The path is something you make yourself — impressions from receiving a programming consultation.
Thinking about my career
I feel it's kind of complicated. Today I had a one-on-one programming consultation. I couldn't explain things well — maybe I was nervous after all. I can't tell if it was because it had been a while or because I'm not used to it.
They told me various things, and when I explained that I'm currently traveling around the world and about my background, they said that if I want to pursue programming the standard route would be to return home, work for a company for a few years to learn the field, and then go independent.
Apparently I'm overwhelmingly different compared to ordinary people. I'm fully aware of that. That's why I thought life is interesting, and I felt it's wonderful that the path I'm living is entirely self-made. At the same time, I also felt confronted by a harsh reality.
They said that it's still possible now, but it might get tougher as I get older. That could be true. But I don't believe it's ever too late.
I have many dreams
When I say that I eventually want to start a company, they ask, 'When do you want to start it?' Maybe because I also say I want to become a pilot and take on challenges overseas, the other person seemed surprised. But there's no helping it — that's what I want to do.
I was reminded that my position is completely different from others, and that my career and life path differ as well.
But on the contrary, I was happy. At least it's a path I've chosen and am following. In that sense, I think I'm living a wonderful life.
Yet honestly I also have feelings of 'what should I do next'. My desire to take on various challenges in many places hasn't changed.
Walking my own path
The advice was very helpful. But it's based on the path that person took, so from another person's perspective it might be incorrect, and from yet another it might be correct.
In the end it's just something to refer to; it's not necessarily everything. There are many paths and many ways to take on challenges. I thought it's important to find an approach that suits me.
Building a network
At the same time I also felt a sense of urgency. I think I currently have few professional connections. So from now on I feel I need to build more of a network and create lots of business relationships so I can get various work opportunities.
For that, I thought the only option is to attend events and so on. That's where I should start. I don't think you'll lose out by going, and if there's something to gain then you have to go.
If it's better to go than not to go, then I'll go. That's obvious.
Be nimble and cheerful
All in all it was a really good opportunity. I'm glad I signed up for the consultation. From now on I want to engage more proactively with various people.
I want to keep removing the control lever inside me, put myself out there, and become someone light-footed, cheerful, and friendly who can casually interact with many people. To do that, I think it's important to create small successes that prove — unconditionally — that I'm a person of value.
That's something that can be achieved through effort. It's just scary. Still, I'll do it. I have no choice but to do it.
You make your own path
I hate the idea of having the frame of my life taken away by someone else. The path is something you build yourself, not something you walk that someone else made. That's uncool, isn't it? Life is something you build with your own power.
So of course it's difficult, high in difficulty, and unstable. Precisely for that reason there's interest in it, isn't there? That's fine. Keep going. There may be anxiety. But live each day to the fullest and enjoy it. That's enough.
