when I grow up

Working in a university, I am often surrounded by people in their late teens/early 20s who don't know what they want to be when they grow up. More personally, I have friends and family who still don't know what they want to be when they grow up even in their late 20s, 30s, even 50s. It took a long time for me to make that decision. The problem is that most people spend way too much time worrying about their job and they think that their occupation is what defines them. Here is the thing, when you die, no one is going to care about how much money you made or whether you got that big promotion at work. The only thing people remember are the changes you make in the world. Do what you love. Make good changes in the world and the people around you. Donate to a good charity, volunteer for a good cause, refuse to hold a grudge, treat your friends with respect and appreciation, be honest, contribute something that makes the world a more beautiful place, never be afraid to follow your dreams no matter how insane others may think they are, react to the world with compassion and understanding, spread kindness, do not compromise your values for the sake of someone else. Most importantly, love with your whole heart no matter how many times you've been wrong. We all die alone but we can at least take a little piece of the one's we love with us and hope that they carry us with them always. I leave you with two things: a video that will show you exactly what I mean and a poem that speaks better than I ever could (thanks, Barry). 

you may want a tissue

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story. 

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.