And "pumping out kids" as you put it does this for many people. Sorry it doesn't for you, but saying that it isn't a "win" for some people is short sighted.

> You can do more. You can be more. You can experience more.

Many would say the same of those in their 30s and 40s with kids.

> Sad.

Again, many would say the same about your aspirations. Insulting, isn't it?

My point being, what makes you happy, doesn't make others, so don't cast someone who has kids at 21 with a home and ability to provide for them into a bucket of not "winning" at life.

I had a lot of experiences before I had kids. Traveled the world, great jobs, career, friends.

But those all seem pretty empty by comparison. I'm glad I did all that, but a lot of it (while very exciting at the time) I see as been-there-done-that. (Though I still get a lot of satisfaction from my career.)

But at some point I realized that human relationships are just a lot deeper than a trip to a faraway temple. And, though I like my friends, marriage and kids is just a much deeper relationship, full stop.

Also, I figure it's time to let the next generation experience things for the first time. I'd rather share those experiences with my kids then do another experience for myself and my friends for the Nth time.

I suspect that you are young, and you might also change your mind at some point. For me I just got to the point where I realized that I could go pretty much anywhere I wanted -- enough vacation time and money. And I just didn't want to.

Professional accomplishments are also great, so I don't criticize you if that's where you find meaning. But retirement might be pretty painful if so.

Speak for yourself!