[Eric in the Ozarks]

If nothing else, I learned discipline in college. I knew how to write since the 3rd or 4th grade and was published in “Boy's Life,” back in 1961.
Following university graduation and a series of poor paying news jobs, I realized that running a news beat was damned near the same as calling on a select group of customers. In the case of selling, I got the same kick as getting a scoop.

My step-dad asked me what kind of money I was making (as a statehouse reporter, where two or three stories could be filed every day.) When I told him, he laughed and said, “Hell, Eric, I had more expenses last year than you had income. Why don't you quit your job and come to work for me.”
He was in the coal business. His standard explanation for being successful was “Make the calls. You'll get the orders.”
It was discipline again. And he was right.

[a5478]

What? You didn’t realize that the government owed you a living?

Instead, you went to work in a business and had an income goal? Failure.

[EEGator]

It sounds like you certainly made the wise decision.