Is it possible to change your Special Interest?

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I seem to only be interested in stuff that doesn't make money - i.e., reading the newspaper, following geopolitics, etc.

Now you might say "oh, you could work for the State Dept. or be a professor!". Believe me, I've considered this. But there's no way. The State Department written test I'm sure I could pass. But then there's a "social test" - really - they have you do group activities, role playing, etc. - and there's no way in hell I could pass something like that. Even being a professor is out of the question - I'm absolutely terrified of standing up in front of people and having all that attention on me.

I wish I could become fascinated with finance and investment analysis or something like that, which would at least allow me to make a living. I do have a general interest in "money", but I can't seem to focus and learn the nitty-gritty stuff, which of course, is the part that matters. I'm trying my best, but it doesn't seem possible.

Have any of you tried to change your special interest from something unproductive to something productive?

Were you successful? If so, how did you do it?

I tried to change my interest and it was a no go. After being an undergraduate, I worked for 7 years, in several positions, the most "prestigious" and well paying being a marketing manager for an electronics company. In 2002 I finally got fed up with all the extra anxiety of work and travel and quit. Since then I have been a graduate student and I love it.

I would not presume to tell you what to do. I can only point out that there are many more avenues to happiness and success than just the 9-5 life. For me, it was just a matter of taking a chance, trusting my gut and really thinking about what would make me the happiest. My path may not lead to the greatest financial reward, but it certainly has lead to the highest quality of life.

I hope this helps in some small measure.

Good luck.

-Johnathan

I've never been able to choose to get rid of a special interest, but I have a little control over what I develop an interest in. For example, I used to have a special interest in Romanian music. I didn't suddenly become obsessed with it out of the blue. The interest came after I listened to a couple songs. If I had never listened to those songs, I might have developed a different obsession. Who knows? My advice is, read up on topics that seem interesting and productive. Something may spark a special interest.

Yes, I have. I mean it's not likely to make me a lot of money but I change my special interests quite a lot.

I was able to change my special interest for the better, last September.

Mine happens on it's own.