Past Diatribes

Very Wise. Please Read Carefully.

-- February 1998 --

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer. I'd write little books, when I was about six, all about Han Solo and the Battlestar Galactica teaming up to destroy the Death Star. My Mom'd help me spell long words like "Police" one letter at a time. Anyway, I employed the same thinking in college, when I decided to be a history major: I took something I was good at in school, that I found both interesting and enjoyable, and decided to go for it as a career.

Here's the point of this parable: if you are in a similar situation now, in school or in college, and you're considering becoming an English major or an Art major or specializing in Medieval Dance, don't do it. There is an enormous overabundance of, for example, History majors out there, and when it comes to going for one of the handful of jobs available, there are always lifeless workaholics among them who are better than you. Real-world, productive jobs are out there waiting for creative, energetic, intelligent individuals. The world's telemarketing call centers are already full of ex-Arts majors.

I'm lucky in that I had a lifelong hobby (computers!) that I could turn into a real job. That sounds square and crotchety to people who love what they are studying, I know, but believe me: finding a good job means everything when you are in love with a beautiful woman and want to start a life together. Sure, you can love art and music: those fields are so cool, we have whole nations of schools spending years introducing people to them. But there's ways to play it smart: I have the love of an incredible Irish woman, a stable and interesting job prospect, and still rattle bits out, which I can proudly publish here on the web for people to enjoy. . . .