rheotron

I've always wanted to start my own company. It seems as though the prevailing wisdom is to create a product that 'scratches your own itch'. My problem is that I have no itches.

My life has always been incredibly privileged. I've grown up in a well-off family, lived overseas and gone to private schools. I graduated high school and went to one of the best universities in the country to study CS. I graduated 18 months ago and got a great graduate job working with friends in a well-funded startup and making good money. I'm incredibly grateful for how easy and comfortable my life has been.

The problem is that, as far as I can tell, all of my problems are already solved. How can I move past this and grow as a person? How can I identify real problems in the lives of others and work on things that I feel truly matter?

I'm graduating at the end of this year. For the past two years I've been working for a large financial institution. Recently, they've sent me a graduate offer. It's currently the only offer I have, has an above average salary, and in there contract there is no obligation that I work for them for any particular amount of time.

The problem is, I didn't love working there. Sure, the work was fine and the people were fine, but there was nothing that really inspired me - it was basically a nice, safe, office job.

So here's my issue - I'm 21 and graduating this year. Do I take the job anyway, knowing full well that I will probably pull out at a later date. Or should I turn the job down and hope that it lights a fire under my ass to go and find something that I really enjoy?

I'm currently studying Computer Science and I work part time as a Web Developer. Something I've been thinking about a lot lately is what things I should be focusing on now to set myself up best for life after I graduate. I always feel like I should be doing more - working on other side projects, etc.

So those of HN that have graduated and gone on to various careers - what advice would you give to someone still studying? What things should I be spending my time on? Should I focus on my own projects full time while I'm still young?