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Changing Occupation

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 3:11 am
by Benjamin
I'm the type of person that likes diversity I suppose. I'll normally work very hard and intensely on one thing until I get really good at it and then I get bored and move onto something else. This process normally takes around 1 to 1.5 years.

I think I started programming because I wanted to conquer it. I stayed with it after I started to get good because of the money. I now realize this is something you can't really conquer and I want to move onto something else.

Becoming very good at PHP, MySQL, HTML, CSS and learning all the nuances of Apache, PHP and MySQL took quite a bit longer than that. I'm by no means the best but I'm to the point where getting a job making six figures is easily obtainable. I did in fact work in Chicago for a while on a large social networking site. I didn't really mind living in Chicago so much but I couldn't stand the boss I had so when I combined that with missing my friends and family I decided to leave.

So now I'm home again -Missouri-, and I'm finding it incredibly difficult to get myself to sit down and write code. It seems as if I am no longer interested in it.

Programming has been challenging, rewarding and a lot of fun. I've enjoyed learning, helping and arguing with a lot of you on this forum. I still pop in a lot to see what everyone is going on about, but I don't really post as much as I used to.

I saw this coming, probably well over a year ago. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do next. Working at a job really isn't my cup of tea for various reasons, but I know I needed to do something. One day, about three months ago I suddenly had the desire to build stuff. So much so that I started buying tools. Lots of tools. Woodworking tools. Router, router table, circular saw, table saw, drill, nail guns, router bits, planer, clamps etc. I am in the process of turning a large two car into a micro-woodmill, to the point of building an addition onto it.

I didn't even really know what I was going to build until about a month ago. At first I thought I would make doors, but that really didn't fit right. I now know what I am going to build. I'm not going to mention it yet but I'll post some pictures once a few batches have been made.

I'll pop in every now and again, but I think 2008 marks the end and a new beginning for me.

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:52 am
by matthijs
That's some change and quite a step to take. But if you get the chance, follow your heart and do what makes you happy.

And thanks for all the help here, do hope to see you around. Will be curious how things will go with you and what it is what you're making.

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:14 pm
by Oren
Good luck man! ...with whatever you will be doing. And don't forget to drop by and tell us what you are doing... or just say hey.
Good luck pal 8)

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 1:44 pm
by RobertGonzalez
Good luck astions.

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:08 pm
by Kieran Huggins
You ditched PHP and MySQL for routers and tables? Sounds like you have a framework fetish to me...

Good luck astions!

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:31 pm
by Benjamin
It is quite a step to take but I don't really consider it a risk. I needed a bunch of tools to build a house someday anyway.

I haven't even bought a pneumatic frame gun yet ;)

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 4:33 pm
by Kieran Huggins
astions wrote:pneumatic frame gun ;)
framework fetish FTW!

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:27 pm
by califdon
Best of luck, astions. Keep in mind the potential pitfalls and try to avoid them, but, as others have said, do what makes you happy! Unless you believe in reincarnation, you're only here for one lifetime. Don't spend it stuck in a place that doesn't bring you satisfaction.