Insomniac Life Revelations and the Crushing Reality

[Dan Apodaca]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

I'm taking an EMT class right now. I have my third class tomorrow. I decided to try out EMT because I was feeling realy guilty about not contributing anything to the world, and I wanted to be doing something where I make a difference. It's also about as close to a superhero as I can get. But, I'm not motivated to do the class at all. I'm having an intensely difficult time retaining any information, and I've just lost interest altogether. I have my third class tomorrow.

So, I was up all night last night, unable to sleep, thinking about stuff. Stuff like why I wasn't doing the studying I should be, and if I would ever find anything in the world that could make me happy and provide a paycheck. I thought back to what my dad said. I was racking my brain, trying to think of what I had a passion for.

And I know it's tired to say, especially here, but I really love comic books. I mean, I REALLY love comic books. I can't live without them. And they're the thing that I know the most about. I am passionate about comic books.

"Great", you're saying, "another useless thread where somebody says how much they love comics and everybody else chimes in. Bo-ring!" But there's more.

So, I decided that my dream job would be to write comics. I want to make lots of comic books for as long as I'm alive. I got so happy. I finally figured out what I love!

And then I realized what my chances were of getting paid to write comics. Especially since I don't draw.

That's when I got really depressed.

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to, but I have to face the reality that the odds are infinity to one that I will ever be able to support myself doing it. So, what do you do when the goal you want to pursue in life is virtually impossible? What do you do when the rest of your life is almost guaranteed to be a disappointment?

[Trystenn]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

I'm taking an EMT class right now. I have my third class tomorrow. I decided to try out EMT because I was feeling realy guilty about not contributing anything to the world, and I wanted to be doing something where I make a difference. It's also about as close to a superhero as I can get. But, I'm not motivated to do the class at all. I'm having an intensely difficult time retaining any information, and I've just lost interest altogether. I have my third class tomorrow.

So, I was up all night last night, unable to sleep, thinking about stuff. Stuff like why I wasn't doing the studying I should be, and if I would ever find anything in the world that could make me happy and provide a paycheck. I thought back to what my dad said. I was racking my brain, trying to think of what I had a passion for.

And I know it's tired to say, especially here, but I really love comic books. I mean, I REALLY love comic books. I can't live without them. And they're the thing that I know the most about. I am passionate about comic books.

"Great", you're saying, "another useless thread where somebody says how much they love comics and everybody else chimes in. Bo-ring!" But there's more.

So, I decided that my dream job would be to write comics. I want to make lots of comic books for as long as I'm alive. I got so happy. I finally figured out what I love!

And then I realized what my chances were of getting paid to write comics. Especially since I don't draw.

That's when I got really depressed.

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to, but I have to face the reality that the odds are infinity to one that I will ever be able to support myself doing it. So, what do you do when the goal you want to pursue in life is virtually impossible? What do you do when the rest of your life is almost guaranteed to be a disappointment?
You may not be able to support yourself but dont let it stop you from at least trying, its not like you cant get another job while doing this.

[Dan Apodaca]

You may not be able to support yourself but dont let it stop you from at least trying, its not like you cant get another job while doing this.

I know. No offense, but I was kinda hoping to avoid these kind of responses by putting in this part:

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to...

Maybe it's just me, but the thought of working shitty jobs for the rest of my life is really depressing. After long enough, the meantime becomes the status quo.

[howyadoin]

Maybe it's just me, but the thought of working shitty jobs for the rest of my life is really depressing. After long enough, the meantime becomes the status quo.What happened to film school?

[Trystenn]

I know. No offense, but I was kinda hoping to avoid these kind of responses by putting in this part:



Maybe it's just me, but the thought of working shitty jobs for the rest of my life is really depressing. After long enough, the meantime becomes the status quo.
Im sorry man, i didnt quite know what you meant.


And dont worry, im also nervous about the future, there is so much emphasis on schooling nowadays, its sometimes overwhelming to know that if you screw up once in this part of your life, you might need another 2 years to make up for it.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

MAking the comic you want to doesn't mean you have to write or draw them -there's always publishing.

Of course, to get to that your're going to have to do a bunch of jobs to get to it - working at another publishers, or in a comic shop or some such.
But that's life - you don't get your dream job straight away.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

And dont worry, im also nervous about the future, there is so much emphasis on schooling nowadays, its sometimes overwhelming to know that if you screw up once in this part of your life, you might need another 2 years to make up for it.

I'll let you in on a little secret - that's rubbish.

There are so many different ways to get to what you want, that I wouldn't worry too much about schooling - that's somthing the schools tell you.

If you've got a talent for somthing, people don't care about what education you've had.

[Dan Apodaca]

What happened to film school?

Good question.

I guess I lost interest. To tell you the truth, I tend to do that a lot. Part of what made me realize how much I loved comics was that I haven't lost interest in them, over all these years.

[Trystenn]

I'll let you in on a little secret - that's rubbish.

There are so many different ways to get to what you want, that I wouldn't worry too much about schooling - that's somthing the schools tell you.

If you've got a talent for somthing, people don't care about what education you've had.
I know, at least i hope it is, its just well D*mn its like if you F*ck up now and dont make a success of yourself by 27 your going to be stuck at a dead end job paying rent your whole rest of you life.

[Dan Apodaca]

I'll let you in on a little secret - that's rubbish.

There are so many different ways to get to what you want, that I wouldn't worry too much about schooling - that's somthing the schools tell you.

If you've got a talent for somthing, people don't care about what education you've had.

Well, that's not entirely true. If you're equally as talented as somebody else, but they've got the schooling, they're likely to beat you for the position.

I've seen it happen to friends, and it's happened to me a couple times.

[Dan Apodaca]

MAking the comic you want to doesn't mean you have to write or draw them -there's always publishing.

Of course, to get to that your're going to have to do a bunch of jobs to get to it - working at another publishers, or in a comic shop or some such.
But that's life - you don't get your dream job straight away.

Definitely. And if I can work a job that would be helpful to the longterm goal, I can deal with the potential poor quality. I just don't want to be working retail, trying to sell my self-made comics for the rest of my life.

[FunkyGreenJerusalem]

I know, at least i hope it is, its just well D*mn its like if you F*ck up now and dont make a success of yourself by 27 your going to be stuck at a dead end job paying rent your whole rest of you life.
Get into somthing you like and you won't care if your not going to set the world on fire.

You'll just be happy to be.

Well, that's not entirely true. If you're equally as talented as somebody else, but they've got the schooling, they're likely to beat you for the position.

I've seen it happen to friends, and it's happened to me a couple times.

Depends in what field your talking about and if the talent is matched by proffesionalism.

Definitely. And if I can work a job that would be helpful to the longterm goal, I can deal with the potential poor quality. I just don't want to be working retail, trying to sell my self-made comics for the rest of my life.

Yeah, but that's where you might have to start.
Just don't spend the rest of your life on it, just see if your good at it, and if your not, find somthing else.

[howyadoin]

I'll let you in on a little secret - that's rubbish.

There are so many different ways to get to what you want, that I wouldn't worry too much about schooling - that's somthing the schools tell you.

If you've got a talent for somthing, people don't care about what education you've had.I dunno. You'd never get a foot in the door in advertising without some formal education.

[howyadoin]

Good question.

I guess I lost interest. To tell you the truth, I tend to do that a lot. Part of what made me realize how much I loved comics was that I haven't lost interest in them, over all these years.Well fuck, you're only 20. I worked in a grocery store till I was 28.

[Noir_Dark]

I knew my whole life I knew that I loved art. So after high school I enrolled in art school and thought I was well on my way to becoming a starving artist. But then something unexpected happened;
I found myself liking art less and less. When you add things like deadlines and job pressure art becomes more like- well… a job. Then it’s no fun. The idea of having something I loved turning into just another foul job sent my running.
Now I work a regular job with regular pay. When I have the time I draw and still love it.

Oh and about the whole “thinking about the future” thing? It’s not for everyone.
There is more to life than a good job and a high pay check.

Thats my take anyhoo.

[Trystenn]

Get into somthing you like and you won't care if your not going to set the world on fire.

You'll just be happy to be.
Well im hoping to become a psychologist eventually.
Heh high hopes.

[kmeyers]

Good question.

I guess I lost interest. To tell you the truth, I tend to do that a lot. Part of what made me realize how much I loved comics was that I haven't lost interest in them, over all these years.
why don't you combine your film school love, with your comic love...and write kick ass stories...that may or may not be in comic book form. Good stories are good stories.

you are aware that almost, if not EVERY movie starts in storyboard form...a.k.a. comic book panels before it's filmed, right?

[Dan Apodaca]

why don't you combine your film school love, with your comic love...and write kick ass stories...that may or may not be in comic book form. Good stories are good stories.

you are aware that almost, if not EVERY movie starts in storyboard form...a.k.a. comic book panels before it's filmed, right?

Well, I'm still gonna write any stories that I would want to. Like you say, the difference between them being comics or movies in mainly in the production.

But it mainly has to do with how the story goes in my head. Sometimes I see it as a film, and sometimes I see it as a comic.

[kmeyers]

Well, I'm still gonna write any stories that I would want to. Like you say, the difference between them being comics or movies in mainly in the production.

But it mainly has to do with how the story goes in my head. Sometimes I see it as a film, and sometimes I see it as a comic.
but I'm suggesting that you see it both ways...especially when you have to describe your vision to people...storyboards/comic books...are so much more effective. people love visuals.

[JadeDragon]

The trick is to DECIDE to stick with a goal. Picking something you are passionate about is step one. Step two is facing the first set of adversity, and not folding under the pressure. Nothing worth achieving is easy, otherwise everybody would be living their dreams. Its those willing to fail over and over again and keep on trying that finally acheive their goals.

Ive gone through it. I was broke many years of my life pursuing my goal. Now Im 37 and finally making a good living, even if my path took me away from comics for a while. Im learning stuff in a related field that will make me a real powerhouse when I go back to my original goals.

Learning is the key. And deciding what to learn is the biggest step when walking towards that goal.

Hope anything Ive said might help...its always tough to make big decisions in life, but the most important thing is to be confident enough to decide what your goal is...then figure out how to acheive that goal one small step at a time...

And dont let ANYBODY ever convince you that you cant do it....

And the number one rule is to enjoy the PROCESS of struggling, failing and always trying again...because that is life...right here and right now.

[kmeyers]

And dont let ANYBODY ever convince you that you cant do it....
I think this is the key...especially for people like myself. The scariest part is that I am my worst critic, and I convince myself that I "can't do it." even though deep down somewhere, I know I can, but that devil on my shoulder is so very critical...and his voice seems to be very loud.

[Ta2grrl]

But what happens when you accomplish your goal only to discover you actually don't like that field of work...

I wanted to tattoo for years...but after 2 years I was bored and bummed...I decided to return home and try something else...

It was depressing as hell and I'm still trying to figure out now what i want to do...again...

XXX

[howyadoin]

that devil on my shoulder is so very critical...and his voice seems to be very loud.I shot mine a few years ago. Killed the little fucker dead.

[howyadoin]

And the number one rule is to enjoy the PROCESS of struggling, failing and always trying again...because that is life...right here and right now.I'll gladly second that. Going through the actual process is when you learn the most.

[Ta2grrl]

I shot mine a few years ago. Killed the little fucker dead.

Alcohol posioning??

Shot of this...shot of that...

;)

XXX

[howyadoin]

Alcohol posioning??

Shot of this...shot of that...Hah! That would explain it.

[SteelTownr]

That's It!

Next Year when I go to Latrobe for Steeler's training camp, I'm trying out!

Screw them for never drafting me!

Mark B.

[thik_3rd]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

I'm taking an EMT class right now. I have my third class tomorrow. I decided to try out EMT because I was feeling realy guilty about not contributing anything to the world, and I wanted to be doing something where I make a difference. It's also about as close to a superhero as I can get. But, I'm not motivated to do the class at all. I'm having an intensely difficult time retaining any information, and I've just lost interest altogether. I have my third class tomorrow.

So, I was up all night last night, unable to sleep, thinking about stuff. Stuff like why I wasn't doing the studying I should be, and if I would ever find anything in the world that could make me happy and provide a paycheck. I thought back to what my dad said. I was racking my brain, trying to think of what I had a passion for.

And I know it's tired to say, especially here, but I really love comic books. I mean, I REALLY love comic books. I can't live without them. And they're the thing that I know the most about. I am passionate about comic books.

"Great", you're saying, "another useless thread where somebody says how much they love comics and everybody else chimes in. Bo-ring!" But there's more.

So, I decided that my dream job would be to write comics. I want to make lots of comic books for as long as I'm alive. I got so happy. I finally figured out what I love!

And then I realized what my chances were of getting paid to write comics. Especially since I don't draw.

That's when I got really depressed.

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to, but I have to face the reality that the odds are infinity to one that I will ever be able to support myself doing it. So, what do you do when the goal you want to pursue in life is virtually impossible? What do you do when the rest of your life is almost guaranteed to be a disappointment?
i'm in the same boat as you are. what makes it worse i have no illusions of being a good writer.

[Mike Smith]

Dan, never give up on your hopes and dreams. It may sound cheesy, but in the long run the maxim will hold great truth. The point of life, working to provide a living, perhaps pursuing a family, that dream house, cars, pets...whatever else society recognizes as joy; these are things whose device is to bring personal pleasure and enjoyment to your lifetime. It's the point. That's why you go to school, get a job, pay the rent, buy the stuff. You are trying to enjoy your life. Some people sadly sacrifice the place where you will spend the majority of your life, work aka your job, doing something they absolutely hate. They make this sacrifice as either they didn't have the foresight to know they would hate their job, or they just were willing to do a loathful thing to get a good paycheck. Either way it can challenge one of the points of life and why we work...to enjoy it.

You expressed a strong love for everything comics. My suggestion would be to perhaps try find a way into the entertainment industry involving comics/or their promotion. Proximity may be the key you seek. Put yourself in a good job that involves either the production, making, or distribution of comics. I'm not familiar with the industry itself, but my guess is that within Marvel/DC and other companies, their affiliated distributors, public relations, their different media outlets, ad agencies, computational design, artists etc. there are quite a bit of corporate type jobs that will put you somewhere in the production of comics. First, find out what type of jobs there are within the industry. Do some extensive research. Next, find out what qualifications you will need to reach those types of jobs. More than likely it will involve education. If you are native Californian, you have a wealth of universities to pick that come at a good price too. You should actually be a little jumpy and excited with all that you have ahead of you. You're young and still have the option of going down the career path that you want. This way while you continue doing your writing and seeking a publisher, your actual "j-o-b" is within the field. You're already in the industry, which in itself is a great step for potential writers/creators.

You've also expressed a desire that you want to contribute to society, in the form of your job, and also make a good living for yourself. There is no reason a good job within the entertainment industry cannot achieve that end for you. Providing joy and entertainment for the public is one of the ultimate things you can do. You are helping people overcome sadness, depression, and boredom that comes in their working lives. The difference is that your work is providing what everyone else needs. This can put you in a good spot. So in all, don't feel like you are starting too late. Be joyful that you are young, have a world of options, and still have time to decide what you want your life to be. Until you make your final choice, just remember never to limit yourself down. Think in broad terms in whatever industry you want to be within and EXPLORE all options. Research them thoroughly.

You have a lot of things to consider and a great amount of things to enjoy. In today's society I highly encourage you to pursue an education in whatever field you into (appropriate to the types of jobs you'll want). As long as you carefully consider what you want in life, you'll truly be fine and happy. I'm just excited for you. Sorry for the length, I just get stoked for people on optimistic subjects like this. You have a ton of choices.

[Fabian]

You & me buddy, professional gamblers.

what kind of stories do you plan to write anyhow?

[TinMan]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

I'm taking an EMT class right now. I have my third class tomorrow. I decided to try out EMT because I was feeling realy guilty about not contributing anything to the world, and I wanted to be doing something where I make a difference. It's also about as close to a superhero as I can get. But, I'm not motivated to do the class at all. I'm having an intensely difficult time retaining any information, and I've just lost interest altogether. I have my third class tomorrow.

So, I was up all night last night, unable to sleep, thinking about stuff. Stuff like why I wasn't doing the studying I should be, and if I would ever find anything in the world that could make me happy and provide a paycheck. I thought back to what my dad said. I was racking my brain, trying to think of what I had a passion for.

And I know it's tired to say, especially here, but I really love comic books. I mean, I REALLY love comic books. I can't live without them. And they're the thing that I know the most about. I am passionate about comic books.

"Great", you're saying, "another useless thread where somebody says how much they love comics and everybody else chimes in. Bo-ring!" But there's more.

So, I decided that my dream job would be to write comics. I want to make lots of comic books for as long as I'm alive. I got so happy. I finally figured out what I love!

And then I realized what my chances were of getting paid to write comics. Especially since I don't draw.

That's when I got really depressed.

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to, but I have to face the reality that the odds are infinity to one that I will ever be able to support myself doing it. So, what do you do when the goal you want to pursue in life is virtually impossible? What do you do when the rest of your life is almost guaranteed to be a disappointment?

You do what I did: went to school and got a degree in something I could tolerate, now I'm an engineer by day and working on penciling and writing by night because I want to get into comics. If it happens, all the better, if not I always have a good, stable income. Lets face it, even if I never get a job working for Marvel, DC, Image, Darkhorse or one of the indie presses I could always just publish my own work.

I had the same problems years ago, I really wanted to pencil comics, but the reality of the situation started hitting me as I got older. Its difficult to break into comics, so I decided to go with something I "liked" that would be more stable: enter design and drafting. Now I can work and not have to worry about monetary issues but work on true goal in life; write and pencil funnybooks!

[Tridge]

business skooling to lead to the opening of your very own comic book shop comes to my mind. preferably in a place that doesn't have a "local" shop.
heck, i think it'd be cool to run a comic shop here, but i'd never go into competition with Andy (owns the local comic shop here), just because he's so cool.

[Dan Apodaca]

but I'm suggesting that you see it both ways...especially when you have to describe your vision to people...storyboards/comic books...are so much more effective. people love visuals.

Well, if I ever got the chance to turn any comics into movies, I'd definitely jump at it. And you're right, there's no reason I couldn't try one of my screenplays out in comic form. In fact, I have a couple of stories that I started writing as films that mutated into comics.

[Dan Apodaca]

You & me buddy, professional gamblers.

what kind of stories do you plan to write anyhow?

Heh, if it weren't for my godawful luck, I'd be right there with you. Maybe I can train the bad luck away.

I'm writing a variety of stuff, but mainly short stories. Some of them are only a page, and some are multi-issue. I've got some diary comic stuff and some fiction.

The really great news here is that I found someone who will draw my comics! Not only that, but they actually want to! And best of all, they're pretty great! His name is Timothy Jordan, and he's been a friend of mine for a couple of years. I didn't even know he could draw, but when I told him about the idea, he asked if he could do the art and after showing me some of his work, was promptly hired.

[Dan Apodaca]

By the way, Mike Smith is the shit.

[Fabian]

Heh, if it weren't for my godawful luck, I'd be right there with you. Maybe I can train the bad luck away.

I'm writing a variety of stuff, but mainly short stories. Some of them are only a page, and some are multi-issue. I've got some diary comic stuff and some fiction.

The really great news here is that I found someone who will draw my comics! Not only that, but they actually want to! And best of all, they're pretty great! His name is Timothy Jordan, and he's been a friend of mine for a couple of years. I didn't even know he could draw, but when I told him about the idea, he asked if he could do the art and after showing me some of his work, was promptly hired.
You're my lucky charm. Remember how I cleaned up that Blackjack table with you beside me? You were like Rainman. You had all his virtues except the card counting and matching suits, but overall, that's all you

Why don't you try newspaper strips first? I really liked Chip Zdarky's Prison Funnies newspaper strips.

You need an editor? I know just the man who can do it

[Dan Apodaca]

The trick is to DECIDE to stick with a goal. Picking something you are passionate about is step one. Step two is facing the first set of adversity, and not folding under the pressure. Nothing worth achieving is easy, otherwise everybody would be living their dreams. Its those willing to fail over and over again and keep on trying that finally acheive their goals.

Ive gone through it. I was broke many years of my life pursuing my goal. Now Im 37 and finally making a good living, even if my path took me away from comics for a while. Im learning stuff in a related field that will make me a real powerhouse when I go back to my original goals.

Learning is the key. And deciding what to learn is the biggest step when walking towards that goal.

Hope anything Ive said might help...its always tough to make big decisions in life, but the most important thing is to be confident enough to decide what your goal is...then figure out how to acheive that goal one small step at a time...

And dont let ANYBODY ever convince you that you cant do it....

And the number one rule is to enjoy the PROCESS of struggling, failing and always trying again...because that is life...right here and right now.

So, I had another class today and I'm feeling more optimistic. I managed to actually remember some of the homework, and I passed a little pop quiz easily. I only missed one question, and I still say it was bullshit semantics.

I guess what keeps scaring me so much is the thought that if I make a mistake on the job, someone could die. I'm worrying myself to death about something that might happen. And then I keep convincing myself that it's in my track record to screw up.

But I realized something today. That's kind of the whole point of the certification exam. If I'm not mentally qualified for the job, I probably won't pass it, and then I won't have to worry about killing somebody because it'll have been officially decided that I'm incapable. And then, at least I'll have tried.

So I'm not worrying so much anymore. It's good to know that there's a system in place to ensure that I don't cause any harm.

[Dan Apodaca]

You're my lucky charm. Remember how I cleaned up that Blackjack table with you beside me? You were like Rainman. You had all his virtues except the card counting and matching suits, but overall, that's all you

I should just get drunk and hang out while you win. Smoke lots of cigarettes. Hmmm, we might be onto something...

Why don't you try newspaper strips first? I really liked Chip Zdarky's Prison Funnies newspaper strips.

You need an editor? I know just the man who can do it

Well, none of them are short enough to work as newspaper strips. I'll let you know if I do need an editor.

[Rae Rodriguez]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

I'm taking an EMT class right now. I have my third class tomorrow. I decided to try out EMT because I was feeling realy guilty about not contributing anything to the world, and I wanted to be doing something where I make a difference. It's also about as close to a superhero as I can get. But, I'm not motivated to do the class at all. I'm having an intensely difficult time retaining any information, and I've just lost interest altogether. I have my third class tomorrow.

So, I was up all night last night, unable to sleep, thinking about stuff. Stuff like why I wasn't doing the studying I should be, and if I would ever find anything in the world that could make me happy and provide a paycheck. I thought back to what my dad said. I was racking my brain, trying to think of what I had a passion for.

And I know it's tired to say, especially here, but I really love comic books. I mean, I REALLY love comic books. I can't live without them. And they're the thing that I know the most about. I am passionate about comic books.

"Great", you're saying, "another useless thread where somebody says how much they love comics and everybody else chimes in. Bo-ring!" But there's more.

So, I decided that my dream job would be to write comics. I want to make lots of comic books for as long as I'm alive. I got so happy. I finally figured out what I love!

And then I realized what my chances were of getting paid to write comics. Especially since I don't draw.

That's when I got really depressed.

I'm still gonna make the comics I want to, but I have to face the reality that the odds are infinity to one that I will ever be able to support myself doing it. So, what do you do when the goal you want to pursue in life is virtually impossible? What do you do when the rest of your life is almost guaranteed to be a disappointment?
I was an EMT for a while. It's not like that pays much. Yes, you'll be contributing to society, but it's easy to suffer from burnout. If you become a writer in general, you could always write other things along side comic books, i.e. books, reviews, etc.

I was looking to return to school for EMS for this semester, but I got screwed with the scheduling. I took it as a sign that I should be working on my renewed love of drawing (which is my first love), so that's what I'm doing. I know it's a competitive field, but your father's right -- you have to find something you're passionate about.

[nubly]

Boy, I had a strange night last night.

A while ago, I was talking to my dad about how I couldn't think of any job that I would be interested in pursuing as a career. He said I had to find something that I was passionate about, and find a way to work with that. I thought long and hard. I couldn't think of anything.

a jobs a job. most people dont like their jobs. there are lots of things we are passionate about but either they dont pay well, dont have the knoweldge or drive to make money off it or they are just not a reality. when i was younger, i always wanted to join the military. when i got in, i wasnt expecting so much laziness and negativity. i have never seen as much whining about a job as i did in the military. it just killed my moral for being in. after i got out, i got a job as a medical biller. it was easy and i wanted to get my own company started. easier said than done. so now im just looking into what pays well. nursing is always in demand, no matter where you go in the states. so i decided to give that a try and see if i can get into the peace corps when i graduate.

so dont look for a job that you'll be passionate about. just look into something that will set you back well financially and take all the vacation you can.

[i_mmmchocolate]

I know where you're coming from. Right now I'm making decent money, I'd like to make more. What I really want to do is write and conduct research, the only way to do this (and get paid) is becoming a professor. The job market is pretty tough and I know that should I decide to invest in a PhD program (I'd only do this if they offered me fellowships/grants/NO loans) there's no guarantee of a tenured track position- at least not immediately. I've been thinking long and hard on this.

Get a job that pays the bills, but always pursue your interests on the side- never let them go. You just never know.

[Dan Apodaca]

so dont look for a job that you'll be passionate about. just look into something that will set you back well financially and take all the vacation you can.

No.

I want a better life than that. I'm sorry if you don't.

[howyadoin]

I've got some diary comic stuff and some fiction.Have you read any of Kochalka's Sketchbook Diaries?

[kmeyers]

so dont look for a job that you'll be passionate about. just look into something that will set you back well financially and take all the vacation you can.
that seriously might be the worst advice I've ever heard.

"Don't spend your time doing what you really want to do, waste your life at a job that pays the rent, give up your dreams for this apartment and one week in tropical temperatures."

question...what if the job you're passionate about will "set you back well financially, and take all the vacation you can?"

[Dan Apodaca]

Have you read any of Kochalka's Sketchbook Diaries?

Yep, and I dug them bigly. Definitely a Kochalka fan, here.