Where to go, after you "start"

[Xedafen]

Hello, I am quite new to this site and hacking in general. I have been trying to read as much as I can from this website, which is actually quite great so far, but it seems as though its not helping me as a person. I am currently learning c++ and java, and have little to no programming other than that. What I would like to ask, is, is the time spent becoming a hacker worth it? I always wanted to be a hacker, but to be honest, I don't know if i have the willpower to continue to learn, and juggle school as well. After I become fluent is programming, I understand there is a lot to learn after that, and wanted to know what its like actually BEING a hacker to know what I'm getting into. This site has been helpful so far, but I feel as though I don't truly know where to look after my programming classes, to eb able to hack. Any help? Also, thanks again.

[Phage]

Actually, most people are hacking every day. You're inventing a new way of cooking something, you fix your broken shower etc.

It's a general issue among hackers/programmers that they lack motivation to do anything technical. I have periods of several weeks where I absolutely doesn't feel like doing anything related to programming/security. It's when you go through this periods, yet still work your ass off to achieve experience/knowledge that you're truly showing your willpower.

I'd say, don't get scared by the long road. You'll have to realize that you're on a journey which will never end. Hacking is not a skill you can master, like speaking a language. It's something that's always changing, always pushing you to the limits and something you always have to keep track of. it's a tough game, but for me, it's worth it. Throughout my journey, I have made some very great friends, even though I've never met them in real life. My way of seeing things have changed. It even changed my personality.

It's time for you to decide whether you want to invest the time needed or not. We can't make that choice for you.

[Kulverstukas]

People just keep asking such stuff... Phage explained it all. Just to extend on that - hacking is not a skill, not a profession. It is a mindset that one develops over time. You live by it.
To materialize it - hacking is a group of skills and packs of knowledge in differebt areas that you use to fix or make things work in a way it wasnt intended.