news.ycombinator.com• May 26, 2025• 1 min read
Seeking calling before entering tech?A year ago, I started reading seriously for the first time. It changed my view of life. I went from seeing only two paths—college → job or small business—to realizing how wide the range of possibilities is. I was inspired by legends in tech: Benjamin Franklion, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk.After my first year of college, I came to Japan to seek what they all seemed to have: a calling. I imagined the trip would open something up. But now, a week in—after covering most of Kyoto—I feel off. Tourist sites are interesting, but they haven’t helped me make sense of what I’m looking for. Something felt wrong the moment I walked into Ginkakuji.I’m wondering if the issue is:I'm facing an existential crisis and need to explore, orI need to stop seeking and start building—because work precedes calling.While I’m here (until June 10), I want to lean into exploration. I’ve found some experiences more powerful than others—temples like Ryoanji, palm reading by chance, some garden moments. Others feel empty, e