One hint, some analytical models used in physics are very useful in finance. I have a friend doing his physics masters degree in analytical finance. It seems very promising for him.
At the age of 8, I was enlisted in a programming school (thanks mom!), learning how to move the LOGO turtle around the screen. At the age of 12, I was programming a game while my colleagues were moving turtles around :)
I would keep doing what I already do. I care deeply for the organization I work for, and I have many friends there. But I would engage only in what seems fun and meaningful, and avoid all things that I don't care about. Hey, I seems so fun I would do it for free :)
You seem to have a lot of stuff figured out. You stayed out of trouble. You have a hardcore work ethic. But if you're in doubt, you can always work less and do something else. And if that doesn't work, go do another thing. At one moment, you'll figure out what do you want to do.
Have you ever tried to play guitar?
It is the something else that I am unsure of at the moment. Occasionally I get the thought to head to Africa and help build networks or begin writing some sort of book, but those things take planning. One thing I need to do is locate the patience I have seemed to lost in the past years. I have never tried guitar, but it seems like one of those things that requires patience so it would fit well. Plus, a part of me has always wanted to play the acoustic version of karma police.
I see. Guitar is something that requires patience, for sure. Someone can play well enough to entertain drunk friends with one year of half-assed practice. To play on a stage, it's way more time of serious practice. It'll hurt, sometimes it'll take days to see improvements. Rehearse and constant practice are the key factors to thrive. If you're lacking patience, get a tutor. He will help you build momentum.
The same 'process' is valid for other moments you may be lacking patience. Get a friend you trust or a psychologist (they help well-adjusted people too), tell them about your projects, and every time you're losing patience, call them and tell them, and listen to them. They should reassure your progress, and help you get back on track.
What this can possibly mean? Because C is everywhere. It is in the code that runs the VM of your favorite language. It is in most compilers. It provides basic system services. Why should we have a plan to migrate from something that is everywhere?
Sometimes I use shirt and tie to go to work for fun. In a building full of t-shirt and jeans guys, it's easy to stand out like that. And sometimes I want to (or need to) stand out. And doesn't matter what I wear, I'm still doing my job (making stuff). I think looks really don't matter, but it goes both ways.
