Help me decide what to do with my life...

[Alphathree33]

If you follow my threads, you would know that I have been struggling with my life plans lately.

Here's a cliff's notes of my life to-date:

1) Ages 1 to 17: Grew up as a standard nerd: dungeons & dragons, computer games, programming, math and physics contests, and a complete lack of girls.

2) Ages 18 to 19: Decided that I "liked computers" (I knew nothing else) and majored in Computer Engineering. Got accepted to a prestigious school with a scholarship. Moved away from home.

3) Ages 20 to 23: Realized that I don't want to spend my whole life in a cube coding and that I lacked a true passion for engineering. While continuing (grudgingly) with my engineering courses, I also:

-- developed social skills, met normal people, and started dating girls

-- realized I was passionate about "creative" things like philosophy, writing, music, and world affairs

-- started writing a column in a local newspaper and working with political campaigns

-- became a damned good dancer and met even more girls

4) Ages 24 to now: Graduated. Started working full-time in a Product Manager/Supply Chain Manager position. Discovered that not only do I have creative interests, but I also have athletic ones. I started swimming and skating.

I now find myself in a very awkward place.

On the positive side, I am in a career track that will see me hit the $100K+ mark with time and I have an awesome girlfriend who wants to stay with me long-term.

But despite being financially and socially comfortable, I am DEEPLY, DEEPLY unhappy. I have spent a lot of time thinking about WHY, and I believe the answer is, simply:

I am not pursuing my passions.

I would love to spend my days writing. Or teaching. Or thinking about abstract mathematical problems like the Riemann Hypothesis.

But HOW?

I would be quite happy as a writer, or a professor, or a musician... but not a corporate slave.

If I had figured this out at age 10, things would be much easier.

So how to I get to there from here? I work 9 to 5 and I need that income to live. But I'm only 24 and I can't live the rest of my life in an office. I just can't.

My current plan is, roughly:

- Keep working at my job
- Spend time reflecting on which passions I want to develop most
- Choose one and spend most of my free time developing it
- Eventually (months to years) find a way to monetize it
- Quit work and go where my passion takes me

Has anyone ever attempted anything like this before at this stage in life?

 

[intogamer]

MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: intogamer
MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

I've thought about this, but it seems like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know what Project Managers do, and I hardly think I would have a passion for it.

 

[Toonces]

come and teach Japanese school children like me!
(also 24 and trying to find out what I want to do with my life)

 

[intogamer]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer
MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

I've thought about this, but it seems like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know what Project Managers do, and I hardly think I would have a passion for it.

Consulting? Maybe one that gets you to travel, out in the field?

 

[ponyo]

There's this thing called hobby and working 9-5 gives you plenty of time. Passion doesn't have to be a job.

 

[Manuwell]

At least, you know what you don't like !

But do you think it's good to have a job wich is your passion too ? That will mean that in the long term, you will not make the difference anymore between your job and your passion and, maybe, one will take the other over and you will miss something.

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: Naustica
There's this thing called hobby and working 9-5 gives you plenty of time. Passion doesn't have to be a job.

But working 9 to 5 in a corporate-style office makes me miserable, so I can't enjoy my hobbies.

I've heard the "that's life" argument and I really don't accept it. =)

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: intogamer

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer
MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

I've thought about this, but it seems like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know what Project Managers do, and I hardly think I would have a passion for it.

Consulting? Maybe one that gets you to travel, out in the field?

Maybe. But again, more corporate stuff.

I'm never going to feel a fire in my belly about a Microsoft Excel document.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33
If you follow my threads, you would know that I have been struggling with my life plans lately.

Here's a cliff's notes of my life to-date:

1) Ages 1 to 17: Grew up as a standard nerd: dungeons & dragons, computer games, programming, math and physics contests, and a complete lack of girls.

2) Ages 18 to 19: Decided that I "liked computers" (I knew nothing else) and majored in Computer Engineering. Got accepted to a prestigious school with a scholarship. Moved away from home.

3) Ages 20 to 23: Realized that I don't want to spend my whole life in a cube coding and that I lacked a true passion for engineering. While continuing (grudgingly) with my engineering courses, I also:

-- developed social skills, met normal people, and started dating girls

-- realized I was passionate about "creative" things like philosophy, writing, music, and world affairs

-- started writing a column in a local newspaper and working with political campaigns

-- became a damned good dancer and met even more girls

4) Ages 24 to now: Graduated. Started working full-time in a Product Manager/Supply Chain Manager position. Discovered that not only do I have creative interests, but I also have athletic ones. I started swimming and skating.

I now find myself in a very awkward place.

On the positive side, I am in a career track that will see me hit the $100K+ mark with time and I have an awesome girlfriend who wants to stay with me long-term.

But despite being financially and socially comfortable, I am DEEPLY, DEEPLY unhappy. I have spent a lot of time thinking about WHY, and I believe the answer is, simply:

I am not pursuing my passions.

I would love to spend my days writing. Or teaching. Or thinking about abstract mathematical problems like the Riemann Hypothesis.

But HOW?

I would be quite happy as a writer, or a professor, or a musician... but not a corporate slave.

If I had figured this out at age 10, things would be much easier.

So how to I get to there from here? I work 9 to 5 and I need that income to live. But I'm only 24 and I can't live the rest of my life in an office. I just can't.

My current plan is, roughly:

- Keep working at my job
- Spend time reflecting on which passions I want to develop most
- Choose one and spend most of my free time developing it
- Eventually (months to years) find a way to monetize it
- Quit work and go where my passion takes me

Has anyone ever attempted anything like this before at this stage in life?

YUP

my advice:
get out now because the more $ u make, the harder it is to quit. and walking away from a 6 figure job is HARD!

take the chance. pull the trigger. follow your dream. and if u fall on your face, try again or try another passion.

once u get kids, you'll probably NEVER walk away from a high paying job, even one that you HATE w/a passion.

do it while you're young.

 

[rezinn]

Stop over analyzing everything and start doing something that makes you happy instead of what you think you should be doing.

 

[intogamer]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer
MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

I've thought about this, but it seems like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know what Project Managers do, and I hardly think I would have a passion for it.

Consulting? Maybe one that gets you to travel, out in the field?

Maybe. But again, more corporate stuff.

I'm never going to feel a fire in my belly about a Microsoft Excel document.

Marketing?

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: intogamer

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: intogamer
MBA? Maybe being project manager would be more fun.

I've thought about this, but it seems like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I know what Project Managers do, and I hardly think I would have a passion for it.

Consulting? Maybe one that gets you to travel, out in the field?

Maybe. But again, more corporate stuff.

I'm never going to feel a fire in my belly about a Microsoft Excel document.

Marketing?

Let me put it to you this way:

I just told you that I don't like playing in an orchestra and you're recommending different instruments for me to try. =)

 

[meltdown75]

24?! You still have a few years of partying left in you. Party hard, mellow yourself out a bit.

 

[dighn]

I'm having sort of the same problem. I went through engineering and am now working a engineering job. I started becoming a little depressed about it even a couple of years before graduation. Engineering wasn't my first choice; physics was. I went into engineering partly because it was more likely to get a good paying job, and due to some parental pressure. I'm beginning to consider going back to school at least part time and going down the road I originally wanted to. Maybe it's crazy, but I feel dead too often these days.

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
24?! You still have a few years of partying left in you. Party hard, mellow yourself out a bit.

I don't really have anyone to party with.

Friends at work = married
College buddies = moved away
Girlfriend = studying

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Alphathree33

Originally posted by: meltdown75
24?! You still have a few years of partying left in you. Party hard, mellow yourself out a bit.

I don't really have anyone to party with.

Friends at work = married
College buddies = moved away
Girlfriend = studying

I have a distinct feeling that all recommendations made to you in this thread will be shot down.

 

[alien42]

i am in a similar spot in life although i do not have the flexibility of a college degree and am 32. i am currently in the capital building stage of my plan with the ultimate goal of having the freedom to travel the world as i please. what would be more enjoyable and fulfilling than launching a sustainable and renewable resource program in an underdeveloped nation and having a positive impact on large numbers of humans.

 

[LS20]

for starters, stop being so whiney and emo

 

[Darwin333]

wrong thread. Go Tigers!

 

[Alphathree33]

Originally posted by: LS20
for starters, stop being so whiney and emo

Ouch - thanks. Good feedback. Seriously. =)

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: alien42
i am in a similar spot in life although i do not have the flexibility of a college degree and am 32. i am currently in the capital building stage of my plan with the ultimate goal of having the freedom to travel the world as i please. what would be more enjoyable and fulfilling than launching a sustainable and renewable resource program in an underdeveloped nation and having a positive impact on large numbers of humans.

:beer: ?

 

[Marinski]

Originally posted by: LS20
for starters, stop being so whiney and emo

ya, and stop sitting around thinking about some random mathematical hypothesis. Tell your gf to touch your pee-pee.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Sounds like you need to make some new friends and enjoy your life outside of work.

 

[bonkers325]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Sounds like you need to make some new friends and enjoy your life outside of work.

sounds like you need to read the post and not respond based on the topic title



OP: stick with your job until you are married and have ALL debts paid off. build yourself a foundation to start from and your dreams will be easier to get off the ground. nothing ruins dreams more than realizing that u cant afford them!