<![CDATA[I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation]]>Hi everyone,

I'm letting you all know that I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation, effective January 28, 2022. Therefore, my role as Development Manager within the UBports community has ended.

What's changing?

My departure is likely to change how the UBports Foundation's Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, contracted project teams, community, and the public interact. This change is most likely for the better: leadership may be formed within all of our (already tightly-knit) bodies to report on progress and next steps. Whereas I've been a nexus for project information, tasks, people, and interaction, these centralized functions will now be distributed between interested parties.

Or, at least, that's the hope. This project has never functioned without you, dear reader. Your encouragement, leadership, and contributions make Ubuntu Touch possible. Now there will be a space left where I once contributed that pulls in new, unlikely faces.

I'm not dying, or at least I'm not planning on it. I'll still be available for the occasional question or two. 😉

I'm also still available for my duties as the UBports Foundation Membership Committee chair. Watch out for more news about my assignments soon.

I've left my leadership responsibilities to the Ubuntu Touch based on Ubuntu 20.04 project in the capable hands of our contracted project team.

It is undecided whether the Ubuntu Touch Q&A will continue in its current format, use a new format, end its run, or do something else.

Why leave?

I'm all too familiar with the speculation when a project leader resigns. Allow me to alleviate some of that.

I enjoy what I do, I appreciate and support our team. I love that we were able to build a kind, friendly community that's open to a great many people. We're building excellent software, even if we're still a little unsure of what it should do best. However, I've already stated that I experienced burnout last year. I took a week off in October to attempt to alleviate the problem. It was not enough.

For the past four months, I've put myself under more stress and given myself less time to recover from it. Ultimately, it's led to me being unable to meet my expectations and yours. That feeling of missed expectations compounds my stress, and it's all snowballed. I now dread turning on my laptop, opening Telegram or my email, and even opening GitLab. Surely this can't be healthy. My resulting mood in communication isn't conducive to a healthy, productive environment.

At this point, I think I've read every self-help book. I'm a newfound expert in getting rid of distractions, reducing stress, working intensely, being kind to myself, self-reflection, and generally being more productive or healthy. Unfortunately, these have not combined into a proper set of actions and environment for me to thrive.

I also have dissonance compared to the UBports Foundation's values. The Foundation is set up to own copyrights, collaborate between disparate organizations, and drive projects where those organizations cannot do so themselves. This model does not have space for a rolling-contract, non-project-based, jack-of-all-trades community, development, and product manager any longer. Additionally, I've watched our community sentiment change from "what can we do together?" to "what can the Foundation do for me?" I have contributed to this misunderstanding of purpose, partially because I want to do things that the Foundation does not do. But what I would like in an ideal world and what we have are much different things.

What's next?

I'll be taking a bit of time to decompress and reorient. During this time, I'll be mostly unavailable for contact. Then, I'll come back around to finish things left incomplete, particularly in the Membership Committee.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/topic/7347/i-have-ended-my-contract-with-the-ubports-foundationRSS for NodeFri, 13 Mar 2026 02:50:34 GMTFri, 28 Jan 2022 18:51:00 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:43:54 GMT]]>Since this post is two years old, it can be retired now.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/78119https://forums.ubports.com/post/78119Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:43:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sat, 20 Jan 2024 16:21:32 GMT]]>Thanks for all hard work on Ubports. Good luck for your life, a big hug.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/78118https://forums.ubports.com/post/78118Sat, 20 Jan 2024 16:21:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:55:47 GMT]]>@Danct12 so you're not continue again?

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/77799https://forums.ubports.com/post/77799Thu, 04 Jan 2024 02:55:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Fri, 11 Feb 2022 21:31:53 GMT]]>@unisuperbox
thank you for all your decisions I could witness over these years of my more-less passive presence in this community, I consider them being very wise and bold (including this one), take care

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61685https://forums.ubports.com/post/61685Fri, 11 Feb 2022 21:31:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:12:52 GMT]]>@unisuperbox said in I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation:

@d0od

Wow, didn't expect to see you around these parts. Thanks so much for your kind words, and for keeping an eye on things over the years. I know your readership (and the projects you follow) never make it easy for you. And now I'm coming at things from the same view as you, being absolutely overwhelmed by the things that come at me. My response to that stress has been remarkably similar to yours. So, here's my humble pie... Sorry for all that mess in 2017, and the bad blood that's come after.

I really appreciate your work.

Thanks man. I know our situations are a bit different (I'd argue you have a lot more to carry on your shoulders than I do) but when I read your post I instantly empathised. I've been in a similar trough and it's not fun to climb out of. Taking time out to step back and ground yourself is absolutely the right move, so it's great to see everyone here understands that and wants the best for you 🙏

The good news is you'll get through this and you'll be stronger on the other side because of it 🙌🏻

p.s. you don't need to apologise for anything, 2017 etc was a weird time for a lot of folks in the Ubuntu sphere. lots of change, lots of uncertainty, lots of having to adapt quickly. In hindsight I could've and should've acted a bit better too, so it's not all on you or anyone else – I go into prickly hedgehog mode a bit too easily sometimes! 🦔

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61660https://forums.ubports.com/post/61660Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:12:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:08:36 GMT]]>@d0od

Wow, didn't expect to see you around these parts. Thanks so much for your kind words, and for keeping an eye on things over the years. I know your readership (and the projects you follow) never make it easy for you. And now I'm coming at things from the same view as you, being absolutely overwhelmed by the things that come at me. My response to that stress has been remarkably similar to yours. So, here's my humble pie... Sorry for all that mess in 2017, and the bad blood that's come after.

I really appreciate your work.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61654https://forums.ubports.com/post/61654Thu, 10 Feb 2022 16:08:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:44:26 GMT]]>@d0od said in I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation:

I appreciate I'm not popular in the Ubports community 😅

@d0od don't sell yourself short, I (and I am sure many others) have great appreciation for your work and all you do for the Ubuntu community (and, as an extension, the Ubuntu Touch community): we all benefit from your contributions. :call_me_hand_medium-dark_skin_tone: :clapping_hands_medium-dark_skin_tone:

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61651https://forums.ubports.com/post/61651Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:44:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:44:20 GMT]]>Only heard about this news last night, Dalton. It took me a bit by surprise, tbh! You're sort of the face of Ubports!

Anyway, I just wanted to pass on my regards. Speaking as a passive observer, you've been nothing but terrific in your role here, and a standout ambassador for the project (especially given the struggles and limitations that open source projects muscle through, usually "invisibly", with little thanks or credit).

However little it may mean —I appreciate I'm not popular in the Ubports community 😅— I do wish you the best. With some time to decompress and reorient (and benefit from a little a bit of distance) I hope you can look back and feel nothing but positivity and pride at what you have helped Ubports do/become.

Keep rockin' 👍

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61643https://forums.ubports.com/post/61643Thu, 10 Feb 2022 13:44:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:35:32 GMT]]>Thank you for being an inspiration, for all your efforts and your kindness.. .

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61355https://forums.ubports.com/post/61355Fri, 04 Feb 2022 13:35:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:51:30 GMT]]>@totalrando
https://forums.ubports.com/topic/7359/the-future-of-the-ubuntutouch-q-a/5

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61257https://forums.ubports.com/post/61257Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:51:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:31:53 GMT]]>@unisuperbox Selfish question but does this mean we won't have the videos? I really like the videos

Anyway, take care and enjoy all the time to decompress that you can

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61246https://forums.ubports.com/post/61246Wed, 02 Feb 2022 00:31:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Mon, 31 Jan 2022 08:33:10 GMT]]>Dear Dalton. Thank you very much for all the hard work. The community wouldn't be what it is today without you. You can be proud of it. And honestly, you have exceeded my expectations. From the bottom of my heart i wish you to recover and find profound joy again. God bless you!

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61167https://forums.ubports.com/post/61167Mon, 31 Jan 2022 08:33:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:42:33 GMT]]>@unisuperbox Hi Dalton, I am sad that you are leaving us and that you are not with us in this Ubuntu Touch journey, I don't know you very well but I think you are a person with a lot of potential and involved in your work, you have done too much in our community and I thank you very much, I know what you are going through, I was in a company that forced me to work more than normal, first you have the physical exhaustion and then you have the mental exhaustion, it is impossible to escape from that and I ended up changing company, it is not good for you so much stress and pressure, I still wonder how come you don't have more days for yourselves, holidays or that the Q&A is only one or two days a month.
I appreciate your hard work, rest and enjoy your time, your mind will thank you for it.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61140https://forums.ubports.com/post/61140Sun, 30 Jan 2022 18:42:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 17:03:06 GMT]]>@unisuperbox
I hope that you recover soon Dalton. Thank you for all that you have done.
I hope see you here frequently once your had recovered.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61125https://forums.ubports.com/post/61125Sun, 30 Jan 2022 17:03:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 14:45:11 GMT]]>@unisuperbox said in I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation:

I would prefer you did not post alternative medicine that is not only unproven, but disproven and expensive, here. Thank you for understanding.

Just trying to help and mainly talking about the book the guy has written.

I have nothing to do with the medicine but a lot of people suffer from the issue mentioned and it's really hard to find someone to help you with it...

Do whatever you think is best with the info provided 😉

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61114https://forums.ubports.com/post/61114Sun, 30 Jan 2022 14:45:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:15:10 GMT]]>@unisuperbox Thanks you for all your hard work on Ubports.
I'm very sad thinking I will not heard your brilliant Q&As anymore but it is a choice that I understand perfectly.
I really wish you all the success and happiness you deserve and I hope, in the future, to see you here again, maybe in a less stressful role, but still here.

Good luck in anything you will do.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61098https://forums.ubports.com/post/61098Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:15:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 09:40:34 GMT]]>Ah...

It is difficult to find the right words to write.

I could write about your encouraging attitude and your clear-sightedness in envisioning a future goal, and dedication to seeing it achieved.

Or about your capacity for keeping people pursuing disparate short term aims onboard, and working together towards the common goal. Keeping all the frogs in the wheelbarrow, so to speak.

Or about your desire to give consideration to every voice in the Community and agonizing over how to do right by everyone.

I could go on, but you know you. Maybe you would see things differently, but this is what I have seen from you.

You have done really, really well by the project. Now go do really really, well by yourself. Hopefully this experience will help you find a way in future to do both, by you, and by whatever endeavor you passionately dedicate yourself to.

I look forward to seeing you shine!

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61096https://forums.ubports.com/post/61096Sun, 30 Jan 2022 09:40:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 07:26:18 GMT]]>Thank you for your great work on Ubuntu Touch. Wish you the best.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61095https://forums.ubports.com/post/61095Sun, 30 Jan 2022 07:26:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 04:38:34 GMT]]>@farkasdvd said in I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation:

My first thoughts: he's either got a better job or he's been cancelled

Nope

I see a nice future ahead of you.

Thank you. I've really appreciated your help with testing.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61094https://forums.ubports.com/post/61094Sun, 30 Jan 2022 04:38:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sun, 30 Jan 2022 01:58:20 GMT]]>@unisuperbox said in I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation:

I'm all too familiar with the speculation when a project leader resigns.

My first thoughts: he's either got a better job or he's been cancelled 🙂

From all the self-help books I've read I've learned 2 main lessons: always take responsibility for your life (i.e. don't blame others if things are not going your way) and self-love. Without responsibility you are basically giving up your freedom of choice (you become a victim) and without self-love you can't do what's best for you (e.g. would you want to harm your body by unhealthy food or behavior if you really love yourself?).
Following these rules helped me a lot and seems like you are now also acting according to them. I see a nice future ahead of you 🙂

Thank you for everything you've done for the community.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61092https://forums.ubports.com/post/61092Sun, 30 Jan 2022 01:58:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to I have ended my contract with the UBports Foundation on Sat, 29 Jan 2022 22:18:04 GMT]]>Thank you for all that you have done for our community. Make sure to take all the time you need to recharge or find a new passion alltogether.

You are the reason I stuck with UT and started developing for it. Thank you for that.

There will be a special place in the heart of the UbPorts community for you 💓.

]]>https://forums.ubports.com/post/61084https://forums.ubports.com/post/61084Sat, 29 Jan 2022 22:18:04 GMT