Regarding the invisible hourglass, I can definitely relate to that. It doesn't help that I work in an area where you could potentially put in infinite time and still get a good return for your efforts; how can I help but feel like I'm not doing enough at any given time? However, I've come to realize that ambition, bettering myself, and recognition--while all good--aren't really vital to my happiness. I could see myself being happy if I were to completely withdraw from all those things and just live simply in a place I like. Furthermore, I've given up the notion that my life will have a "peak", as in my best years will be now or yesterday or something like that. I won't be the same person in a few years, and as I change I'll stop fitting-in certain groups and ages, but I'll have opportunities I didn't have before and I know I'll be a better person. So I don't worry too much about the ticking clock. I don't think I would change anything if I could.