Comment by sabj | Hacker News Reader

Comment by sabj | Hacker News Reader

I think this is an important point to raise, and it brings us back to the matter of how important it is to "define your objective." Is your objective to be your own boss? To pursue a dream? To try to make it rich? Etc...

While the "jackpot" target is small and elusive, I think a more _reasonable_ but still far-fetched goal is to search for a place where you are 'impactful.' You may not be rewarded in some strictly remunerative way, but if you are passionate about changing something and can make it happen - better CRM tools, better ad exchange software, better reverse osmosis technology, whatever it may be - then that is something great, completely aside from whether $$$ follows.

Lifestyle stuff is great too, but for myself - as someone very young but idealistic and ambitious - what moves me most is the possibility of making a difference in the world. Businesses - and one where you define the rules and set the agenda - are one way to do that.

     completely aside from whether $$$ follows

Unfortunately $$$ is required for anything you'd like to do, so whatever you do (even building a non-profit) if you want sustainability you'd better make sure $$$ follows.

As I was telling my mother in law, who's a very religious and charitable person, it's much easier to be generous to the world with other people's money, but when relying on other people for $$$ you can't bitch about how things aren't going your way, so the best way to give is to make $$$ yourself ;)

And if you fail to do that, not only will your dream of world-change shatter, but the people relying on your company/service/product will find themselves in the dust; so it's not only hard but also irresponsible and immature to not worry about $$$.

what happens though is sometimes good ideas never see the light of day because the dreamer didn't think the idea was grand enough to warrant seeing it through.

In reality everyone starts off with a 'change the world' goal, but at some point in your life you'll probably change your goals and focus on your family or whatever.

A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at. -- Bruce Lee

No reason that you can't change the word after you solve the money problem.

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