Opinions wanted - is this a viable purpose?

[Caveman Joe]

First off, I realise that asking for the opinions of others regarding my own life's purpose is probably running a little contrary to the whole spirit of deciding my purpose to begin with - but I feel that having a range of opinions could only provide more valuable information and viewpoints, so here goes.

I was thinking a lot about my purpose in life when I set up the JAMMAForever project, since rescuing old arcade machines and indie game programming are subjects I'm passionate about. Still, it didn't feel like much of a "purpose," per se. The closest I've gotten to feeling justifiably good about it in a whole-person sense was when a kid asked me in a pub how to become a game programmer, and I told him to at least pay attention in math class.

Then, when Googling around for parts for a cabinet one day, I found this site, which I blogged about here. It got me thinking about the social and therapeutic aspects of gaming, and especially of arcade gaming, as they provide a way to play with real people in the real world, who you might not otherwise have met.

I have a strong suspicion that my purpose could be to build an arcade for disabled kids. I mean, three and a half mil stereo jacks, come on - it's pretty bloody simple. And with the right kit, you can still play pinball even if you're completely paralysed from the neck down. And if you were completely paralysed from the neck down, wouldn't it be nice to go and play pinball with other people in the same boat?

Naturally I don't want to make an arcade that's just for disabled kids - I doubt it'd last very long, and it'd do nothing towards spreading awareness.

I've talked to a few friends and family members about this, and they all seem to think it's a good idea. But I want some feedback from business owners (maybe even an arcade owner if there's one here) as to whether this is a viable thing that I'll be able to keep going.

I have no doubt in my mind that this is a good purpose. But that's "good" as in "Socially responsible", not "good" as in "will actually work." The real question is whether this'll be something that I could actually pull off and make work well enough to keep itself going.

Any thoughts?

[JeffS]

I wouldn't look at it the same way it sounds like you are. There's something you want to accomplish, something that you feel ought to be done, right?

So, you've got two separate questions. 1) is this something you can actually pull off? That's the easy one. Of course it is. That part is entirely up to you, whether you think about it in an intention-manifestation light or something more traditional.

2) will it "work well enough to keep itself going?"

Do you mean financially? In that case, does it matter? If you really want it to happen, would it be worth supporting through other more financially viable things that you do? (If it were me talking about what I want to accomplish, the answer would unquestionably be "yes" here.)

Hope this helps...

[jkmuller]

I think that if this is something that inspires you it is something you should pursue. Its funny the way things often work out. Maybe you will start with this plan and through your new perspective get insight into other possibilities for you. I think its ok to ask for help on your purpose as long as the feedback you are getting is actually helping you to understand it better.

[Michael Chui]

Don't worry about purpose. It's a good thing, and you want it; I'd say do it, purpose smurpose. Let us know how it goes.