I've, somehow, made it as a 'principal SRE' with very little in terms of social skills, footprint, or cultivation beyond Learning The Tech. Someone like me who

I've, somehow, made it as a 'principal SRE' with very little in terms of social skills, footprint, or cultivation beyond Learning The Tech. Someone like me who is just obsessed with a hobby can do well. Show up to work/be dependable, become known for it. The rest takes care of itself. Conferences and stuff should be fun. They aren't necessary. Networking happens at work, other people will do it for you