This study investigated the causal effects of time perspective on educational aspirations using
middle school 3rd grade students in Seoul. This study applied instrumental variable method to
prevent reverse causality and spurious relationship. For the instrumental variables, we used
whether students have reading habit and significant teachers. Study results showed that
instruments are relevant and valid. This study has revealed causal relationship between time
perspective and educational aspirations. Combining results of this and previous studies, showing
that time perspective is plastic by age 20 and trainable, signifies that training time perspective
promotes social mobility. Further, this study signifies that students' current happiness should go
along with their career building.