Lifestyle Change
Back in high school and college, I was a carefree hippie dreaming of changing the world. Now, at 35, I’m a driven middle manager in a multinational company rocking power suits—and I love it. My teenage self would probably be shocked because I represent everything I once looked down on. But hey, I’m owning it as a boss bitch.
Never
I’m 62 and still don’t know my life’s purpose. I have a son, but I can’t say he’s my masterpiece. (If he is, it’s a tough story—he’s currently in prison for fraud, theft, and blackmail.) I’ve only had jobs with no real reward—secretary, receptionist, assistant—nothing earth-shattering. Maybe not everyone has a clear life purpose and just goes with the flow.
Field of Study
I thought I wanted to be an Egyptologist, but I lost interest. Then I switched to Mongolian studies, but that didn’t captivate me either. Visiting Japan changed everything—I found my home. The culture, the people... I knew this was my life. I’ve lived here for years, speak the language fluently, and I’m never leaving.
Artistic Paths
I’m a talented—and successful—painter, which many would celebrate, but I see it as a tragedy because I always wanted to be a sculptor. It took me until 28 to admit I don’t have the talent for sculpture, so painting it is.
Teaching
In high school, I had an amazing Hungarian teacher who deeply influenced me. I admired her so much that I wanted to be that kind of support for the next generation, so I became a teacher—and I’ve never regretted it.
Coming to Terms
Music was always my first love. At 13, I had a band, followed by many others. Band members and styles changed, but my goal was always to open my heart to a stadium full of people through music. That breakthrough never came—I ended up as a session musician, and I still haven’t fully processed that. Now I’m working at a friend’s company and honestly have no clue what’s next because I never had a Plan B.
No Need
I think it’s unnecessary to pressure everyone to find their life purpose ASAP and fight hard for it. That often leads to disappointment. Why not just live an everyday, happy life? I don’t have kids, I’m not an artist, my job isn’t groundbreaking science, and that’s totally okay—99% of people live like this. I just want to be happy, nothing more.
Different Ways
I’m launching my nth business, always diving into something new. My husband always wanted to be a doctor—his life is his work. My eldest son is an athlete and studying engineering. My daughter moved to music as a baby and wants to be a dancer. My youngest son is like me—tries everything and then moves on. We’re not all the same; not everyone needs a specific life purpose.
The Break
I was a professional athlete until an injury made me recalibrate my life. Now I coach injured kids, and nothing feels better. If you’re struggling to find your purpose, I recommend volunteering—it’s powerful.
Contrast
My little brother was playing cops and robbers at five and already knew he’d be a cop—no question. He never planned anything else and now loves his job. For me, it was never that clear. First, I wanted to be an Olympic champion, then an Oscar-winning actress. (I practiced my acceptance speech in the mirror for hours and imagined the gold medal around my neck.) After 40, I became a proud mom of three amazing kids, and I’m convinced that raising them is my life’s purpose. Nothing has made me happier.
