The years from 0 to 18 are precious ones.

They are core to our development and can dictate who we become.

Most of us can do anything at this age. Pursue school, sports, arts, videogames, sex, etc.

Youth wasn’t always this way though. In the 1800s in America, youth was not a blank slate.

Usually, you were 1 of 10 children that were expected to work and support the family.

Families were this large because inevitably, at least one child would die. Usually more.

For many, this system ground them down. Just imagine being put in a coal mine before your a teenager.

Today, these environments are rare, especially in the US.

So many of us, who are lucky, grow up with a blank slate.

There are still opportunities to “work” though. They just aren’t forced.

Working in the modern world can mean many different things.

It could be helping your parents out at their restaurant.

Running a lemonade stand on the corner.

Starting a meme account on Instagram.

Your own Youtube channel.

Perhaps becoming a professional gamer.

The possibilities are not endless, but they are a lot more varied than in previous centuries.

Yet, there is still a large part of the population that follows a standard track:

Elementary School –> Middle School –> High School –> College –> ???

Many don’t have a solid plan in place though once they graduate college, because at that point work experience is rare.

Youth should be spent trying new things and exploring new experiences.

But in the final light, those experiences will inform who you are and who you will be when you grow up.

It’s just impossible to realize at that time.