HN Explorer

Seeking calling before entering tech?

1 points by bsuki ↗ HN
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, or

I 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, even when they're supposed to be profound.

I’m curious: has anyone else chased purpose or calling this way?

For those who have been to Japan: what have you found that was meaningful?

2 comments

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bigyabai
It's funny, looking at a lineup of people like "Benjamin Franklin, Steve Jobs, Elon Musk" makes me realize exactly what my calling is in life. I want to make things for the people and democratize knowledge for the world. I want to design and invent because it delights me, not to impress others or to eke out the most potential profit. I want to stand by righteous principles and decline work that I'm unfit to assume. If my service cannot benefit all mankind, I should feel little motive to complete it.

Benjamin Franklin personally filed no patents during his lifetime. Perhaps that's why he's fondly remembered in an age when Steve Jobs' grave gathers with dust.

mc3301
I've been here nearing 2 decades.

Firstly, most Japanese people don't have "a calling." Yeah, culture, society, structures all quite different here, but the people are still just regular people.

Secondly, I can't quite comment on chasing purpose through travel. I've traveled extensively (both in and out of Japan), and still yet to find "purpose." I'm kinda okay with that.

Thirdly, what have I found that was meaningful in Japan? Other than obvious differences like history, geography, culture and food... The concept of "This is why we can't have nice things," is difficult to explain to a lot of Japanese people. It's hard to explain, and it's more of "living here" experience than a "traveling here" experience, but I think some tourists can catch this feeling, too.