I quit my programming job to travel with my girlfriend for a year. We're circling the globe and having the time of our lives, and we've also seen a lot of tragedy, poverty, and all the things that go with it.

Coming back home, I'm recognizing acute lacks in my life as it was: I really enjoy the problem solving aspects of programming, but I hate the chained-to-a-desk with little social interaction aspect to it. I feel like I pour my energy into it and that what I do doesn't make a difference in anyone's lives for the better. On the flipside, it's interesting, better than a lot of other jobs, and it's my clearest path to a good income which I can use to save up for other purposes.

Or... I could give up some material comforts and devote my energy to something that makes a positive difference. I have a few ideas for nonprofits I'd like to get rolling.

Or I could start my own business.

Or I could focus on my writing.

Or I could move somewhere else in the world and learn a new language and a new culture, which I'm clearly loving.

It's overwhelming, leading from a recognition that I'm not tied to any particular path and that where I decide to devote my energy will shape the coming years in my life.

Thanks for asking =)