Ask HN: Finally have loose change and spare time, but no sense of purpose. Help.

Please. I know I have a fair share of problems, but you seem awfully quick to pass judgment as to this being one of them. Care to elaborate?

EDIT: Let me just say that I'm in no shape to get into a relationship. I will just be dumping my problems on her and making her miserable instead.

1. First of all, I question why you would not want to pursue some type of romantic relationship (male or female). Being truly in love is an outstanding feeling and can make even the most monotonous things wonderful (like grocery shopping).

2. If you don't want to start a company, I would suggest investing in someone you believe in and can share their passion. Perhaps you can even mentor them given whatever skills you have.

3. How is your physical health? Are you in shape? If not, find a way to focus on that now... otherwise you certainly won't win that lottery.

4. Need more? I could seriously go on forever... :)

When you say you've never had a "house", does this mean you still live with your parents?

I think you mostly have existed and not actually lived. You should probably start by just gaining some independence and some outside extracurricular activities.

You should have a house/apartment, a car, a girlfriend, some hobbies. Lack of these things and the ability to live for 10 years on any amount you could have reasonably amassed as a 24 year old corporate programmer is most likely not a topic to brag on. This should be an indication that you need to expand your horizons.

I think you have described me well.

I'm not bragging. You should be able to tell from what I've written that I'm not proud of what I've done in life so far.

Is it wrong for me to prioritize getting some real stuff done over having a car, house, or girlfriend? It's not like a gas-guzzling vehicle will make me any happier, and I find gardening distinctly unenjoyable. No comment yet on this relationship stuff.

I was in the same situation (besides being a little younger thanks to the outrageous salaries of the late-90s) and what I did was to join a non-profit that helps people. The pay sucks and it won't get you completely away from politics but at least you'll be helping people while not spending your money (and politics aren't so bad when you know you're being paid below your worth because you have a lot more leverage)

Non-Profits notoriously have lousy technology and unfortunately the low pay can draw even worse IT people. So someone who has the skills to make it in the private sector can make a big difference.

At this point in my life I can point to literally thousands of children who are at least a tiny bit better off because I was here and that's worth a lot to me. If you think it would be for you too than it's an option I'd check out.