What do you want to be when you grow up?

First of all, nobody knows the answer to this, no matter what age you are.  We're all wondering what we should do, feel restrained that we have to be tied down to a single professional interest, spend so much time working, and want to enjoy what we do for a living.  But why do you think they call it "work?"  For college kids, this is especially intimidating, as the decisions in college and upon graduation impact the rest of one's life.  That's the perception, at least, though not entirely the truth; most people will change jobs and career paths from that which was started or intended, and I've read that the average person changes jobs five times.

For older folks, the stereotypical middle-aged crisis comes as one crosses 40 and finds mortality on the other side, then realizing that a lot of life has gone by without much to show for it (and later comes the "bucket list" for some).  The younger generation, though, seems to be hitting its middle-age crisis around 30, which is ironic as they'll probably live longer, maybe a lot longer.  Many young adults have been told all of their young lives that they can do and become anything they wish, and of course they deserve it because they're special.  And so you dream, only to become disillusioned, if not bitter, when you finally discover that life doesn't owe you a living.  Around 30 you'll probably think that you spent too long in college (accumulating too much debt), have wandered and struggled throughout your 20s trying to find your dream job that uses your education and unique skills, find the perfect spouse, have time for family, friends, and interests, and have a balanced and fulfilling life.  Things should have come together by 30, but when that doesn't happen, the real world will become too real.  

You're probably not going to be a rock star, a marine biologist working with dolphins, or make a million and be at the beach by noon. You won't start with a house like your parents have (which probably took them 20 years to get, following the two bedroom apartment and starter house), may be leasing a car (or still nursing that 7 year old car that costs you $600 for something every 6 months) and worried about your calling plan, and most likely will have roommates for too long and marry fairly late (I won't say that you necessarily "settled" but it's a coin toss that you'll stay together).   Oh, and now you see someone in the mirror who should probably start thinking about working out.  

Actually, most of you will be doing OK by 30, but you'll probably be disappointed because your expectations were so high you'll think that it wasn't supposed to be this way.  Life is hard, and it's hard to deal with that.  But the good news is that by 40 you'll probably figure it out.  Or maybe 50.  Or whenever it is that you start regretting those tattoos.

image from toostep.com