I found myself burned out and with enough money from video game development at the age of 17 to “retire.”
I thought that having lots of time and quiet to read and write code and not worry about money would be wonderful. Instead, I fell into depression and isolation.
I need to feel that I’m helping people. I need to be part of a project. I need people who rely on me. That’s what I learned. That’s where life’s meaning comes from.
I met a girl and married her. She spent my money so I went back to work with new vigor and purpose. All that happened about 40 years ago. My first marriage ended amicably a few years later— and while briefly single again I once more felt depressed. I spun into more wild things. Eventually sold everything and was about to go trekking around the world when I met and married my current wife. That was 34 years ago.
I settle down again. No one is going to make a biopic of my life of not drinking, not doing drugs, and not having fights with my family. But I tell you, it looks boring from the outside— yet from the inside every day is full of contentment. Life is a struggle, because I am NOT rich, but it’s not an emotional struggle. I feel lucky.
Nothing beats reasonable health and a family that loves each other.
I thought that having lots of time and quiet to read and write code and not worry about money would be wonderful. Instead, I fell into depression and isolation.
I need to feel that I’m helping people. I need to be part of a project. I need people who rely on me. That’s what I learned. That’s where life’s meaning comes from.
I met a girl and married her. She spent my money so I went back to work with new vigor and purpose. All that happened about 40 years ago. My first marriage ended amicably a few years later— and while briefly single again I once more felt depressed. I spun into more wild things. Eventually sold everything and was about to go trekking around the world when I met and married my current wife. That was 34 years ago.
I settle down again. No one is going to make a biopic of my life of not drinking, not doing drugs, and not having fights with my family. But I tell you, it looks boring from the outside— yet from the inside every day is full of contentment. Life is a struggle, because I am NOT rich, but it’s not an emotional struggle. I feel lucky.
Nothing beats reasonable health and a family that loves each other.