Flyer, I’m not sure what you mean by you’ve encouraged your kids to develop their passion and discover a clear path to their goals. That’s what all supportive parents do. But it’s a stretch to imply that the way to ensure happiness is to have a clear direction upon college graduation. Also depends on what your definition of “lost” is…a kid who graduates from college without having a specific career in mind may not feel lost but rather open to exciting options. It’s all in the perspective. There’s no question that someone probably won’t be happy or successful by forever wandering aimlessly through life, but that’s not what we’re talking about.
Not taking anything away from you or your kids, who have all apparently discovered their passions early on, but there are way more examples of uber successful (and presumably happy) people who either stumbled upon something or tried various paths until they found their exact passion or direction as they went along.
This discussion reminds me of the question of which is better, a broad liberal arts education or a more purpose-driven STEM education? It could be argued either way and there is value in each. Both can produce extremely happy and successful people in any field. There’s not a one-size-fits-all formula, and it puzzles me when people insist that the path they’ve taken to success and happiness is the path everyone should take.
