what turned your life around?

[Astra5H]

Any significant moment in your life?

Might be joining the navy.
srs

[Destor]

Going back to school as an adult


Had zero interest in it when I was a kid, didn't understand the long-term ramifications. I worked dead end labour/warehouse jobs until it was almost like a switch was flipped in my brain at 25, suddenly I gained a huge appreciation for the long game. Picked a local technical college and researched programs, knew I wanted to do something in engineering and wanted to push my limits, and then I determined which program would lead to the best potential for $$$ and advancement. Did a year of upgrading and enrolled in what is basically a two-year Project Management program, equivalent to an associates degree in the US.

Made $35k in my last full year of work before going back to school. Took on $24k of student loans @ <5% interest, graduated three years later in 2014, and made $90k in my first full year out of school. Kept renting a chitty basement suite below a family of 6, saved up money, and built my first house five years ago at 30. Everything has improved each year since then, and I've gone from borderline poverty in my mid 20s to a much stronger position financially at almost 36.

[paulinkansas]

Married a lady that was smarter than me. She didn't take her senior year of high school since she already had enough college credits to offset those classes. She also graduated college with a 4.0.

What does she do now? Cleans our rental properties.

Wish me luck. Details are on the other thread I started today in this forum.

[Exiled93]

How old are you and what do you hope to get out of the navy?

I ask because I did exactly this. Graduated college at 23 with accounting degree. Started the CPA exam but didn't finish. Worked at a cpa firm for a bit then enlisted (lol).

Looking back - not sure why I did it tbh. Joining the military is something I've always wanted to do for the experience, but I think I did it because I felt like I didn't have a purpose.

Single, no kids - was just working doing taxes for 12 hours each day. Felt pretty meaningless tbh.

But grass isn't greener. I'm still not happy in the military and I'll probably go back to accounting and get my CPA and spend time on hobbies that I want to do instead of chasing a job I love.

[knightofday]

1. Joined the Army at 18, changed me completely and set me up for success after. (**** joining the military rn, just being real)

2. Finding God again, very very srs. Our country needs more Christians front and center imo, we’ve lost our way.

[Astra5H]

How old are you and what do you hope to get out of the navy?

I ask because I did exactly this. Graduated college at 23 with accounting degree. Started the CPA exam but didn't finish. Worked at a cpa firm for a bit then enlisted (lol).

Looking back - not sure why I did it tbh. Joining the military is something I've always wanted to do for the experience, but I think I did it because I felt like I didn't have a purpose.

Single, no kids - was just working doing taxes for 12 hours each day. Felt pretty meaningless tbh.

But grass isn't greener. I'm still not happy in the military and I'll probably go back to accounting and get my CPA and spend time on hobbies that I want to do instead of chasing a job I love.

Im in community college studying Cit full time. Im preparing to take the certs necessary to break into the industry. Im 19 but had to take a year off to get some money.

currently have 16 grand saved up.

will turn 20 this year.

currently working part time as a security guard

was thinking of doing logistics in the army or it in the navy

im not too bright btw i scored a 55 on the practice asvab

relatively fit aswell

15 pullups
11:30 2 miles

1. Joined the Army at 18, changed me completely and set me up for success after. (**** joining the military rn, just being real)

2. Finding God again, very very srs. Our country needs more Christians front and center imo, we’ve lost our way.

why do you not recommend joining the military right now?

[knightofday]

why do you not recommend joining the military right now?

You been paying attention the last 2 months bro? We have a warmonger puppet in the oval office, there WILL be another war or conflict as soon as they can whip one up. No to mention they’re quite literally beginning to purge Americans who love their country and are patriots, that is no lie.

The new “anti-extremism” training is out, it basically shuns anything and any group that’s pro-America and anti clown world.

That’s real, not a joke.

[Dan916]

getting a "Academic Probatin" letter from my college.

I fukt around from age 18-20, withdrew bunch of classes, no job. When that letter came it hit me that Ill be kicked out if I dont improve. I actually cried in front of my mom lol. Anyways I improved, graduated with honors, got into a trade that didnt even require a degree.

[tunafishha]

Going back to school at 32. I will be the first to attend college out of 4 siblings.

Honestly, I could do without college because I've always been highly skilled and self motivated. But college just makes it more formal.

[Astra5H]

none of my family members or extended family members have gone to college lol. My mom did not believe in college too. wanted me to become a tradie. honestly i dont even know what my future is going to look like haha

Im getting used to the schedule and classes though

[jn677]

Going to school in mid 20s. Did bachelors and 2 masters. Now earning 3-4 times the income I was beforehand. Went from living paycheck to paycheck to saving/investing 50% of my earnings and being able to enjoy life and vacation as much as I want.

[Barcode120x]

Was pretty much expected to go into the nursing field (Filipino thing ya know) to follow in my family's footsteps and my older brother. Basically got through 18-20 with average B's and C's, but my dad made me get a job in the hospital to get my feet wet and get the experience. Ended working as a lift tech (basically we reposition, pull up patients, help with patient bed or room transfers). Experienced a "code blue" while I was in the ICU during my first few shifts into the job. Patient had no pulse and stopped breathing, everyone jumped in and started doing chest compression and blood and vomit was spewing out of the patient's mouth during each compression. Scared the chit out of me, but made me realize I wanted to nursing and hope that I would never have to deal with that again.

[Arthax]

Was pretty much expected to go into the nursing field (Filipino thing ya know) to follow in my family's footsteps and my older brother. Basically got through 18-20 with average B's and C's, but my dad made me get a job in the hospital to get my feet wet and get the experience. Ended working as a lift tech (basically we reposition, pull up patients, help with patient bed or room transfers). Experienced a "code blue" while I was in the ICU during my first few shifts into the job. Patient had no pulse and stopped breathing, everyone jumped in and started doing chest compression and blood and vomit was spewing out of the patient's mouth during each compression. Scared the chit out of me, but made me realize I wanted to nursing and hope that I would never have to deal with that again.

What did you end up doing instead?

[Silencespeaks]

Moving abroad

Marriage

Divorce

[Barcode120x]

What did you end up doing instead?

Nothing really. Didn't have any aspirations or career goals at that age. I lived day to day playing videos games and didn't care much for anything lol until I got that job. I think I started that job around age 21.That's when the whole medical/nursing field opened up my eyes but that incident was probably THE real eye opener. I had another one down the road when I was a new graduate nurse on the job that also solidified my choice of doing nursing.

[Lefticle]

Was addicted to opiates, made bad decisions, and got arrested when I was 22. Realized I was destroying my life. Best case, I was quickly headed toward being a complete loser. Worst case, quickly heading to my own death.

Got into recovery, started making good decisions, fixed my hormone issues from injury/drugs, and doing very well now.

[Astra5H]

Was addicted to opiates, made bad decisions, and got arrested when I was 22. Realized I was destroying my life. Best case, I was quickly headed toward being a complete loser. Worst case, quickly heading to my own death.

Got into recovery, started making good decisions, fixed my hormone issues from injury/drugs, and doing very well now.

currently a loser right now haha

im sober though

[mikeoc322]

Turn inward. It all starts from within.

[SillieBazzillie]

Was pretty sick when I was in my late teens. Cancer, had chemo and radiation and wasn't sure I'd make it for quite a bit.

I believe it gave me a unique perspective on how fragile and special life is. Not that I'm so massively successful or anything, just that, despite what many may think of me in here, I generally enjoy and treasure each day and try to positively impact those I interact with.

Oh, and I never lost my hair even while on chemo. Docs were legit amazed. So I got that going for me.

[lordpatrick]

Unironically, MISC.

Really. Without the MISC I would have never gotten into crypto in early 2017.

Also, Fierce 5 program. Really shaped me up well and boosted my confidence

[Jasonw1178]

Military really will change you. Some have a harder time adjusting back to civilian life, but if you can take what you learn there, it can really help.

[~Hades~]

Eating ass

[snailsrus]

Going back to school as an adult


Had zero interest in it when I was a kid, didn't understand the long-term ramifications. I worked dead end labour/warehouse jobs until it was almost like a switch was flipped in my brain at 25, suddenly I gained a huge appreciation for the long game. Picked a local technical college and researched programs, knew I wanted to do something in engineering and wanted to push my limits, and then I determined which program would lead to the best potential for $$$ and advancement. Did a year of upgrading and enrolled in what is basically a two-year Project Management program, equivalent to an associates degree in the US.

Made $35k in my last full year of work before going back to school. Took on $24k of student loans @ <5% interest, graduated three years later in 2014, and made $90k in my first full year out of school. Kept renting a chitty basement suite below a family of 6, saved up money, and built my first house five years ago at 30. Everything has improved each year since then, and I've gone from borderline poverty in my mid 20s to a much stronger position financially at almost 36.

congrats thats really amazing, too many people get stuck in jobs out of high school that they aren’t happy with and have no retirement goals







My life had two times it got turned around once at 15 and then at 23 . Moved out of my parents house at 15, got sober at 23

[Barcode120x]

Was pretty sick when I was in my late teens. Cancer, had chemo and radiation and wasn't sure I'd make it for quite a bit.

I believe it gave me a unique perspective on how fragile and special life is. Not that I'm so massively successful or anything, just that, despite what many may think of me in here, I generally enjoy and treasure each day and try to positively impact those I interact with.

Oh, and I never lost my hair even while on chemo. Docs were legit amazed. So I got that going for me.

Props my dude. I don't even know if I could handle that journey. I've come across many cancer patients over the years and it is amazing how strong not only the human body is, but how humans can mentally fight it and for some, beat it.

[Hnbn1]

Jesus

[SillieBazzillie]

Props my dude. I don't even know if I could handle that journey. I've come across many cancer patients over the years and it is amazing how strong not only the human body is, but how humans can mentally fight it and for some, beat it.

I'm a big believer in the power of positive thinking. And of course you could handle it, although I hope you never have to. When someone puts a mountain in your way, your choices are to lay down and rot or start climbing.

[buildkin]

positivity

[Astra5H]

Going back to school as 26. I'm glad to take that leap of faith. Created bunch of threads here around 2013/14 in choosing what to go to school for. Before going back to school I was let go from a warehouse job of min wage and spent the next year moping and eating up employment insurance. Was depressed and everyday wanted to end myself for not being useful and not having any direction. Anything but this - I told myself one day, and applied to buncha programs at local college. Decided on an IT Program based on some reviews on another forum. I'm so glad I had done that. 6 years later income tripled, and if I was in the US I probably would be making x6 the amount in USD. Looking back the hardest part was deciding something with faith and just going for it.

dude im looking at studying in IT

the thing is you have to be a people person correct?

I like the idea of helping people so that job will sound like a good fit. im srs

[jn677]

dude im looking at studying in IT

the thing is you have to be a people person correct?

I like the idea of helping people so that job will sound like a good fit. im srs

No you don't have to be a people person. It really depends what you are doing. There are plenty of ITish type jobs where you slave away on the computer with little interaction. If you are doing first line support you will be interacting with people all day (probably more by email/ticketing system than by phone now a days) but if you go to school you shouldn't be aiming for a first line support job. That's really a job for someone without an education.

But anyway I would stay away from generic IT degrees. Find a specialty. Infrastructure is good, make sure to learn the major cloud platforms. Cyber security is great. Data Science/ BI is great.

I am personally in Data Science/BI space and made 180k last year but looking at branching out on my own soon and hope to make much more than that. You probably do want to be a bit of people person if you do something with data since you will be interacting with people in the business.

Cyber security is probably a good path if you aren't good with people. You will make a great salary, demand is increasing dramatically and it's not a very sexy career so there isn't this huge influx of people coming in so the gap between demand and supply is just widening and that should mean pay and career options will just keep increasing.

You can actually go cyber security route without any education, just self-study and take lots of certs but I don't know which ones since its not my space. It never hurts to get a degree though, there are always employers who will value it (even if they shouldn't).

[AgentSkyhawk]

Fitness, Learning about financial intellect, Investing in stocks, Real Estate, etc. The more I read about them the mindset slowly began to shift from "Work at a job for 20-40 years, get a house, pay it off with a 15 yr deal, etc" to learning about having multiple income streams, cash flow, it's possible to retire in the 30's-40s realizing that school and college is a business, nobody cares what school you went to when you copped your degree(Nursing for example), so long as you can do the job, which clearly he or she can which is why they still have a job there, etc.