Wow, this was a great read!

Although I slightly disagree with your conclusion (will get to that), I directly empathize with your experience.

When I was in college, and in my first year of post-grad, I thought the world worked a certain way. I had to spend my time "networking" with other people, apply and do internships, get good grades...and all for what? None of it was an everlasting investment. And what I learned over the years is that the best thing I can do with my time is invest in myself.

I think we're naive to believe that we can change the world without discovering ourselves, first and foremost. I talked about this with my friend the other day. What made an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs so G-d-like was that he was so himself, as a human being. Just read Walter Isaacson's book on the man. Apple, through living in the moment + seizing opportunity when there was + ambition, became an enormous entity because of how Steve Jobs operated as a human being.

Then you see these articles that say you need to do these four things that Steve Jobs does to emulate him. He must be rolling in his grave if he knew!

What he would've ever wanted on anyone is freedom and prosperity. And that's what you have by living in the moment, my friend.

The only thing I disagree with is that I think there is something to say about having a long-term vision of yourself. I have a long-term vision of myself--not sharing that here!--and some of the most successful people on the planet think in decades, too.

But ultimately, it's really about what YOU want. There is no correct answer to living one's life!

Great job and I can't wait to read your next piece...followed!