[Krow]

Quite frankly, my absolute dreams are already forfeit by the laws of nature themselves (i.e. impossible through the laws of space-time). I do not wish to marry; I do not wish for children. The major I am applied for is merely mechanical engineering, and while I do appreciate engineering, it does not seem particularly filling as a life wish or goal. Even given absolute maximum opportunity in my choice of career (as well as a complimentary living location- in a city of engineering), in terms of my desires, it seems startlingly empty.

And at that, any "average" life-style strikes me as no more than bland. Settling into a society of sheep as no more than a nobody, living and dying by its standards, and conforming to absolute social norm- all bland. How does anyone settle for something so lifeless? Where is the opportunity for color? People insist time and time again that this is the "content" life, but it seems no more than a life for the sake of survival- not enjoyment or innovation. Do other lifestyles even exist for that matter? At least ones that can function in a world of globalization?

The moment I ever bother to mention this ideology to anyone, they immediately dismiss me as "ungrateful". But why should I be grateful for a forcefully imposed -mindset-, which I never had a single say in the matter? It is honestly that selfish to wish for a life of meaning and not endless repetition?

[DesigningWoman]

Ok, so what are you going to do with this ideology? You have limitless options on how to live your life. Forget what anyone else thinks of you. You can get off the hamster wheel at any moment and make your destiny.
There are people who go live off the grid in solitude, backpack around the world with only the clothes in a rucksack and their ingenuity, study plants in the rainforest, help the poor in the city of joy in India, join the circus, write a novel, make great art and I can guarantee that there are many people in your community living their lives out of the ordinary, as they please.
Twice in my life I have stepped off the hamster wheel of supposed success. I reexamined what I really wanted and needed out of life and set a new course. Everything doesn't automatically work out. I haven't been an immediate success. Yes, some people think my life is odd. Whatever. I have a life with meaning that I choose. I can breathe deep and take in a unique view. I have not only a say in the track of my life, I have the final say.
I would urge you to explore the myriad of ways that people choose to live life in extraordinary ways. Then, see what life appeals to you.
In many ways, your ideology is shared by others and is a great gift. You can be free to live your life exactly as you please and perhaps do some extraordinary things along the way.

DW

[TishaBuv]

There's so much you can do with mechanical engineering. Open your eyes and you will see a world of color. I sound like Willy Wonka ;-)

You might be at an uncertain time in your life as a college student and that's not at all unusual, over worked, and depressed.

[EnglishDave]

You have no reason to fall into a 'Live to Work' mindset or lifestyle. You want no ties at present, although that may change. In your situation you should be looking to 'Work to Live'. As a single person your expenses can be as minor as you wish, everything else can be used to make your life exactly how you want it - within reasonable bounds.

Enjoy.

Dave.