The real question is, how much do you want to risk on the possibility of happiness? Although you might envy people like Messina-Hirsch and the future horse-farm owner, their spark is the result of finding and following a personal dream. Messina-Hirsch thinks fun—as a by-product of work— becomes more important as you age.  This part of his life is increasingly closed off from other people. At parties and family gatherings, he assiduously avoids the topic of his business. When someone brings it up, he changes the subject. In the process, he makes himself unhappy. He constantly hungers for more creativity, intellectual stimulation, and people contact.