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Ask HN: I’m Lost. Help?

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41–50 of 55 posts

Re: Ask HN: I’m Lost. Help?

#41
Seems like you finished the main quest line and now you get to work on side missions or just explore the world.

Why do you think going back to who you were is good? You are a very different person in very different circumstances. Perhaps focusing on who you are right now and not chasing the person you used to be would give you some inner peace.

If I were you I would learn about art, move to a different country, and learn a new language. Just enjoy the open world, devs made a pretty good job creating it.

Re: Ask HN: I’m Lost. Help?

#42
This is a very valid issue, and a fairly common one: huge change in personal and professional circumstances, new phase in life too. You're very lucky both environments are very positive, you're not hurting for love/companionship nor for money.

Still you've got to start building the next phase and it can be hard, both because what you want has evolved, and because what you want no longer is the only objective to take into account: the wife and maybe kids also have a voice, directly or indirectly as an impact on your own priorities.

This is a complex, ongoing challenge that won't be solved by one, or a hundred, HN comments. So the most important thing is to start and maintain discussions about it, with yourself (set aside quiet times, start a journal...), and with your wife, and with trusted friends/family, and probably indeed with a therapist - don't be shy about shopping around until you find one you gel with.

Volunteering or working in a job with an altruistic impact can be it for some. Or more professional / financial progression. Or free time for family / hobbies. Or a relaxed work atmosphere (or on the contrary stress)... If you feel stressed/depressed, a pet is both a relaxing distraction and an unconditional source of love (esp. dogs birds and horses, cats are iffy !).

Don't be afraid of a temporary void, but don't wallow in it either.

Re: Ask HN: I’m Lost. Help?

#49
Hello, second-time commenter in HN here. You posted in a way, which makes it appear that you are looking for the next mountain to climb and conquer.

While others have given good suggestions to find the next mountain, it will lead you to the same non-passion plateau. It seems that you want a permanent fix rather than a temporary distraction.

As you are seeking out advice from different parties, I feel it necessary to share my unique input. I do not view it better than what others have stated, nor will I be offended if you go a different route. However, this strategy has helped this introverted person find a passion and purpose (even in regular, public speaking). Even the mere thought of what I am about to write is astoundingly simple that I step back and think, is it really all that simple?

Presume God is true.

There are so many voices that say the opposite. Even now there are thoughts of rebuttal from future commenters. Still, when I presume God is true, that unlocks the following logic flow:

God is true. The Bible states it comes from God. If God gave the Bible, then what is contained therein will work when it speaks of human fulfilment. Human fulfilment is written about in the Bible. (Hebrews 11:6, 2 Timothy 2:4, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

Re: Ask HN: I’m Lost. Help?

#50
post #7

It seems like you've 'made it', so why aren't you taking a step back to gain some perspective and try out things you haven't been able to? Also, make peace with the fact you won't be able to get a drive similar to your youth due to the amount of responsibilities you have now. I've accepted that, and you're likely financially better off than me.

I am trying to take that step back, actually. I’d never really traveled, so I made that largely my focus this year. That was great. I guess I’m referring to it from a work perspective; without moving to a different state/country (which is a possibility but my family is all here) I can’t retire where I’m at now given what I have. Moreover, I’m not even sure what “retirement” means; I feel like I’ll have the same feeli…

34 here, got the same issue you have with the drive I had from my earlier years of an unprofitable project.

One thing I'm trying to do is keep up the consistency with searching for whatever fancies my interest, and let it come naturally as I dive down the rabbit hole on whatever topic I am interested in. Eventually I reach a point where I can see a path to setup something that requires substantial effort and commitment (usually a job or a project). So it's like an interest transforming into a mission and therefore leads to drive. Maybe that's the flow you need.

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