Back in 2003 I made what I thought was a small decision to stay and hang out in a little, fairly quiet IRC channel. That channel was the beginnings of the PHPCommunity IRC channel (#phpc).
Since then, the channel members have been my mentors, friends, professional contacts and role models. Through the channel I have found new jobs, heard about various professional opportunities, was encouraged to attend and speak at various conferences, started the PHPWomen’s user group, and met some of the smartest people I know.
I am not ashamed to admit that the small decision to stay in that little IRC channel has made all the difference in my career.
Opportunity it seems, sometimes comes in odd, little packages.