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The world needs better priorities...
15 years ago
So... I'm halfway through my college career. I'm going to be a Junior in the fall. I'm sure most people in my position are all like, "Yeah, already halfway done! I can't wait to get out there and start earning money!" ...I'm not. I'm just the opposite. I'm very much dreading graduation.
Why, you ask? That's what I'd like to ask the people who are all pumped to get a job and start earning money. What's so great about money? I'm serious. Money buys you nice things, sure, and it keeps you from being kicked out of your house due to rent / mortgage, but... that's really it. It's all just pieces of paper. I've never cared much about "stuff". Sure I buy video games every now and then, but I usually buy enough to sate my gaming appetite even on this meager college-kid budget. Why would I need a full-time, 40 hour a week job?
Of course, I will, when I get out of here. I'll be up to my eyeballs in student debt, just like every other college kid ever. The problem is, I really like the college life. All my friends, and all the learning I get to do... I'd keep on learning at institutions forever if I could, but at some point you have to start paying back. I know me and my friends will all go our separate ways after graduation, too. And even though I believe them when they say they'll keep in touch, it just isn't the same...
I'm not motivated by money the same way 95% of the country is. I'm motivated by friendship, by knowledge, "the truth", and by helping people. It was a mistake to learn how to make video games, then. Video games don't help people all that much. I'll be trapped for years working in a field that, I recently learned, isn't really what I want. It's workable, but not something I want to do for 40+ years. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure what I DO want, and I'm running out of time to figure that out. I fear that I won't find anything I want to do as a long-term career... "Working" isn't really in my blood I guess. Call me lazy but... When money doesn't drive you, jobs stop having their power over you.
*sigh* It really sucks when you're motivated by different things than the rest of your country is... The system isn't designed to help me get what I want because I'm probably the only one who wants it. Again, if I'm even sure that's what I want after all... Damn... When do things become clear?
Why, you ask? That's what I'd like to ask the people who are all pumped to get a job and start earning money. What's so great about money? I'm serious. Money buys you nice things, sure, and it keeps you from being kicked out of your house due to rent / mortgage, but... that's really it. It's all just pieces of paper. I've never cared much about "stuff". Sure I buy video games every now and then, but I usually buy enough to sate my gaming appetite even on this meager college-kid budget. Why would I need a full-time, 40 hour a week job?
Of course, I will, when I get out of here. I'll be up to my eyeballs in student debt, just like every other college kid ever. The problem is, I really like the college life. All my friends, and all the learning I get to do... I'd keep on learning at institutions forever if I could, but at some point you have to start paying back. I know me and my friends will all go our separate ways after graduation, too. And even though I believe them when they say they'll keep in touch, it just isn't the same...
I'm not motivated by money the same way 95% of the country is. I'm motivated by friendship, by knowledge, "the truth", and by helping people. It was a mistake to learn how to make video games, then. Video games don't help people all that much. I'll be trapped for years working in a field that, I recently learned, isn't really what I want. It's workable, but not something I want to do for 40+ years. Unfortunately, I'm still not sure what I DO want, and I'm running out of time to figure that out. I fear that I won't find anything I want to do as a long-term career... "Working" isn't really in my blood I guess. Call me lazy but... When money doesn't drive you, jobs stop having their power over you.
*sigh* It really sucks when you're motivated by different things than the rest of your country is... The system isn't designed to help me get what I want because I'm probably the only one who wants it. Again, if I'm even sure that's what I want after all... Damn... When do things become clear?
You're right, that jobs don't hold much value if they aren't what you want, and if money isn't a driving factor. But, sadly, this world runs on money. That system won't change; it's been that way for several thousands of years... the shape of the coins and whatnot may've changed, but everyone needs money. So... even if videogame programming isn't what you really want, know that you CAN make a difference. You do realize that you don't have to make it your JOB to help others, right? That's why there's volunteering. What I'd recommend is not giving up on videogame programming, because it seems like when you work in a group and can help others, you enjoy it. Tack in some volunteer work, and I think you'll find a fulfilling life.
Don't give up; make sure to examine as many of the roads ahead of you as you can.