This question has been quite persistent for the past.. forever. As a “hybrid,” I often find myself bouncing between my core passions. The answer in utopia is, of course, a life calling which beautifully combines these interests. But, of course as well, easier said than done. Given the way the world works, specialists doing what they do best working with other specialists, it’s very hard to find a niche where not one of my passions is compromised for another.

Here are some lists.

Top 3 things I’m sure I don’t want to do right now,

• Intensive coding - It makes sense for me to prototype, but beyond that, consider the toss-up of using that time to become a better designer or to become a somewhat okay programmer… This, I learned the hard way.
• Get involved with a super early stage start-up - I can only see myself spiraling into a void of darkness. Plus, I don’t have enough experience to be of any use. And, it seems like people tend to make assumptions about my priorities which are horribly, horribly wrong. And, of course, I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t make time to invest in well being, things become very, very bad.
• Gallery artist - I like to paint, but, I would also like to be able to sustain myself. And my family. (At least I didn’t learn this one the hard way!)

3 places I’d love to be, but probably won’t ever be,

• Studio Ghibli - Obvious. Made all my favorite animated movies. Inspires my childhood.
• Nintendo - Love the games, love to pick the brains of these brilliant people.
• Wacom - I’m vested in new tech toys and new ways to draw. New ways to draw new tech toys?

And, from that, top 3 things that are exciting and possible.

• Forward thinking technologies - I’d love to be on the forefront of technological development, speaking a language foreign to so many people. Even if my entire background may not be directly applicable to everyday tasks, I think it is able to demonstrate my capacity as a creator.
• People - Growing up, I was the odd-one-out, but then I discovered geeks. If I love the people I work with, then good things are to follow. This one will probably guide me to the “right” first full-time job.
  
  
•  Work =/= Life - Meaningful work is great, but it’s called meaningful work, and not meaningful life for a reason. I believe, at least for myself, that if I could somehow land in an environment on the forefront of technology, with the right people, who in return, appreciate pursuits beyond their product, possibilities like ‘gallery artist’ could arise from that free time spent doing things I enjoy, like painting.

That was some good thinking out loud. And, hopefully, it is somewhat interesting for anyone who bothered to read through it.