I think the stage was being set for this already. I have things in common with this article, and I'm Gen X / Millenial blend. (I grew up with computers before t

I think the stage was being set for this already. I have things in common with this article, and I'm Gen X / Millenial blend. (I grew up with computers before they were popular because of my dad's IT job, was an early internet user, etc. But I was early enough and lucky enough to dodge most of the crap that Millenials have had to put up with regarding recession, unemployment, etc.) Programming and architecture were basically my first two hobbies, and both were engaged through classes in high school. And I only had those opportunities due to a magnet high school that specialized in engineering and technology. (For instance, we still had a shop class, though it was a high-tech version with CNC mills and metal lathes... My friend liked to make aluminum lightsaber handles.) So I think you're absolutely correct in identifying schooling as an issue. I think everything else you discussed before that last paragraph is just a product of a support structure you had, that not everyone else was fortunate enough to have. For instance, my mother was extremely focused on schooling and me being college bound, to the point where my C in history in middle school was completely unacceptable. Because middle school feeds high school and high school feeds college. Hobbies and other enjoyments were seen as distractions from schooling, not vital parts of my developing personality.