I'm a bleeding-heart romantic. I used to be a workaholic - had an emotional relationship with work - now we're just good friends.
If work doesn't make you happy, it can give you the means - it can give you the financial support to do the things that make you and others happy.
I'm learning over and over (loop) that trying to look at things as black and white, good or bad can make you unhappy, which is why reading this essay gives me concern - I think Danielle is much like me - I want to change the world - but I'm starting to think my lever might not be technology - I don't know if I have the talent and commitment to get hired by a startup/start a startup. After doing code for my day job, coming home at night, I'd rather go out and dance Salsa so I become a better dancer (not just a guy who goes through patterns, but one who dances and has a connection with his partner). Though I do think I can make little cool web apps like twistori/twittervision and I will once I become more efficient (e.g. Ruby over Java)). I really think my lever might be connecting with people and telling stories.
Danielle - Thanks for the essay. You are eloquent and understated.
Connecting with people is an incredibly powerful thing. If you can inject meaning into the hearts of the able, you have the power to do good.
You may discover, however, after going out and dancing Salsa and enjoying life in that way, that you can come back to technology refreshed and renewed and ambitious. I've seen this time and time again.
If work doesn't make you happy, it can give you the means - it can give you the financial support to do the things that make you and others happy.
I'm learning over and over (loop) that trying to look at things as black and white, good or bad can make you unhappy, which is why reading this essay gives me concern - I think Danielle is much like me - I want to change the world - but I'm starting to think my lever might not be technology - I don't know if I have the talent and commitment to get hired by a startup/start a startup. After doing code for my day job, coming home at night, I'd rather go out and dance Salsa so I become a better dancer (not just a guy who goes through patterns, but one who dances and has a connection with his partner). Though I do think I can make little cool web apps like twistori/twittervision and I will once I become more efficient (e.g. Ruby over Java)). I really think my lever might be connecting with people and telling stories.
Danielle - Thanks for the essay. You are eloquent and understated.