HACKER Q&A
📣 michael_leachim

What Should I Do?


I am doing backend web work and I am insanely bored. I am trying to focus on my tasks but I just can't.

I am trying hard, but I just can't.

The problem is that I see this as a fundamental waste of time.

I mean, I get to eat something and I have roof over my head and I am grateful for this.

The big question is what I am passionate about. I would really really love to work on longevity research, on hard problems.

But I am not even sure about this, I would love to be challenged. I would love to do things that are hard.

I mean, there is no point in all of this, at the very least I could shoot for the stars for the time that I have left on this cursed planet.

I've been sort of doing this backend stuff for 12 years already I don't want to die doing only this, you know.

So I am asking a general question, what would you do in my place.

Thank you,

with all the love in the world, Em

UPD: as always fix typos

  👤 bell-cot Accepted Answer ✓
Sad to say, but...however popular a meme it has been just recently - a job doing awesome stuff, that you're passionate about, has been a mere fantasy for 99+% of humanity, for 99+% of history.

I'd start by asking whether you're trying to find meaning to your life in work. "Working to live", when you've got a really rewarding life in other areas, is usually a lot more sustainable than "living to work".

👤 antwerp1
If you have enough savings to take year off, quit your job (or minimize/part time it) and apply yourself to what you really (think) you want. You may be surprised at the results, but at least you’ll know you pursued your dreams