In Anticipation of Change
I took to a new trail yesterday. I found a comfortable pace and ascended Green Mountain just like the good ol’ days. I know I’ve mentioned before that I like to run because it helps me think and yesterday was no different. A sea of change has swept over me in the past year. I quit my job, and subsequently floundered with a few startups. I had a hip injury which led to surgery and rehab. Some of my best friends moved away from Boulder. These things combined have led me down a path I never expected. With my friends gone, there are fewer distractions to be had, and it’s given me more time to introspect. As with many of those in their twenties, I’ve found myself in somewhat of a quarter life crisis the past few years. Mostly because I didn’t have a plan, I didn’t know where’d I’d be in five years, let alone six months. My hip was killing me, I couldn’t travel. My money was going to a physical therapy and rehab, and I hated my job.
I hated my job. So I quit. Since that point I’ve stumbled over a few ideas, but have struggled to really find who I am. I couldn’t find work that was meaningful nor do things outside of work that excited me. The crux of all of this is that a few months ago I finally realized that there is no way in hell I want to be a software engineer the rest of my life. I like people too much. That’s the bottom line. I like talking to people, meeting new people, learning from people, and teaching people. My computer, while doing a variety of tasks rather efficiently, teaches me nothing, and I teach it nothing. As I carefully proceeded through the life cycle of major injury, I met many incredible people that do incredible things. I began to admire the work and desire that my friend Reed has for helping people. I started to appreciate what my father does more. I started thinking about getting involved in health care. And as I started thinking more and more - I decided I needed to act or I’d end up in continual purgatory.
Thus, in anticipation of change, I re-enrolled in school. This semester I’m only taking one class while I further evaluate the possibilities of my future. But I feel positive, I feel energy, I feel excited like I haven’t in the past. Ya, I’m not sure what the future has in store, but it’s different, and I’m encouraged.
~R
Filed by ryanroth at September 27th, 2007 under General Radness, Life, Mowntins, Young & Hip