Hi,
I started learning Mandarin this last Feburary (二月). I have always been interested in languages and have dabbled in several. I learned 一点点中文 previously but, never really studied seriously.
Late last year, I decided I was going to actually put the time and effort into learning the language. I also applied for and received a tourism visa and just returned from my first visit to China a week ago (Shanghai and Fengjing Ancient Town).
I had a great time, met some new friends (some that I was talking to online before I traveled) and am already thinking about when I can go back.
I work in Cybersecurity (and have worked in multiple tech roles, management, network engineering, security, software dev). I’ve worked full-time remote for the last 18 years or so and I’m also wondering if there’s a way I could continue in an even more “remote” fashion 
I use multiple apps, systems and a weekly tutor on preply (who I consider a friend now too).
I spend at least 30 minutes a day but usually more like an hour between the various apps. I’m adding ChinesePod to that rotation (before I mostly listened to the podcast while driving).
Anyway, that’s a lot about me. Glad to be here and looking forward to learning along with everyone else.
Kelly