Why the 9-to-5 Alone Isn’t Enough

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a Reddit post titled “My takeaways after attending KubeCon India 2024,” and it struck a chord with me. The post wasn’t about the glamour of conferences or the technical depth of the sessions—it was about the gaps we often don’t acknowledge as professionals. It reminded me of something I’ve learned over the years as someone who organizes 20–30 community events annually: the power of Meetups lies not just in learning technology but in preparing you for the realities of professional growth.

Here’s a snippet from that post:

“I realized how much I lack in communication skills. Working remotely, I’ve had almost zero social interactions outside of sprint syncs. Suddenly being surrounded by so many people felt overwhelming. Even though I didn’t feel nervous, I didn’t know what questions to ask or how to initiate meaningful conversations.”

Sound familiar? For many engineers, especially in a remote-first world, conferences feel like being thrown into the deep end of the pool. You’re surrounded by people brimming with confidence, casually discussing topics you’ve barely scratched the surface of. It’s intimidating—and this isn’t uncommon.

Another takeaway from the same post:

“…It made me realize how much I don’t know. I genuinely felt out of my depth for not knowing many (read: most) things. This is probably because, as a software engineer, I’ve primarily worked with Kubernetes and Terraform for job-related tasks, unlike DevOps or platform engineering professionals. So, this conference wasn’t entirely aligned with my experience.”

This is the heart of why Meetups are invaluable. Unlike large conferences, Meetups are tailored, local, and often specific to a niche. They’re not about impressing sponsors or showcasing cutting-edge advancements that might be years away from practical application. Instead, they’re about learning from peers, sharing what you know, and getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Meetups: The Antidote to Conference Overwhelm

Meetups help bridge the gap between where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow. Here’s why they matter:

1. A Safe Space to Build Communication Skills Many engineers struggle with communication—not because they lack confidence but because their 9-to-5 doesn’t demand it. Meetups give you the chance to speak, share, and ask questions in a low-pressure environment. Unlike the intimidating buzz of a conference, you’re surrounded by people who are likely at a similar stage of learning.
2. Learning Beyond the Slides - Conferences often deliver content designed for a broad audience, leaving you feeling either overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Meetups, however, focus on practical discussions and problem-solving. They’re not just about learning the latest Kubernetes feature; they’re about understanding how others are solving the same challenges you face every day.
3. Networking with Intent - At conferences, it’s easy to feel like you’re networking “up”—trying to connect with seasoned experts or speakers. At Meetups, networking feels more horizontal. You meet peers, potential collaborators, or even mentors in a setting that encourages authentic interactions.
4. No Surprises, Just Community - The Reddit post mentioned how unsettling it was to see others more confident and aware at a conference. That’s a bitter pill to swallow, but attending Meetups regularly can prepare you for these moments. You won’t be caught off guard because you’ll have already engaged in discussions, asked questions, and learned from the experiences of others in your community.

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Why the 9-to-5 Alone Isn’t Enough

Let’s face it—your 9-to-5 job is no longer sufficient if you want to grow. That’s not your fault; it’s just the reality of today’s tech landscape. The difference between someone who thrives at a conference and someone who feels out of place often comes down to how they’ve engaged with the tech community outside of work.

Some might argue that Meetups aren’t worth the time—often these critics are CEOs or founders who’ve already reaped the benefits of such activities earlier in their careers. But for most of us—engineers who want to learn and grow every day—Meetups are an essential step toward staying relevant, building confidence, and avoiding the “conference shock” that so many experience.

Community Is Strength

Our recent Kubetools Day Toronto is a testament to the power of Meetups. What started as a small gathering evolved into an international event, fuelled by community participation and enthusiasm. That’s the magic of Meetups—they create opportunities not just for learning but for building something bigger than yourself.

Your Move

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, out of depth, or simply lost at a conference, you’re not alone. But you can change that. Start small. Join a Meetup. Speak up. Ask questions. Share your journey. You won’t just avoid surprises at your next conference—you’ll walk in with confidence, backed by a community that’s helped you grow.

Community isn’t just about attending events—it’s about showing up for yourself. Will you?

Have Question? Ask us now at our Community Slack

This blog post was originally published here