Meanderings...

I recently resigned from a position and during that process came to the jarring conclusion that I have no idea what I want to do in this world from a professional standpoint. It would be nice to have a single focus that drives me. I know someone who I went to high school with who became an anesthesiologist. Now, I don't think this person was thinking about that specific job when they left for the world of university, but I do think they now have a wondrous focus.

In my search (yearning) for purpose beyond simply generating money I have looked at a lot of different career courses. In the last couple of days I applied to join the Peace Corps. What would it be like?

I have a degree in political science and have given considerable thought to getting a Masters Degree in Economics (there is a program with the University of Illinois which might let me combine both). Unfortunately I would have to spend a year on a campus in Illinois before I left for the world, but I could deal if I saw a greater purpose.

Something that does interest me though and I wonder where it could lead to -

Research and build a cheap receiving and distribution tower that could be dropped in the middle of nowhere and powered with renewable resources? Then connect as many technologies to get the signal out as possible (WiFi, Cellular, WiMax and all the other smart things). While doing this work with the local groups to find ways to benefit from this signal. Already cell phones are used to help farmers get the best price for their goods. With training a few individuals could quickly become nurse assistants communicating information out in a professional manner. A few individuals could be trained to write code and possibly be paid by far away companies for their services. A few people could be trained in the customer service industry and utilize VOIP resources. Maybe an eBay expert could be trained to sell the hand carved wares of villagers.

If a certain educated population could be created over the course of several years with the support of local government, NGOs and self interested corporate parties an economic structure could be build around a single tower that could change a village, then a region and, eventually, a world.

Of course, I am unemployed and rambling at 4 AM...