[fintstone]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Ok - I think this is going off the rails a bit.............................

My question to all here is not what I should do with my career or advice thereof, but more philosophical. As in thinking to yourself; you have or had a major goal be it professional or personal but on some level you did not fully attain it. Say in actuality you pursued every avenue, did your best but your goal was not realized.

Is that failure (still) or just not succeeding?

I have attained all the goals I had when entering the workforce (by a huge amount)...as far as my work, finances, marriage, etc. but as you achieve them, you usually make higher ones as far as money/work...all the way to retirement. While I far exceeded my 20's goals, I will likely not achieve all the ones I made at 50...as the yardstick has moved. I find it disappointing, but I will not quite get there on a couple current goals. Even that is hard to reconcile for me. Obviously, for most, I can keep on working (until I am 80) and will make a lot more money and achieve more...but, not sure that will make me any more happy than simply moving on to something else in life.

Maybe your goals are just higher than a lot of folks. I know my expectations were pretty low when I was a young man as far as employment/finances (as I felt those did not define me...and came from a poor family) and high as far as relationships (marriage/love life, etc.). Those have switched somewhat (although my primary relationship, marriage, has thrived) and I wonder if there is a better balance with friends/family and work.

What is really important to you?