The November 29, 2004 edition of India Today has an article titled "Freedom Runners".
The introductory paragraph reads --
An increasing number of Indians are saying goodbye to fat salaries and fancy designations to pursue their dreams. For them, satisfaction and freedom are incentive enough to opt out of the daily grind.
Triggers: why people do it
- Hobby Bug
- Outgrowing Money
- Seeking fulfilment
- Office Stings
- Self Belief
- Being alive
- Taking charge
- Lending a hand
- When love beckons
- Gimme a break
- VRS cushions
- Securing the future
- Sixty plus
- Overcoming age
This very well written article spoke my mind. There is one difference however between the people mentioned in this article and me. They quit their high profile jobs that earned them fat salaries, for something they have always wanted to do. For example, 2 IIM A graduates quit their jobs to start a magazine called JAM.
All I know is I HATE technology and don't like introducing myself as an IT consultant (alright it sounds better than a software developer) to anyone. Call it identity crisis, name it whatever. But the fact that a 25-30 year old person from Bangalore needs no introdcuction and passes off for a s/w developer doesn't appeal much. I want to quit this profession for reason 10. But I don't know what I can do alternately - ummm probably painting that I'm very passionate about (DON'T READ as I'm good at it). Or teach in a nursery school. Well, I don't know. But atleast I'm glad that this article has awakened my boredom demon that will instigate me to explore other options. The thought of working in this field forever is intimidating.
How about you? Do you do what you like to do for a living ?