Many tech workers are struggling with the repetitive effects of the COVID pandemic (work from home, constant video calls, longer hours, etc.). But there’s never been a better time to explore new ways to be a “maker”. SHOW: 560CLOUD NEWS OF THE WEEK - http://bit.ly/cloudcast-cnotwCHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST - "CLOUDCAST BASICS"SHOW SPONSORS:CBT Nuggets: Expert IT Training for individuals and teamsSign up for a CBT Nuggets Free Learner account phoenixNAP websitephoenixNAP Bare Metal Cloud PlatformSHOW NOTES:Apple launches the M1 Pro laptopThis is an acknowledgement of the growth of the creator economy (via @RFFlores)Tech workers are leaving their jobs at higher rates. What to do in 2022? (via @cra) CREATIVITY GETS THE BRAIN ENGAGEDWe (The Cloudcast)  frequently discuss the need to have a “learning mindset” in the IT industry, since the only constant is changing technologies. But learning requires a specific time commitment and a specific type of mind engagement. It’s important, but at times can feel very mentally draining. Finding a way to be creative, to be a “maker”, can be a good balance to learning. MAKERS FIND, ENGAGE and EXPAND via COMMUNITIESOne of the reasons we keep doing The Cloudcast is that it gives us a creative outlet to directly make something. Making something gives you a chance to get feedback. It gives you a chance to succeed or fail. Makers tend to seek out other makes, to share experiences, to bond, to create new ideas. These communities tend to be more positive than online forums (e.g. Reddit, HN, etc.) which tend to trend towards negativity and complaints. The tools to be a digital creator are more available and more powerful than ever. Our friend Rodrigo Flores had a good Twitter thread this week about the new Apple Mac M1 Pro and how it’s tailored for the (digital) creator economy. I’ve been reading a book, The Making of Bandon Dunes, about the history behind the creation of that resort in Oregon. Part of that reading is history, part of it is learning, and part of it is seeing how other creators think about their dreams, their opportunities and their ambitions. And how they overcame challenges.   FEEDBACK?Email: show at the cloudcast dot netTwitter: @thecloudcastnet