[–] Voluptuous_Panda 0 points 9 points 9 points (+9|-0) ago
Licensing and certifications are bullshit. Every year, whatever your field they come up with more and more requirements that supposedly make you "better and more qualified in your field." But at the right price of course (and they can be pricey depending on what). Everyone however grudgingly goes on realizing the luducrousness in it all.
Being an entrepreneur is one of the best things you can be. My parents worked their ass off for 16 years in the restaurant business and made quite a chunk of change, climbing out of poverty into a comfortable middle class.
I get why you would feel "stuck" though. It's like just waking up onr day and really realizing where you're at and being super critical about yourself at the moment for no significant improvements. Life is long, and achievements span our lifetimes. Even though Benjamin Franklin had a plethora of accomplishments, it took years of his life to obtain them. Pick up a hobby or something dude.
[–] Chiefpacman 0 points 5 points 5 points (+5|-0) ago
Hey, you may be lost, but sounds like you're comfortable. You're just not content.
You got kids, a wife, a dog. If I were you I'd pick up a book and be glad that you won at life. Not that you can't go on to do more, but from one guy to another- good job.
[–] 5072075? 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
I just read the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, and it really changed my outlook. I have always looked for a way out of, what I have always called, "suburbia hell" or "living purgatory". Jobs, pets, children, marriages, mortgages, and toys (i.e. boats, cars, etc.) are all forms of modern day prison. Find ways to slowly rid yourself of these constraints. It can be done as an individual, a couple, or a family, but as soon as you stop playing the same bullshit game as the lowest common denominator, you'll start being happier.
[–] Frank_Barone 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
definitely pick up a hobby that's creative, do you draw?
[–] Frank_Barone 1 point 0 points 1 point (+1|-1) ago
maybe start doodling again, try your hand at digital art, lots of 'how to' videos on the net, lots of fun
[–] Frank_Barone 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
there's free software you can download called GIMP-gnu-image manipulation program, you can do all sorts of stuff on it photoshop, upload your doodles and add some really cool special effects digitally, give it a shot
[–] HomerChimpson 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
If you happen to live in an area small enough to have a voulenteer fire department head down there to see if they have any room for you. you will find something to give you a new sense of purpose, and they will send you to classes for EMT or firefighting, thus opening new carrer options to you. Plus you will undoubtedly meet some great people.
And never forget that your most important purpose is raising those kids right, and nothing can take that away.
[–] [deleted] 1 point 25 points 26 points (+26|-1) ago
[–] TheKobold 0 points 7 points 7 points (+7|-0) ago
This struck a cord with me. I have been wondering who I am and I was almost there... But you got me over that point. Sage advice. I wish I could do more than just upvoat you. I will have a beer in your honor though.
[–] PeeOnYou 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
This man knows. He wants to become an alcoholic. Cheers.