The alternatives

The modern era is that of flux and incessant change , even if it tends to be intermittent at times .  Technology multiplied the pace of "development " and changed the way humans looked at the world . In these times , rapid change is  the single factor that distinguishes the modern times from past centuries as the "comfort " factor no longer exists for the majority . Even if you are ahead of the game , you still can't afford to rest if you want to  cash in on your potential .
The alternatives provided by the technology has opened up new challenges and new opportunities for people . The youth no longer needs to follow the beaten path . It is true that there have always been people across the ages and in different eras who do not conform and fight for their life to chart their own path . But the tools that we have at our disposal are more than ever anyone had in past . So does this mean that it is a ticket to prosperity and end to most of the human problems ? It depends on a lot of factors .
If one digs through the history , one would find that there are plenty of examples where people flourished and lived reasonably content lives if  not comfortable lives . The writer does not claim to be a psychologist but it wouldn't need a Jung or a Lacan to deduce from observation and close study of human behaviour that, paradoxically ,when one is left with only one choice or handful of choices , the chances of success are higher . The less the better . If there's only one , probably the best . Why is it so ? Because when a man knows that he has only one aim to follow he focuses all his energies to attain that one ideal . On the other hand the modern condition is one that is yet ot be fully diagnosed . How could it be that in this age of "prosperity " and availability of so many choices the youth is in turmoil and the people in late 20s and 30s are facing existential as well as practical dilemmas not faced by people 2 decades older than them . It is because in an ever changing world the whole dynamics undergo such such a rapid change that if one does not guard their outlook and adapts to the change , one is making himself / herself vulnerable to outside influence . And once doubts creep in , you're done .
First determine what you want ! When identification  is done after due consideration , choose an aim. Make it a target . Make a plan . Go after it and do not listen to anyone no matter what . The part of making choices   is done for some by life on auto pilot , the others , the "priviliged "ones have to do it themselves . Hence the crisis as not everyone is well equipped to deal with these dilemmas . But life is simple if you think about it and never forget , "Hell is other people ".
So what do you want ? Do you want to change the world . Have a big impact and influence ? Spread peace or mayhem ? Create something ? Follow the crowd or focus on your life ?  There is no black and white path  but there's something as being determined /focused or just being a drifter . Choose your poison . In any case , journey is what matters , if that's comforting .