"I wish I lived on your planet. It sounds much nicer than this one. ;-)" You do live here. All you have to do is open your eyes. Seriously, the economoy is a cyclical thing. To tell somebody who has no plans to enter the workforce today to "don't piss it away" misses the point that you have no idea today what will be waiting for this young man in 4-6 years. You just don't. All the highly qualifed people who can't find jobs today because of the current crunch will most likely be doing okay by then, if not sooner. The ironic (and illogical) thing is that you are telling this kid to follow the path of all the highly qualified people who you can't seem to find jobs for these days. Doesn't this indicate that there is no sure-fire formula for success? FYI -- here's my background: S.B. EE MIT, law degree, 9 years experience in IP and currently holding a senior management position in the legal department of a Fortune 50 company (at age 35). One might say that it is hypocritical for me, who has succeeded quite well by taking a more pragmatic approach, to instruct somebody else to follow their muse. The fact is, however, that the key to my success thus far (and I hope into the future) is the creative streak that nobody can teach you and is most often retarded by others' efforts to make you conform. Personally, I believe that anybody who takes the time to follow his/her muse while he/she is still young will have a tremendous advantage over the "paint-by-numbers" crowd. If you see it, and believe it, and REALLY try to make it happen, whatever the outcome, you will be a richer person for having tried, and you will be better prepared to meet the world and make it your own.