That's why traveling is important, even if it is just in your own mind (that sounded weird, I know) And I think that knowledge is what keeps people reinventing themselves.
If I look into my surroundings (small town life) you have your circle of friends and you do what they do, It is always like "he studied something with computers, economics or insurances AND she did something with education" and I think it is creepy but that is how systems are being reproduced. And if you try something different you might not fit in so you start following. The best way for me is to combine security and adventure
Fortunately, many different ways of life are possible and as John Irving put it:

"If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it."

God, how I admire Mark Twain:-).