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Re:Ask HN: Finding a job for the rest of my life by skmurphy on Wednesday December 10, 2008 @05:14PM (#393558)
I would focus on finding a job you can do well for the next three to five years, building on gaius' point that you won't be the same person in 10 years.

I wonder if it's not writing but finishing something and having it judged that's the problem (a roundabout way of saying perfectionism). If it is writing--which I doubt given the fluency of the prose in your question--perhaps you would make a good counselor or coach or salesperson: someone whose job involves listening, influencing, and verbal improvisation.

It could be that you draw your energy from interacting with people (and learning) and you should look for jobs that have a significant component of that.

I think most jobs will reward learning (at least learning that leads to excellence in execution not just an accumulation of facts) so I would focus less on learning as you can normally work that into most jobs you take on.

Re:Ask HN: Finding a job for the rest of my life by ballpark on Wednesday December 10, 2008 @05:42PM (#393593)
As a developer, I am always learning, but many times I don't care to learn anymore about computers. Those are the times that I look forward to going home, and picking up a book about whatever I'm trying to learn about.
Re:Ask HN: Finding a job for the rest of my life by skmurphy on Wednesday December 10, 2008 @05:51PM (#393607)
I agree that a lifelong commitment to learning can be a source of ongoing enjoyment. I didn't mean to imply that he should focus all of his learning activities on his job, or job related topics. What I had meant to convey was that learning was normally a component of most jobs. I also agree that taking a break from the computer and work related topics by reading a book is a great way to recharge and learn something new.
Re:Ask HN: Finding a job for the rest of my life by ballpark on Wednesday December 10, 2008 @05:57PM (#393617)
Hi skmurphy. I didn't disagree. Just adding my 2 cents to it.
Re:Ask HN: Finding a job for the rest of my life by tstegart on Wednesday December 10, 2008 @09:18PM (#393829)
Thanks for the comments guys. I thought about perfectionism, but I'm very laid back when it comes to my other work. I was fine with my designs when I was a designer, and I was fine with my pottery (I did a lot of that in school). It was what it was. I could make good looking pots, but they were never going to be bought by anyone. They gave me pleasure though.

With writing, its different. Its the only thing I find myself coming up with every excuse not to do it. I do have a problem with execution, I get bored, but writing I despise. When I have bursts of inspiration, its really quite good. Good writing isn't the problem for me, its getting the writing done.