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I read this article and while it's sad the author doesn't pursue passions anymore, I also can't help think that maybe they just aren't as hungry as they once we

I read this article and while it's sad the author doesn't pursue passions anymore, I also can't help think that maybe they just aren't as hungry as they once were. I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago and it changed my perspective on life. I'm mid 30's now and more productive than ever. I also work full time and am a single father to two little kids. The way I describe it is that I am hungry. I didn't expect it to last this long but it's been years and I'm still regarded as a very motivated and determined person by others.

noir_lord 7y ago
Similar situation (though not Cancer, in my case a life a potentially life altering spinal condition and a separate unrelated but equality serious stomach condition) and similar response, I suddenly started going for jobs I wouldn't have dared before and both getting them and doing them well. I also bought a motorbike and will be upgrading that to a faster one next year, both medical conditions are under control and the medication works but now I'm determined to live my life on my terms for as long as I can rather than just drift. I also ramped up the exercise and I'm now lighter and fitter than I was in my late 20's (I'm approach 40) - I think sometimes you have two choices, cave or say "fuck you" to the universe and carry on, I'm glad you picked the latter but I understand why someone would pick the former.
- jacquesm 7y ago
  > cave or say "fuck you" to the universe and carry on Props to you! That's a great attitude to have.
mc3 7y ago
+1. I don't know about cancer, but having kids just makes you more productive for a given amount of time. Not necessarily at a coding level, but at the meta/self-management level where you decide what really needs to be done. It's probably aligned with the "ask the busiest person you know" type of thing. And yes I am more passionate about coding now, but that came from boredom. I learned Ruby then Haskell because I was bored of churning out C# all day, and I am glad I did. This lead me on to Elm which is my side project engine.
- ShteiLoups 7y ago
  what is the "ask the busiest person you know" thing?
  - Nition 7y ago
    "If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know."

noir_lord 7y ago

Similar situation (though not Cancer, in my case a life a potentially life altering spinal condition and a separate unrelated but equality serious stomach condition) and similar response, I suddenly started going for jobs I wouldn't have dared before and both getting them and doing them well. I also bought a motorbike and will be upgrading that to a faster one next year, both medical conditions are under control and the medication works but now I'm determined to live my life on my terms for as long as I can rather than just drift. I also ramped up the exercise and I'm now lighter and fitter than I was in my late 20's (I'm approach 40) - I think sometimes you have two choices, cave or say "fuck you" to the universe and carry on, I'm glad you picked the latter but I understand why someone would pick the former.

jacquesm 7y ago
> cave or say "fuck you" to the universe and carry on Props to you! That's a great attitude to have.

mc3 7y ago

+1. I don't know about cancer, but having kids just makes you more productive for a given amount of time. Not necessarily at a coding level, but at the meta/self-management level where you decide what really needs to be done. It's probably aligned with the "ask the busiest person you know" type of thing. And yes I am more passionate about coding now, but that came from boredom. I learned Ruby then Haskell because I was bored of churning out C# all day, and I am glad I did. This lead me on to Elm which is my side project engine.

ShteiLoups 7y ago
what is the "ask the busiest person you know" thing?
- Nition 7y ago
  "If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know."