O.K., it's definitely time for an "oldee" like me to step in.
I'll be 38 this year. I have a Ph.D. in biochemistry. I just obtained a new job where I'll do work in protein therapeutics. When people say, "Are you working on a cure for cancer?" for the first time in my life, I might actually reply "yes." That is a very special and powerful feeling.
However, did I know I wanted to be a scientist when I was 8? No. Did I know I wanted to do protein therapeutics when I was 22? No.
Half the FUN of life is finding out these discoveries about yourself. Don't view your uncertainties as burdens. Don't try to rush through life because you are too worried about your future. ENJOY IT! That's the WHOLE POINT of life. I just took a new job and I'm moving to another state. There's tons of uncertainties and insecurities there. Instead of worrying about how I might fail, I look at how I might excel. That's the fun of life.
I'm not married. I don't own a house. I have no children. At times, even I feel envious of my friends, those who have those things. Perhaps I "wasted" too much time in school - perhaps school prevented me from "living my life." I think, "If I didn't go to school, I might be married now. I might have children. And I'd definitely have a house." But then I take a closer look. Some of these friends who have these things also went to school with me. School didn't stop me from getting them - it was my choice not to get them. And when I realized that a whole new area of my life opened up. I no longer felt envious or resentful, but rather hopeful and excitied. I finally *seem* to have a handle on my career, but now I have a whole new wonderful area of my life that I have yet to explore.
Life will always be uncertain. And sometimes you do need to live part of it day by day, week by week, month by month and even year by year, until you discover your "path." But once we reach that epiphany and see our paths, we should embrace them. Don't let doubt and insecurity overwhelm you.
Sicy, if you are sure you want to go to school, then do it! It's never too late. I once knew a woman who didn't get her B.S. degree until she was nearly 50. It was her dream to get that degree and when the time was right, she got it.
DanoSpano, perhaps you are just meant to work for a few years and gain experience in the world. That may not be what you want, but by embracing that challenge you may then see your future.
I've been on many U2 on-line groups for the past 7 years. All have disappointed me to some extent - but there is something special about Interference. When I became disillusioned here, it was the people of Interference that rose up and carried me on. As such, when I interact here, I only see intelligent, caring people who I know can accomplish anything. Bono wrote that he is unable to "see what you see" when he looks at the world. If this is true, then I actually pity Bono. For when I look at the world, I see a type of beauty I never saw before - I see a hope and a trust in the future. And that is indeed a wonderful sight.
