Wow, JDarr, you actually started a good thread. wink

I've probably learned more about some PP people I actually know just by reading this. Some great and truly honest words being typed out by everyone.

I got a BS in Environmental Science but was practically done with the idea by the time I got my degree. It is a mentally tough game "saving the world" when the bulk of the money and power is standing in the way. I then went in a completely different direction and moved onto computer/networking stuff.

Now, I generally like my job. I've worked in the same IT job for 7 years at a financial institution. I think that being in IT is a decent fit for me. Lots of problem solving, independence, with the right mix of dealing with people. I also get a little flexibility as what I do tends to be project based. I get satisfaction from completing projects and making people happy by fixing things for them. I also have a great boss and 3 coworkers on my team that I get to be nearly completely honest with in regards to my beliefs and feelings. I think we have each others' backs. I don't have to worry about politics amongst my team. That being said, I still "work for the weekends and vacations". I don't go through a single day without thinking about a past or future adventure.

Beyond whatever you do, attitude really is everything and it is malleable. It is a constant work-in-progress for me but the change I've made in that regard is probably one of the things I'm most proud of internally. I also find a lot of humor in the absurdity of life and I think that helps me handle some of the more ridulous things I see/read/hear. I try to remember that I have a wonderful girlfriend, a (usually) wonderful dog, some great friends, a stable income, and the health and will to spend my free time doing what I want without feeling bad for it.

If you are looking for some general PP personality types to model, I'd look towards people like Stam, Todd, and Rico. I'm sure they each have their bad moments but in the time I've spent with each of them, I've noticed they smile a lot... regardless of the larger situation. Plus, they all know how to live hard.

Keep your head up, Twitch. You've probably got more friends than you think.

-AP