It almost did – while looking ahead to university, I narrowed down the choices to computer science and accounting. I enjoyed both, but accounting seemed to be the best fit if only I didn’t stutter. I felt I could hide my speech behind my code so that made computer science that much more attractive, but in the end I went with my gut. It worked out for the best and I’ve actually spent the bulk of the past 10 years interacting/negotiating with government taxation authorities. I actually think that the stutter has given me an advantage in my career; the government counterparts can see (or rather hear) that I’m not some generic slick suit, but just a real person who is trying to resolve situations. I’ve found the authorities to be friendlier towards me than my colleagues and more willing to work out settlements when I’m involved.