IT families: Amir Tillayev and Manizha Rakhmatulloeva

Amir Tillayev, city — Dushanbe, 3D illustrator, @till_amiami

Manizha Rakhmatullaeva, city — Dushanbe, graphic designer, @rahmatullaeva.m

About Us

We met at university. Both of us studied in the same linguistics department at the branch of the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University in Dushanbe. We didn't immediately find common ground, but over time we became friends. After several years of friendship, we developed mutual affection and started dating.

How we entered the IT field

Manizha. Before entering the IT field, I worked as a linguistics lecturer at the university. During the 2020 pandemic, we were sent home for an indefinite period. At that time, I saw an announcement from Humo Academy about the launch of a free "Graphic Design" course and decided to give it a try. I had no prior interest in this field, and everything was new to me. After completing the course, I was offered an internship and a permanent position as a graphic designer at MDO "Humo" and "Humolab". That's how my journey in the IT field began. 

Amir. In my second year of master's studies, I worked part-time as a translator for TV series, and at some point, I realized I didn't want to spend my life translating. Before that, I occasionally experimented with Photoshop, and I decided it would be good to master it. By independently studying tutorials on YouTube, I learned several software programs. After finishing my studies, I returned to my hometown and got a job as a graphic designer at an advertising agency, where I gained experience. At some point, I decided it was time to move forward and started learning 3D and animation software. Currently, I work as a 3D illustrator at MDO "Humo" and "Humolab".

Distribution of responsibilities

It should be noted that we also work together in the same company, in the same department, and in the same office, so it was important for us from the beginning to distinguish between personal and work matters. For example, if one of us is busy with work at home, the other takes on part of the household chores as much as possible. We try to help each other and not depend on social prejudices regarding the roles of husband and wife in the family.

Family traditions

We like to celebrate New Year because on the first of every month, we rewatch our favorite movies and TV series. Besides New Year, when we have free time, we also enjoy buying snacks and organizing movie marathons or TV series marathons.

The most important family value is respect. We try not to change each other but to understand and accept each other's viewpoints. This strengthens our relationship.

Recommendations for a happy family life

Talk to each other a lot. Discuss situations that might bother you. Don't just complain to each other; try to understand each other's perspective and listen.

Don't forget about romance and dates. Go out together more often, try to spend quality time alone as a couple. 

How IT families differ from others

When you work in the same field, you develop a shared understanding of professional challenges and work-related stresses, which can help the family better support and understand each other. For example, we mutually inspire each other and help in developing professional skills.