over 15 years ago, when I was in sixth grade. Back then, the TNT channel was broadcasting Sailor Moon, and I couldn't tear myself away from the screen. Later, during my school years, I saw Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, which made a huge impression on me and marked the beginning of my interest in animation. This film opened up the world of Japanese animation to me, where each story is filled with deep emotions and unique aesthetics. Since then, I have been actively exploring various genres and styles of anime, which has allowed me to better understand Japanese culture and its influence on world animation.

For several years, I did not have access to the Internet due to strict rules in my religious family. However, in 2010, after moving to Moscow to study, I was able to use the Internet and a personal computer. This transition marked the beginning of a new phase in my life, one in which I not only discovered the world of anime but also immersed myself in programming. The internet opened up new horizons for me, allowing me to learn various programming languages ​​and develop my own projects.

My interest in anime continued to grow every year. In university, I watched almost all the popular titles and kept a detailed list, which at the time of its completion included 498 anime. Today, this list has significantly expanded, but I no longer keep track. Anime has become an important part of my life, and I continue to discover new genres and series, delving deeper into the world of Japanese animation.

Currently, I devote no more than two hours a week to anime. During this time, I manage to follow four to five current series, each episode of which is approximately 20 minutes long. This approach allows me to enjoy the world of anime without investing a significant amount of time, while maintaining interest in new plots and characters.

The aesthetics of anime have always piqued my interest thanks to vibrant graphics and deep, distinct characters. Although I am not an avid film fan, I watched The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in university. However, I found this movie disappointing because the hobbits were constantly showing emotion and crying, and I couldn't understand the reason for their tears.

Most movies I've watched are often characterized by weak characters and drawn-out scenes. In contrast, anime excels in having strong and layered characters, which makes it more appealing. Anime offers deep stories rich in internal conflicts and emotional experiences, which allows viewers to empathize with the characters more deeply. This approach to character and plot creation makes anime a unique genre that can engage audiences on a deeper level.

Anime Preferences: What Inspires and What Scares Me

I am a big fan of anime and prefer works that explore both the ordinary and magical everyday world. My absolute favorite is the anime "Bakuman". This title made such an impression on me that I rewatched all 75 episodes nine times, spending more than a day on one continuous viewing. "Bakuman" not only captivates with its plot, but also deeply touches on the themes of creativity, friendship, and the desire for self-improvement, which makes it especially valuable among other anime.

"Bakuman" tells the story of two young manga artists who dream of adapting their manga for the screen. Their ten-year journey to success inspires them to pursue their own ambitions. The creative process in the series is described in such detail that you feel like you believe in their dreams. This story is not only captivating, but also shows how perseverance and dedication can lead to achieving goals in the world of manga and animation.

Besides "Bakuman," I especially appreciate the anime "Mushi Master" and "Ergo Proxy." These three works are suitable for audiences of all ages thanks to their deep plots and unique presentation. Among lesser-known works, I recommend checking out "Psycho-Pass" and "Heavenly Dragons" - they are also worth your attention. These anime offer captivating stories and well-developed characters, making them appealing to a wide audience.

"Durarara!!" is also on my list. The series made a huge impression on me, but by the middle of the second season, I lost the thread of the plot due to the abundance of characters. Since the series was released episodically, I decided to wait for it to finish. As a result, having rewatched all four seasons in a row last year, I was completely delighted with the story and its development.

The film Kino's Journey (2003) deserves mention, although the 2017 remaster left me indifferent. I consider When the Cicadas Cry (2006) a classic of the genre, but its remastered version, unfortunately, turned out to be one of the worst I've ever seen. It's important to remember that the quality of remasters can vary significantly, and they don't always capture the atmosphere of the original.

Despite my general respect for classic anime, I'm not a devoted fan of them. For example, Evangelion didn't particularly win my affection, and the main character Shinji Ikari became one of my least favorite characters. Kururugi Suzaku from Code Geass ranks highest on my list, and he evokes even more negative emotions in me.

Where and How I Watch Anime: My Experience and Recommendations

After watching over 500 anime titles, I'm confident I never miss a good one. Every spring, summer, and fall, I eagerly await new releases. If a new season lacks interesting titles, I turn to previous seasons based on their descriptions and previews. My experience allows me to find anime worth watching and share recommendations with other fans of the genre.

Sometimes this approach leads to interesting discoveries. For example, I came across the anime "Granblue Fantasy." While it's not a masterpiece, one of the main roles is voiced by Sawashiro Miyuki, a talented actress whose skills I admire.

Previously, I focused on the voice actors, but now the main focus is on Sawashiro Miyuki. Unfortunately, she went on maternity leave, and her appearances in new anime have become rare. I sincerely hope that she returns to voice acting soon. Sawashiro Miyuki is known for her unique voice and talent, which makes her performances unforgettable. Her return to the anime industry will be a great event for fans and lovers of high-quality voice acting.

The world of animation studios has undergone significant changes. Currently, MAPPA and Trigger are at the peak of their popularity, attracting viewers with their unique projects and high-quality animation. Meanwhile, Madhouse, once renowned for its cult animated series, is no longer delighting fans with new work. Every new season, young studios emerge on the animation scene, quickly capturing viewers' attention with original ideas and a fresh approach to content creation. The animation industry continues to evolve, and viewers eagerly await new masterpieces from talented artists and writers.

I used to subscribe to shikimori.one, a platform where you could find anime from all seasons. However, after reaching the 500-view mark, my interest in the site waned, and I soon forgot my password. Now I miss this resource for discovering new anime and tracking my progress.

For a long time, I watched anime on pirated sites, but recently decided to switch to legal platforms like Wakanim and Crunchyroll. These services offer current and popular titles, and although their library only features a fraction of the new releases, it's more than enough for me. The subscription costs 300 rubles per month for each platform, and the content on the sites is varied and regularly updated. Watching anime legally not only supports the creators but also ensures high-quality images and sound.

However, I continue to read manga from illegal sources, as I prefer the convenience of online access. I don't buy paperbacks because my apartment is already overflowing with delivery boxes, and I don't have time to dispose of them. Storing manga volumes is becoming inconvenient for me.

How My Cat Fyrya Came to Be: The Story of Acquiring a Pet

My journey to finding my cat Fyrya began many years ago. I had no pets since childhood, and the memories of my parents' cat gradually faded from my memory. He passed away when I was only seven years old, and I only remember that this cat didn't get along with men, and our relationship was difficult. As I grew older, I increasingly thought about what it would be like to have a pet. These thoughts led me to the decision to get a cat, and that's how Fyra came into my life.

One summer day, my former colleague rescued a kitten that was stuck in a tree. She urgently needed to find new owners for it, as her two other cats couldn't get along with it. For a month, she searched for a new home for the kitten while it was living on her balcony. In the end, my colleague decided to give it to me.

The kitten remained unnamed, as my colleague hoped that its previous owner would return or that the new owner would choose a name for it. I don't have much imagination, and I prefer not to name my pets after people.

On Twitter, I follow the account catunderhood, which introduces its followers to a new cat every week. One day, a cat with a coat similar to my Fry appeared. He was named after the character from the TV series "Good Omens," Aziraphale, but in everyday life, he became known as Fry. I really liked this name, it sounds unique and melodic.

Before getting Fyrya, I thought long and hard about getting a black Oriental cat. I was attracted to their elegant body shape, and I personally prefer black clothing. However, the high cost and the characteristic affection of cats of this breed made me hesitant. Before the pandemic, I often traveled to Moscow, worked in an office, and was rarely at home. These circumstances forced me to consider how comfortable the animal would be in such conditions.

I expected that a stray cat wouldn't need much attention, but in fact, I spent almost the entire pandemic with Fyrya. During this time, he became very attached to me and becomes anxious when I leave. He seems to have a dependent nature, which makes our relationship special. This experience has shown the importance of interaction with animals, even if they initially seem independent. Fyrya has become not only my pet, but also a true friend in difficult times.

Why does your cat prefer a designer bed?

Fyrya is my cat and a reliable companion. He's always nearby: when I'm relaxing, he snuggles close at hand, and when I'm at the computer, he settles comfortably into his unique, flying saucer-shaped bed. This bed was custom-ordered for him to ensure maximum comfort and coziness. Fyrya not only brings joy to my days but also creates an atmosphere of warmth and tranquility in the house.

I was concerned that my cat, Fyrya, preferred to sleep in the sink, especially during the cold winter months. I thought long and hard about how to solve this problem and ultimately made him a bed with a recessed area reminiscent of a sink. Despite the significant expense, the end result was worth it: Fyrya is delighted with the new bed and now spends a lot of time in it.

Fyrya has several unique corrugated cardboard scratching posts that are perfect for claw maintenance. I also found the book "Cat: Instructions for Use" in this store, which was not only a fascinating read but also a valuable resource for any cat owner. This book contains useful tips and recommendations for caring for a pet, which makes it an indispensable assistant in everyday life with a cat.

Firya loves fresh air, so the apartment can sometimes get quite cold. He comes to the balcony door and quietly waits for me to open it. If I don't respond to his requests, he starts meowing persistently. Luckily, my apartment is small, and I always notice his attempts to go out onto the balcony. Finding an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air brings him joy and makes him calmer.

I used to follow a lot of Instagram accounts dedicated to cats, but I visit them less often now. Animal memes have lost their appeal to me since I have my own cat, and all my joy comes from spending time with him. Live interaction with a pet is much more enjoyable than looking at pictures on the Internet.

Additional photos of Fyri: diversity and uniqueness.

Fyri is more than just a cat, but a whole universe of emotions. In this unique space, you can see Fyri's diverse images: from playful and mischievous to calm and dreamy. These photographs beautifully illustrate the richness and diversity of the cat world, revealing their personalities and moods. Each photo captures unique moments in Fyri's life, allowing you to immerse yourself in his world and experience the full range of emotions our furry friends give us.

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