"The reason your question has been asked & answered so many times is that it is too broad. "
I believe this to be an inherent byproduct of the asker's current phase in their own personal development. When we ask, we are curious and unsure of where to go next. I know the question is broad, as too are the answers, but again, this comes from the fact that we are asking the 'seasoned' members of a community for insight - insight gained from experience that we simply do not yet have ourselves. Although I know there is no definitive 'ANSWER' for this question, I do believe there to be beneficial and constructive input on the topic that may still be made - hence, why I asked.
As to your suspicions pertaining to my lack of finding a passion in all of this, I think you may possibly be correct. Don't get me wrong; I love computers, languages, semantics and technology in general. One of my favorite pass-times when playing with a new language is to implement some of the algorithms and concepts from my advanced algorithm design and discrete mathematics classes - its just fun to me. Despite the entertainment found from doing exercises such as these, I have yet to find 'that special thing' that drives me to working until 3 a.m.
I think that (for me) you might be correct; I was discussing this very same "money job" topic with my wife before reading your response. It just seems logical, considering my current knowledge (or lack thereof), to find a tech oriented company to work from, hopefully encounter some mentor-types along the way and learn what to do from there.
I've been through a few jobs in the last few years, and I keep looking back at them thinking "What an idiot I was for doing X" (for many, many values of X). But then I realized that I hadn't really defined myself, my views on software and development, business, etc. I was like someone who could run, jump, do jumping jacks, etc, who went around saying "I want to do sports for a living". I had basic tools and skills, but no direction. It sounds a little embarrassing to say, but how else was I supposed to gain direction without going through different experiences?
If you're not sure what you want to do or what really drives you, don't be afraid to take a decent looking (but not necessarily dream-) job offer, stay a year or so, then go to another different type of company. Think of it as a slow, well compensated data collection process that will lead you to a better understanding. Sure it sounds lame when put next to the laser-focused entrepreneurial stories on HN, but so what? Do what's best for you (and your family - important consideration).
PS If you do that, don't forget to code and learn something completely different in your spare time. That push/pull helps you grow a lot faster and benefit both parts of your life. Right now I'm .Net by day, Lisp by night. How much more different can you get?
I believe this to be an inherent byproduct of the asker's current phase in their own personal development. When we ask, we are curious and unsure of where to go next. I know the question is broad, as too are the answers, but again, this comes from the fact that we are asking the 'seasoned' members of a community for insight - insight gained from experience that we simply do not yet have ourselves. Although I know there is no definitive 'ANSWER' for this question, I do believe there to be beneficial and constructive input on the topic that may still be made - hence, why I asked.
As to your suspicions pertaining to my lack of finding a passion in all of this, I think you may possibly be correct. Don't get me wrong; I love computers, languages, semantics and technology in general. One of my favorite pass-times when playing with a new language is to implement some of the algorithms and concepts from my advanced algorithm design and discrete mathematics classes - its just fun to me. Despite the entertainment found from doing exercises such as these, I have yet to find 'that special thing' that drives me to working until 3 a.m.
I think that (for me) you might be correct; I was discussing this very same "money job" topic with my wife before reading your response. It just seems logical, considering my current knowledge (or lack thereof), to find a tech oriented company to work from, hopefully encounter some mentor-types along the way and learn what to do from there.
Thanks aristus7,
-Matt