Things nobody tells you when you start doing a11y work. A thread:

You need to love it (REALLY love it) or you will burn out so fast. And you'll still burn out but it'll be easier to come back if you love it.

You'll have to criticize the work of people you care about.

You'll have to figure out how to detach from things you absolutely adore so as to not cloud your assessment of the thing's accessibility.

It's equal parts technical and experiential knowledge and knowing how to communicate and network.

Professional jealousy is a thing. You will feel it and you will be the target of it.

There will be endless people who tell you how you could be better. You don't have to listen to them.

Someone will always disagree with you. Many won't express that disagreement in a kind way.

You don't have to be a voice for *everyone* nor do you have to welcome everyone into your network or community. Boundaries are essential.

"Accessible" is a goal line that never stops moving so you will never stop learning and improving. It's equally exciting and daunting.

You can say no to requests for help, advice, free labor. You get to choose what you do and who you work with.