[Whostheboss]

Originally Posted by grieverr

No, I don't

I landed on an IT job many years ago and have been a system admin in some capacity in that sector since (over 10 years now, I'm in my mid 30's). I've always liked computers so it wasn't that bad. But I started a new job last year with what basically is a startup, and I currently work by myself for long hours and it's really, really getting to me.

As I think back on why I stayed doing this kind of work for so long it was because of the people I worked with, and because every few years my role would change and keep things (sorta) interesting. Now, there is no people, just me in a remote office, and I've come to really be annoyed by troubleshooting computer issues.

So I'm going through a career midlife crisis now where I desperately want to go into a totally different field, but I haven't narrowed down what it is I want to do. I went to school for art - I wanted to draw comic books - but then I thought "that's stupid, I'll never make a living that way". I also had interests in doing something with the community. The one thing I said back then was, "I'll never be a stiff working behind a desk typing his life away". Can you guess what I'm doing?!? So yeah, somehow along the way I lost a vision of what I wanted and "settled" for what I thought was right or the responsible thing to do. I didn't realize that maybe comics wasn't the way to go, but I could have used my art in other ways to be gainfully employed.

So let that be a lesson to you young'ns. Don't only follow money, because even if you get it, it won't take away the crapiness of having to do something you hate to get it, which explains (to me) why a lot of successful people abuse drugs and alcohol. Thankfully, I've avoided that and all things considered I don't have it bad. But I do want to make that change to have a more pleasant and happy everyday.

woo! I guess I needed to get that off my chest!

Wow dude! Sounds very interesting. We have a few things in common. I studied Computer engineering in College. Before that, i wanted to go to school for Art and 3D drawing but i thought to myself that it's a stupid idea and that field is very competitive.

Fast forward to now, i currently have a job as a software engineer. I Almost lost my passion for art until one day i decided to pick up a paper and pencil and begin drawing again.
I thank the Lord that my 9 to 5 is not stressful at all. I have taken my art skills to the next level now. I do digital drawing and i also create Apps for mobile devices.
It is very pleasing and rewarding watching people play my games and admire my artwork. I get lots of joy knowing that my work is appreciated.
My long time goal is to continue working at my current job and make enough money to pay for the bills and fund my Art/Mobile business. Hopefully sooner than later, i will be making more money from my Art/App and then i can resign my 9 to 5 and focus more on my passion.

The World really is yours. Close your eyes and try not to do what everyone else is doing. The key to Happiness is finding a passion and making a living out of it.

[Whostheboss]

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/video...D0yD5cH9y238v4

Watch that video by Joe Rogan. Has a lot to do with this thread.

[UncleWede]

On the whole, I do. So much that I do it all the time on weekends for friends/family, and am even offering the service as raffle prizes for my kids' school.

Yes, there are days that other parts of my job are a major pain in the ass, but the work I do is always changing, and (almost) always helps people do their own thing.

Where I am now, I come early, leave in time to pick up the youngest after baseball, and can make almost every game while still not really worrying if I drop a few bills on dinner or for a present.

Yes, computer geek.

[Dozhdbog]

Yes, I do. Please see this thread for what I do:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1089887