No, it’s not spam, it’s an actual (free content piece) I ran across in WSJ. I thought of you when I read the headline.

My wife is not sure if it is better to have to deal with me (and it) on a low-grade level all of the time, or if it would have been better to have it hit (hard, no doubt) all at once.

Anyhow, living in Madison, WI myself I am curious what sorts of things you are looking for. We have the University of Wisconsin and a couple of GE Healthcare-related businesses, not to mention a bunch of little startups in various tech/art/IT fields.

Not that I’d know. ^_^

I’d love to blog or write comic reviews for a living, too. I’m very happy that I have a hobby that mostly pays for itself, but I burned through that feeling of “Why will I never be able to do THIS for a living?” a long time ago. I’m glad I started the column ten years ago — it allowed my dreams to die at an earlier age to save me the heartache now at the beginning of my thirties as my new life is about to begin.

I am lucky, though, in that my fiancee’s health care plan will be covering me, so we’ll save a small fortune in that every month. But it’s still not enough to brave a freelance writing world for me. Back to selling my soul to some faceless large corporation with deep pockets.

C’est la vie.

Unfortunately, living in the US, a medication situation makes it unfeasible for me to start freelancing, because of the need for affordable insurance. But I really appreciate the inspiring stories, and I’m going to keep plugging away. After all, it’s Easter, which is all about rebirth.

I really appreciate all of you guys, spoken or unspoken.

On the bright side, let’s not forget, you spur pretty lively discussions on a weekly basis. Remember this?
http://comicsworthreading.com/2007/03/21/does-asking-downloaders-nicely-to-stop-work/
You are a person that makes a difference in the medium. No it does not pay the bills at present, but who knows what the future brings? Good luck figuring out the path ahead.

A few years ago I was somewhat startled when a friend, upon turning 40, told me his life was effectively over. He realised that telling himself “one day” had gone on so long and he had to be realistic; he was never going to be what he’d always dreamed of being. He figured it was time to give up and coast into old age.

In the last few years he’s made regular trips across the Atlantic; had articles published; taken on the legal system and won; and so many other things. He’s a happier, more fulfilled person than I’ve ever known him to be.

All it took was for him to stop worrying about it.

I’m facing the 40th birthday myself later this year, and it’s not something I’m looking forward to. Alongside that, with the death of the photographic industry in which I’ve worked for the past 20 years (thanks to digital), people are being laid off all around me, and I’m looking at having to find an alternate career — and quick. I’ve no idea what else to do. Scares me to death.

What you’re feeling is not uncommon. It’s probably something most of us have to battle with at some time in their life. But my friend’s experience, at least, shows it can get better.

I truly hope things work out for you.

I’m fighting my own demons right now, and trust me, it isn’t easy. Just know that you’re not alone, and be glad that you have people rooting for you. :0)

And who knows? Maybe it is time for a change?

Feel better, JOHN :0)