posted on Jan, 6 2010 @ 10:02 PM
It is true, most of us had the same thoughts, when younger. I don't say all, because some are satisfied to remain in mediocrity. However, I will not
say "grow up". I just say, you will find your own path.
What does change, with age, are your priorities. When we are young, our focus is on ourselves and how we can make things better, for ourselves. With
age, comes the family and new responsibilities. Our focus becomes how to make things better for our families. Unfortunately, sometimes that leads to
us ignoring the important things, in favor of the material. You want to work harder to provide your daughter with all the latest fashions, like her
friends have. You want your son to have the best sports gear. You want to be able to afford for them to attend the college of their choice. You want
them to have a reliable car, so they aren't stranded on the road to college.
These things, sometimes, cloud our judgment. The quest for them does take time away. Often, too much time. Before you know it, they are grown and you
wonder where time got away from you.
So, I'm encouraged that you appear to recognize this and want to avoid it. My advice (which isn't worth much) is education, education, education! I
know a lot of people (myself included) who regret not attaining a college education. No one has ever told me they regretted continuing their
education. It opens so many doors that are, otherwise, are inaccessible.
(Enter Grumpy Old Man)
With that said, people today are required to work less than in the past, for the most part. Less than a hundred years ago, a work day was considered
to be from sunrise to sunset. The work week was, at least, 6 days. At certain times of the year, work continued into the night and extended into the
7th day. There was no "retirement". You worked until you became, physically, unable to. Then, your children took care of you.
The great majority of those who are "overworked", do so voluntarily, with varied motivations.
The only secret is to find your own motivations, while being true to your values.
Good luck in your search.
[edit on 6-1-2010 by WTFover]