Why is the period right after college disappointing to Mitch? What happens to change his direction?

After getting the background on Morrie's diagnosis, the reader gets to learn about the other protagonist, the author, Mitch. He says after that college graduation day, he did not keep in touch with his old professor. This fact would be a conflict in Mitch's life, loading him with guilt. The 20-something left for New York City with a dream of being a famous musician, a piano player. However, for the first time in his life, he failed at an endeavor. Mitch feels his life lacked meaning. The wakeup call of his uncle dying from cancer was a big part of the characterization of Mitch. He realized he was going to die eventually and needed something to show for his life. Mitch took the first job that he was offered, that of a sports writer. He eventually took a job with the Detroit Free Press. He started to become very successful and make lots of money. He lived on a deadline. He got married after a seven-year courtship. He never had children because he was always working.