When I was 24, had just gotten my MBA degree, I was seriously considering going on to get a Phd in Decision Science. Instead, I went into real estate (when the times were good) and then had two kids. Now, 12 years later I am very happy to be a stay at home mom, and instead of a Phd degree, I am now considering homeschooling my kids. Do I think I lost my giftedness? Not really. I just no longer have the need to achieve more and more. My priorities have shifted. If you asked my mom, she would probably tell you she thinks I am wasting my time being home with the kids and that she would expect more from me but giftedness doesn't necessarily mean big time career or number of degrees you have. I am happy the way things are and that's what matters.
