Idealism

[CaelNCSU]

I’m 21 years old and in college close to finish. I’ve worked for a corporation for a year programming and now am part time in retail due to job situation. However, work always seems hollow and shallow despite that I really enjoy programming and problem solving. Despite seemingly high career goals life seems to me to be about what makes you happy, and being around people with similar ideals.

In other words I have no intention (at least not right out of college) going into any of that. I want to see the world, experience nature, and get good at my favorite things perhaps good enough so I wouldn’t have to work doing anything else. My parents don’t see why though. They don’t understand why I don’t want to do the things normal college kids usually do (career, cars, football). I’ve also found a girl to support me in my endevours. Am I just young and idealistic or should I go with my instincts on the matter? What will bring optimal personal happiness and the fullest life?

[Leifsmama]

Go for it!!! If you don’t follow your dreams now, then when? You wouldn’t believe how fast life can pass you by when you put things off. How much harder is it to wander the world when you have two kids and a husband, or a high power job you just don’t feel you can leave? There’s alot of literature on mid-life career changes right now. People are discovering that the money and fancy job aren’t making them happy. They want more out of life and are having to find out what that is with all kinds of responsibilities that they wouldn’t have had as young adults, footloose and fancy free.
I’ve been a little bit of everywhere and it took me until I was 28 to figure out what I wanted. My father thought I was wasting my life, not going anywhere with my life. I’ll do it again in my next life too. As best as I can tell, being happy is the true goal of life and no one can tell you what will make you happy. Not even parents!