Yes and no.
I've always tried to help others, the degree and manner to which I do that has changed with my maturity level/financial abilities and time restraints. Also, having children now, my priorities are of their well being. I've shifted to only caring for (not about) myself to caring for them. I've had to re-think how I can raise children while fulfilling my desire to help those around me. In the past I had more time to volunteer, march in for/against issues etc...now, I volunteer at the schools and teach my kids to appreciate what they have and to help make the world around them a better place (mushy sounding - hey?). Also, having children is a strain on our finances, so I can not give monetarily, and can give little time - its a balancing act.
I think its different for everyone. For the good or bad, depending on what their goals are and who their "following their dreams" affects.
and punk-a-doodle - I wanted to be a horse, wished for it every birthday until about age 8 or so when I stopped wishing to turn into one and started wishing to own one. Still working on that one.