how to find your calling in life
the only reliable path to contentment
A lot of people feel scammed.
They were told you should find something you’re passionate about, and that would make you happy. Don’t be like people who chase money! They end up soulless and depressed and superficial. This often means taking impractical but enjoyable coursework in university and working a job that isn’t actually all that interesting after all and also doesn’t pay well.
A lot of people also feel completely lacking in purpose.
They were told money is important, it gives you freedom. Work hard early and then you get to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Don’t be like people who chase passion! They’re naive shmucks and also broke.
I’m a software engineer, so most people around me are the second type. They don’t worry about money, sure, but they end up chasing highs elsewhere — relationships that are stimulating rather than loving, consumerist hobbies, dining, travel, always chasing the Next Great purchase or experience.
These things are not inherently bad except when they’re used as anesthetics. Distraction-as-purpose.
So how do you avoid the Scylla and Charybdis of passion vs materialism?
There is a third option. And no, this essay is not about ikagai.