My life, my way

"You are still living in ancient history", said Ahoha, exasperated at his friend’s reluctance to listen to him. "In those days, life was simple and technology was still primitive. So mankind had to do all that grunt labor on its own. But now its not only too complicated but…why do it at all?"

Hohal sulked and looked off sullenly at the aircars whizzing past in the sky.

Aloha said,” Seriously, think about it. I agree that it seems that art has become commoditized but it's where the money is. It used to be in those days that art was the unknown field. But things have changed – Lal-Bal Creativity Model, the Ainstein AI Life Diamatrix, and most importantly,”he spread his hands,” the arrival of the aliens!”

Hohal looked at him, still sulking but understanding.

Aloha continued,"These damn aliens love humanity’s art. It’s the rage in the whole galaxy right now. Not one humanoid life form in the whole freakin’ known universe. You’ve been to Centauri and Andromeda. You’ve seen how they love our work. "

Hohal sighed. He said,”All these things you said, I don’t dispute any of them. I agree that art is where it is at. But I do not want to be one of these mindless creative types – sitting for years on end in their workshops and creating new art…Or a moron actor superstar, spending eons acting and being famous. I want to follow my dreams. I want to be an electrical engineer!” And then softly, “I want to work in a cubicle…”

Ahoha’s heart sank. His worst fears had been confirmed. He could not imagine anyone throwing away the comfort and safety of a nice creative job for an engineering career – where the competition was extremely tough and only the chosen few actually became Engineers.“And what about all these years you’ve spent working as the most famous singer on Betelguese 6 system?”

Hohal’s reply was fierce. “I don’t care! Life is too short to be spent doing something just for the money and looking forward everyday to retirement. I don't want to be an artist. I don't want to be one in the crowd. I want to stand out. I want to be an electrical engineer!”

And he walked out into the sunset of Arcturus, a lone ranger, while Ahoha looked on in despair.