A Modern Career Choice
Carl was 18 and ready to start the rest of his life. Work would dominate his waking life, at least eight hours every weekday. His choice was critical to his future happiness. What career should he choose? Not using student loans–with their forever debt–ruled out education and work training. His career should be lucrative, challenging, enjoyable, never stressful.
And Carl did not want to work with his hands, to keep them soft and callous free (hoping that was not callous.)
To Carl, his guidelines seemed eminently reasonable. However, he saw no career which met his needs. He considered starting his own religion—it would meet his needs–but that was way too much work.
His high school guidance counsellor laughed at his concerns (then apologized.)
After reading news reports—he had no friends to discuss careers with—Carl decided on a both ancient and very modern career. He used his computer skills to plant malware locking up the financial systems of cities, universities, libraries–even TCM–and demanded a ransom. It was lucrative, challenging to set up, enjoyable and, automated, never stressful. He covered his tracks well—no one could find him. And, best of all, Carl could work at his desk while playing video games. Even if the organization refused to pay, he had already sold their data.
He loved his new career. The sole drawback was it was morally reprehensible and would damn him to hell.
Carl solved that problem by becoming a member of a church, donating significantly and confessing every week. That kept his conscience clear. Carl thought religion was a great scam–an excellent career–but did not start his own as there were so many already.