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April, 2025

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Enjoy the world or make it better?

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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
So NS, its been a while since I made a thread.

As I approach the end of my junior year in high school, I realize that I'm going to have to start making choices that actually have a major impact on my life in the future. However, I have very little idea what I want to do. I think I did well enough on my ACT and grades and stuff to get into a good average university, and part of me wants to do that, start on a solid career (probably engineering related), and hopefully do well enough for myself that I can ski and mountain bike and do all the other things I enjoy doing on the weekends. Maybe spend a few years out of college working a seasonal job and bumming all winter. For a long time though, one of my long-time goals has been to work for a company like SpaceX or similar that is really doing something to make a big difference in our society and for the human race. This will require a ton more work. I would have to work harder now to get into a better engineering school, work hard there, and then work 90+ hour work weeks, which is the norm at SpaceX. I don't know if I could give up all of the things I love doing, but at the same time I actually want to do something lasting. Anyways, I would love to hear some opinions on what to do. Thanks guys
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10 years ago
13 1
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90053
Posts: 2565 - Karma: 3,728
10 years ago
5 0
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shin-bang
Posts: 4106 - Karma: 7,037
im literally the exact same as you, I just finished my junior year and now I'm a senior. I planned on doing something in engineering and somehow getting into the ski industry, whether it's helping a company with just normal tasks, or design skis for myself. I'm decent at math, taking ap classes and all that jazz, but I don't love math. So I'm stuck not knowing what I want to do, but I have a passion for skiing, Mtb, and being outside.

As as for the thread I think you should have a balance of both enjoyment of the world and making it a betrer place
10 years ago
1 0
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
.Washingtonim literally the exact same as you, I just finished my junior year and now I'm a senior. I planned on doing something in engineering and somehow getting into the ski industry, whether it's helping a company with just normal tasks, or design skis for myself. I'm decent at math, taking ap classes and all that jazz, but I don't love math. So I'm stuck not knowing what I want to do, but I have a passion for skiing, Mtb, and being outside.

As as for the thread I think you should have a balance of both enjoyment of the world and making it a betrer place


Yeah I would like to find some kind of balance, but at the same time if I want to do something I want to do it big, ya feel? Fully commit and all.
10 years ago
1 0
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Slush
Posts: 1916 - Karma: 12,961
This is a very intriguing question, I haven't thought about it.

It all depends on what you want to do. Does changing the world, making the spaceships of the future grab your interest? Does that sound like the thing that would make you happy? It's all about what makes you happy. If you think all the hard work wouldn't be worth the chance to do something like build spaceships, then the answer is simple
10 years ago
1 0
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Slush
Posts: 1916 - Karma: 12,961
This is a very intriguing question, I haven't thought about it.

It all depends on what you want to do. Does changing the world, making the spaceships of the future grab your interest? Does that sound like the thing that would make you happy? It's all about what makes you happy. If you think all the hard work wouldn't be worth the chance to do something like build spaceships, then the answer is simple
10 years ago
0 1
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Slush
Posts: 1916 - Karma: 12,961
SlushThis is a very intriguing question, I haven't thought about it.

It all depends on what you want to do. Does changing the world, making the spaceships of the future grab your interest? Does that sound like the thing that would make you happy? It's all about what makes you happy. If you think all the hard work wouldn't be worth the chance to do something like build spaceships, then the answer is simple


SlushThis is a very intriguing question, I haven't thought about it.

It all depends on what you want to do. Does changing the world, making the spaceships of the future grab your interest? Does that sound like the thing that would make you happy? It's all about what makes you happy. If you think all the hard work wouldn't be worth the chance to do something like build spaceships, then the answer is simple


God dammit I knew it
10 years ago
0 0
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
SlushThis is a very intriguing question, I haven't thought about it.

It all depends on what you want to do. Does changing the world, making the spaceships of the future grab your interest? Does that sound like the thing that would make you happy? It's all about what makes you happy. If you think all the hard work wouldn't be worth the chance to do something like build spaceships, then the answer is simple

Its tough because I haven't been alive long enough to really appreciate what makes me happy in the long term, haha. I certainly know that I love skiing and being outdoors, but I also like to make people happy. Space definitely fascinates me, but not enough on its own to make the work worth it. I just don't know what gratification I will feel for what I would do.
10 years ago
0 0
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Mingg
Posts: 14038 - Karma: 50,722
For the longest time my family put an emphasis on pursuing a medical profession. I thought that is what I wanted to do with my life because I've always been told it would be good for me. Basically, I got to college, finished a semester of pre med and realized this shit wasn't for me. Volunteering at hospitals, it was cool but it took a lot to see people in such awful states and seeing people badly injured from car accidents. It takes a lot out of you. So because of that I decided it wasn't for me and switched into a new major.

So you're probably thinking how is this relevant. You honestly aren't going to know what you want to do until you have the chance to have first hand experience. Do your best so that you have as many opportunities as possible. If you put yourself in a position where you can get into a great engineering school then you can go after your goal of working at SpaceX. If over time you realize that isn't what you want to do, that's fine. It would be better than not giving it a go to begin with.


If I were you, I probably would want to go after the first scenario you explained. It would be important for me to have time for myself and time for a family. So I would probably do that. But if you feel strongly about working for SpaceX and making a significant impact then it is worth trying out.
10 years ago
1 0
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RRhighrider
Posts: 2144 - Karma: 1,163
You are young and by the time you finish college your interests will most likely be different then they are today. You know you are interested in engineering so that is a good start. Go to the best school possible, work hard, do well in school and make connections so that future opportunities are possible. You can always go ski bum but if half ass school you defiantly will not be working a cool engineering job.
10 years ago
0 0
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270on420out
Posts: 7522 - Karma: 51,280
You dont have to work at spaceX to change the world.
10 years ago
0 0
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
VizualYou dont have to work at spaceX to change the world.


I know, I used it as an example because its always been a goal for me. Changing the world in an impactful way does take a lot of time and effort no matter what you do, though.
10 years ago
0 0
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
Skiing is just skiing, mountain biking is just mountain biking. The euphoria of a perfect powder run is temporary and fleeting compared to the knowledge that you actually improved someone's life. It makes working 16-22hr days for weeks on end pretty bearable.
10 years ago
0 0
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
cobra_commanderSkiing is just skiing, mountain biking is just mountain biking. The euphoria of a perfect powder run is temporary and fleeting compared to the knowledge that you actually improved someone's life. It makes working 16-22hr days for weeks on end pretty bearable.


And when compared to seeing the results of all your hard work.
10 years ago
0 0
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270on420out
Posts: 7522 - Karma: 51,280
I mean, my cousin decided to go down to the Dominican Republic and teach kids and all that. And she loved it down there. She's actually going back because she had so much fun. Doing both is possible.
10 years ago
0 0
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byubound
Posts: 1636 - Karma: 9,873
VizualI mean, my cousin decided to go down to the Dominican Republic and teach kids and all that. And she loved it down there. She's actually going back because she had so much fun. Doing both is possible.

I know benefiting the world can be fun and enjoyable, that's why this is even a question. I would not spend that much of my life to be miserable. I know I would loose out on some of the fun I would have skiing, biking, etc, though.
Thank you to all for the advice. I think for know, Im just going to crank in school so I can keep my options open down the road.
10 years ago
0 0
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Olimar
Posts: 3537 - Karma: 4,077
Lifes a bitch, then you die.
10 years ago
1 0
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robbinJAHood
Posts: 1202 - Karma: 3,077
Enjoy the world WHILE making it a better place!
10 years ago
2 0
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