I am doing backend web work and I am insanely bored. I am trying
to focus on my tasks but I just can't.<p>I am trying hard, but I just can't.<p>The problem is that I see this as a fundamental waste of time.<p>I mean, I get to eat something and I have roof over my head
and I am grateful for this.<p>The big question is what I am passionate about. I would really
really love to work on longevity research, on hard problems.<p>But I am not even sure about this, I would love to be challenged.
I would love to do things that are hard.<p>I mean, there is no point in all of this, at the very least
I could shoot for the stars for the time that I have left on
this cursed planet.<p>I've been sort of doing this backend stuff for 12 years already
I don't want to die doing only this, you know.<p>So I am asking a general question, what would you do
in my place.<p>Thank you,<p>with all the love in the world,
Em<p>UPD: as always fix typos
Sad to say, but...however popular a meme it has been just recently - a job doing awesome stuff, that you're passionate about, has been a mere fantasy for 99+% of humanity, for 99+% of history.<p>I'd start by asking whether you're trying to find meaning to your life in work. "Working to live", when you've got a really rewarding life in other areas, is usually a lot more sustainable than "living to work".
If you have enough savings to take year off, quit your job (or minimize/part time it) and apply yourself to what you really (think) you want. You may be surprised at the results, but at least you’ll know you pursued your dreams