Would you rather be doing something else?
I take it that a lot of folks in tech especially from india and China ( not sure ) are minted by an educational system churning out doctors and engineers. In my case, I was good at math and science in school. Engineering and CS were my obvious options ( did not have the maturity or opportunity to figure out what I really wanted to do ). I feel I am really good at personal finance and investing ( dad is a financial advisor and I grew up watching stock market quotes whizzing past on CNBC ). This could potentially be lucrative but I have no formal qualifications. Wondering if people feel they are gifted at something else while currently relying on software engineering to make a living. If so, do you ever plan to transition to pursuing this passion full-time? What’s your plan?
I’ve been wondering this myself lately. The money had blurred whether I started doing this because I like it or because it’s a good job.
Yes, but I don’t want to risk my financial future on following a riskier path. Also, I’d prefer not to make my passions my work, lest I grow to hate it because I “have” to do it. I make enough money to pursue my interests in off-hours and to retire early. My work is intellectually stimulating and I’m proud of what I do. Like you, I’m interested in investing and personal finance. I have plenty of money to play with and satisfy that itch; I don’t need to be responsible for other people’s money to do so. Good enough for me.
I like what I do and don't want to leave tech. But I wish I had more free time and PTO to spend doing things I enjoy that don't make money.
Journalism. I always wanted to be an engineer. But if there was no such thing as an engineer, I would want to be a journalist. 😊
Tech journalism?
No. Investigative or Field.
I was surrounded by medical professionals in my family(17 tbh), still I chose engineering over medical for the love for technology. Now I want to fuse the two and help Society.
Inspiring
Doctor or optometrists. I had more than enough to get into medical school. I also have genetical rheumatism which my brother also has one. With my kid having food allergy and my wife going through excruciating skin problem, I would have had great motivation. Besides, I have genuine interest in people’s health and love social life or listening to others problems to investigate deep. Getting through boring medical study would have had been challenging for me but judging by 99% getting through, I think I would have done fine. I complete my PhD with good work despite hating it so much. I finished it just because I started it. Math is the subject I hate most but I end up writing a research paper using complicated mathematical formula. I am pretty sure I would become a successful rheumatologist or allergist which don’t require surgery. I read through a ton of medical research papers because of above health issues which brings other complications as well. I would be a better doctor than many as I have great motivation to begin with. I didn’t want to make my past time as wasted so I had been going on software engineer route but if I can back to college year, I will choose a different path.
Reading through your comment, it’s clear to me that you are sincerely motivated to improve people’s health. I am sure you’ll make something happen.
I would rather be a chef or a photographer. But I don’t want to be poor or not see my kids at night.
Chef and restaurant owner, maybe when I retire.
Sounds like you have the perfect plan for when you retire.
Play bass in a Yacht Rock jazz fusion band and write comedy sketches. And go Saaaaaaaaailing, takes me away to where I've always heard it could be. Just a dream and the wind to carry me, and soon I will be free.
Do what you love, but it must create value. People often forget the second part and want to move on to pursue their passion. I love sleeping, but doing that won't feed me. Hence, making a living comes first, following your passion is secondary. Philosophy apart, I would had been a professional gamer.
Genuinely helpful
Unless you are a test subject in sleep studies.