I realized that even if I never made money writing in my life, my life would still have meaning, sustained pleasure. I started thinking for the first time about all the jobs I might pursue that have nothing to do with writing or editing or academia: social worker, electrician, nurse. I realized that anything that connects me with other people, does some good, and lets me use my hands will make me happy, and that the real ecstasy of my life is going to come from my relationships, not my career.

This is a great insight, and one of the things myalexandria was talking about in her "know thyself" section.

Did you have the same name on TT? I only remember a handful of names, but I miss the place often.