Before he became one of America's most famous and influential journalists, Hunter S. Thompson, at just twenty years old, penned an insightful letter to a friend. The letter serves as invaluable advice that any young person should take.

There is an undeniable amount of pressure on young people across the country to be 'something'. Whether it be a doctor, a lawyer or a stockbroker, high-earning occupations are ingrained as a successful career path.

However, Thompson writes that we must 'make the goal conform to the individual, rather than make the individual conform to the goal.'

This piece of advice is imperative. A close friend of mine wanted to become a doctor: he took the appropriate subjects, studied hard and spent time working in a hospital. However, when he received no offers he began to wallow in his futile attempt - embarrassed to even talk about his 'failure'.

It was infuriating to me as I knew his passion was music; he was forcing himself to be something he wasn't, driven by money.

On results day he came away with A*AA and is now going to study Music.

In a 2012 survey by City & Guilds, it was found that 87pc of gardeners were happy in their work yet only 44pc of bankers were. Also, 75pc of people earning under £15,000 thought their work was worthwhile; this drops to 64pc for those earning in excess of £60,000.

This is striking. Why aren't we inspiring children who love plants and being around nature to grow up to be gardeners? Why are we forcing children who detest mathematics to feel as though they need to become architects? By doing this we are forcefully conforming children to pre-set goals, instead of allowing them to develop and pursue their own true interests.

However, Thompson is quite clear about the time for action and continues with 'But a man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.'

This is possibly the most important thing to take away. It is vital that if you want something in life, reach out and grab it. Now. If not, the world will keep turning and make our decision for us.

Go and make that decision, know who you are and work your goals around you - don't let them or anyone change that.

What do you think of Thompson's advice? Comment below.

Alex Caesari, 18, Fakenham