Journal: What should I do with my life?

Keeping up with all the stories on Slashdot is a full-time job. I try to stay up-to-date since I never know when I'll something that'll spark my interests. I had gotten very far behind the "front page" stories and was trying to catch up when I came across the "What should I do with my life?" stry--Po's intro chapter of his latest book was published on FastCompany.com.

It was an interesting read, especially because I am currently unemployed. (the startup that was employing me couldn't secure a second round of funding...) It caused me to consider my career choice. From my freshman year in high school, I knew I wanted to be an engineer. It was just a matter of deciding what engineering discipline to pursue--areospace, nuclear, or electrical. The choice of Electrical Engineering became obvious as I neared my senior year. From my first day of college, I knew I would major in Electrical Engineering. At the time, the EE program had a Computer Engineering option which I elected. I graduated about three months before the major tech boom started. I found a job on the West Coast and started my career.

I never looked back. I have never thought about my choice of career. It was, without a doubt, the right choice for me. I currenty live in a ciy that seems to have been especially hard hit by the tech slump. I'll find a job. I just hope it comes "in time." But, being unemployed allowed me to consider the question "What should I do with my life?" with a different mindset. Most of those thoughts centered around more artistic pursuits. I think it would be cool to be a sculpture. I would like to try working with glass (glass blowing). Perhaps I could become a master woodworker. I've also always enjoyed improv comedy. Maybe I could be a modern day Bob Newhart?

An aside: I would bet that many tech workers have artistic yearnings. I don't find it mysterious--it's just a another way to be creative. The materials and the context are different.

I don't yearn for a change of careers. I am not a stereotypical top exec at Big Bad Money Firm who longs to do "something meaningful." I like what I do (or, will do). I do create products. And I don't have to compromise on my ethics or morals. However, these thoughts shouldn't be tossed aside to be forgotten. Perhaps I should consider how to fulfill that side. And I think the most likely candidate is the improv thing. (I can just see my wife's face if I were to tell her that we need to build an addition to house for my glass furnace)