When I was 12 I wanted to be a computer programmer.
When I was 16 I realised most computer programming was actually rather dull so I went into science instead.
When I was 25 I realised being a scientist was fucking awful and ran for the hills.
Now I'm 33 and a computer programmer.
It is rather dull.
So it goes.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Wed 26 May 2010, 23:04, archived)

This doesn't mean "nobody knows" when they're 16.
I wanted to be in IT or electronics from the age of 8. I was indeed in that career by 18 and stayed there until I got very unwell a few years ago. Now I run my own IT business instead.

I'd not say everyone has that clear ambition, and very few have your apathy. I say they're likely someway between you and me and have a vague idea.

Don't project your own life onto others and label any encouragment of ambition as a Bad Thing, it's just dumb. We've done this one before: ambition and competition are what drives mankind forward. If we did it your way we'd still be apes in caves.
( Dave Trouser ; the people's choice - 75% agree, Wed 26 May 2010, 23:14, archived)

I know it doesn't,
it was just an example of how things can turn out funny.
( Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Wed 26 May 2010, 23:18, archived)