[SpookShow'84]

Originally Posted by Eata34

Do you believe that saying is true though? I want something less life threatening, but something that my work pays off for. That's the thing, I don't know what I love. How do i find what I love?

Eff'n a it's true! I've been working at my job since you were born. The money was good for a 18yo and I didn't mind the job. Next thing you know I have the wife, house and kids and NEED the money from a job that sometimes finds me sitting in my work truck at the end of the day literally screaming profanities about once a week. I'd do something else but like I was saying earlier, my skills won't transfer to ANY other field, and due to years of unforeseen medical bills I can't take a pay cut or go back to school for something else without the whole house of cards falling down.

What type of things give you a great deal of personal satisfaction? Is it creating something, is it helping people. Whatever that is, use that and apply your own strong sutes in math or language as a good starting point to try things out. I think I read once that on average people have 9 jobs over their lifetime. If you find something you would do even if it only put food on the table and roof over your head it's a better start than counting on "x" amount of money to get stuff that MIGHT make you happy. A decent wage is important but not at the expense of a poor quality of life. I meet lots of rich guys that all their $ doesn't improve the quality of their life whatsoever.

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by SpookShow'84

Eff'n a it's true! I've been working at my job since you were born. The money was good for a 18yo and I didn't mind the job. Next thing you know I have the wife, house and kids and NEED the money from a job that sometimes finds me sitting in my work truck at the end of the day literally screaming profanities about once a week. I'd do something else but like I was saying earlier, my skills won't transfer to ANY other field, and due to years of unforeseen medical bills I can't take a pay cut or go back to school for something else without the whole house of cards falling down.

What type of things give you a great deal of personal satisfaction? Is it creating something, is it helping people. Whatever that is, use that and apply your own strong sutes in math or language as a good starting point to try things out. I think I read once that on average people have 9 jobs over their lifetime. If you find something you would do even if it only put food on the table and roof over your head it's a better start than counting on "x" amount of money to get stuff that MIGHT make you happy. A decent wage is important but not at the expense of a poor quality of life. I meet lots of rich guys that all their $ doesn't improve the quality of their life whatsoever.

Thank you. All of this advice is much needed. It may not seem like much, but I am young, and I worry financially about my future. My credit will be my baby of course. Now I'm going to start looking into my passions that I might like. I have to start somewhere

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by EXSSIVE

Sales is one of the highest paying jobs. It takes hard work and dedication but a career in sales can easily provide an income of $60k+ in the first full year and over 6 figures within a short time as well.

Keep in mind, this also leaves you without the costly school bills that a lot of others pay for a decade or more.

Mind if I private message you?

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by Richard0nee

A lot of good advices on here. I'm 36 and while working as a PC tech, took years of working to get an SS and to be able to save money. Where you live, makes a difference. I live in Southern Cal, Redondo Beach area so a small one bedroom here is around 2k +.. That's just rent!! Houses are 800k+ on average easily.

Granted I have roommates and split the cost so I have free money after my car note, rent, insurance, cell phone bills, gas, food, internet bills, credit card bills etc.. the list goes on lol

Living and supporting yourself is not an easy task if you splurge. Live practically and you'll be fine. A Camaro SS is nothing practical at all so keep that in mind. It's a toy. The 2.0 or V6 is much more practical and affordable.

My advice? Unless you're making 60k+, stay away from expensive cities if want to afford an SS. Then again, everyone lives a dif lifestyle so a person making 100k could have more financial problems than a person making 30k.

Thank you very much. This really does help me in my future decisions. I know not to live life in a splurge. It feels good to hear people to tell me not to worry about these things too much. Plans will eventually come into place

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by Juliannnt

I'm 23 and my bank gave me a 40k loan because of my awesome credit. Telling you right now man, take care of your credit like it's your child. It will pay off in the near future. Not just with cars, but with apartments and a whole bunch of other stuff. Long story short, life is a lot easier with good credit! Just be attentive to your spending habits, don't go nuts, stay within your means, and you will be alright brother.

Yes brother, always. Thank you, this is much appreciated. I could use all the encouragement I can get

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by Juliannnt

Don't even worry about it dude. Just go to school, do your thing, and eventually you will land on something that will just click. I went through the same thing you are.. It sucked a lot of ass being so unsure all the time, but eventually I found my passion, and now i'm a graphic designer at a tech company (I started college off pre-med LOL)

Lol, thank you. I can't imagine how you felt doing premed and then finding your real passion. It does suck to be unsure all the time, but I do believe things will come into place.

[Camar05]

Originally Posted by Eata34

Lol, thank you. I can't imagine how you felt doing premed and then finding your real passion. It does suck to be unsure all the time, but I do believe things will come into place.

I started off with wanting to be a LEO, to Paramedic, to Secret Service, until I landed an opportunity to transfer from a shipping Supervisor over to an engineering tech (current). I don't regret it one bit and now I've decided this is my career path. I just recently started going to school to get my Associates and eventually my Bachelors. Currently, I am trying to get the company to reimburse me for tuition due to a tight Accounting dept but I'm whether they reimburse me or not, these are my plans in life thus far.

I was happy with the 45k I was making at the age of 19 as a Shipping Supervisor overseeing individuals that were double or even triple my age. Now, I am still the youngest guy in the shop. I'm making close to 60k (~8k is OT) at 21 and am on track to be a Supervisor in the near future (currently an assistant super) which means my salary will only increase more. It wont increase much but as a Supervisor, ill be sent to multiple trainings on automation, mechanical property classes, etc and it's all on the companies dime. Full paid meals, lodging, travel, etc.
My point is to find a good company early on that will believe in you and give you the experience you need to succeed in your career path of choice.

Side note - it is not hard to move up in a company when you work hard, I've been in a management position at 3 of my 4 jobs (about to be 4). I have been at my current job for 3 years, 2 in shipping and 1 year in engineering. I have moved to a management position all within 1 year at all 3 places. You just have to show how dedicated you are and don't be afraid to add questions.

I'm not trying to brag by any means, I'm just trying to show you that you too accomplish alot in life early as I did. Don't give up once you're there either, just as fast as you got up, you can go down.

I was once told, the only way to predict your future is to create it.

May God bless your future brother.

[mechramc]

I think at this age - one needs to have a few options handy - Sales & management, retail, production/engineering - I would suggest picking a core engineering like civil or mechanical as the base - learn coding on the side - intern at a sales/ mgmt position....You get the drift. While that sounds like a lot of time and effort...it is not. I used to do all that, play World of Warcraft for 6 hours a day (and even got paid for that too). It is all about interest.

But on topic - I think you should save money for educational courses on the side - certifications, additional coursework which might interest you - tools needed for your interests (could be high end macbooks or a garage floor setup).

Just DO NOT get into the habit of buying stuff on installments - Cars are fine - but nothing less than $5k should be bought on an installment.

My two cents....Good luck!

[elementaltoad]

As others have said, focus on enjoying your youth and putting yourself in a prime position to make a great living doing something you have a passion for. In a world saturated with educated folks holding degrees, it's a tough market. Get that piece of paper and learn how to sell yourself with the quality you put into your work, and your respect for others.

Just a little background on me. I'm just a youngin' who started working at 15, graduated highschool and job hopped a lot until I settled into IT. Me and my family didn't have the financial means for college, and I couldn't afford it while living on my own working full time. So I'm not nearly as academically educated as most, but I loved to learn and discover everything I could about what I got interested in.

I bought my first house when I was 21, which was a foreclosure (miserable process, but good return). I put in repairs and work needed to get the house up to date then held it until the market was ripe to flip it. I made double and just bought my second house worth over 250k, which I bought cheap before the market for the area came back up.

Aside from that, I've always been interested in anything involving mechanical parts or technology. I build guns, and flip cars to make the hobbies pay for themselves. Several of them I've bought for less than $500 and made quadruple on resale accounting for parts and labor. I'm on my 9th F-Body, a 2016 2SS, and still have 5 other cars currently, not including the one I bought my girlfriend.

I'm 28 and I made my way while taking care of my household alone financially. Sometimes I work until the early morning hours, and may not sleep at all, but I refuse to fail, and refuse to be less than I can be.

If I can do it, anyone can. It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders and you are thinking ahead. Finish your education, make the right choices, and everything else will fall into place.

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by Camar05

I started off with wanting to be a LEO, to Paramedic, to Secret Service, until I landed an opportunity to transfer from a shipping Supervisor over to an engineering tech (current). I don't regret it one bit and now I've decided this is my career path. I just recently started going to school to get my Associates and eventually my Bachelors. Currently, I am trying to get the company to reimburse me for tuition due to a tight Accounting dept but I'm whether they reimburse me or not, these are my plans in life thus far.

I was happy with the 45k I was making at the age of 19 as a Shipping Supervisor overseeing individuals that were double or even triple my age. Now, I am still the youngest guy in the shop. I'm making close to 60k (~8k is OT) at 21 and am on track to be a Supervisor in the near future (currently an assistant super) which means my salary will only increase more. It wont increase much but as a Supervisor, ill be sent to multiple trainings on automation, mechanical property classes, etc and it's all on the companies dime. Full paid meals, lodging, travel, etc.
My point is to find a good company early on that will believe in you and give you the experience you need to succeed in your career path of choice.

Side note - it is not hard to move up in a company when you work hard, I've been in a management position at 3 of my 4 jobs (about to be 4). I have been at my current job for 3 years, 2 in shipping and 1 year in engineering. I have moved to a management position all within 1 year at all 3 places. You just have to show how dedicated you are and don't be afraid to add questions.

I'm not trying to brag by any means, I'm just trying to show you that you too accomplish alot in life early as I did. Don't give up once you're there either, just as fast as you got up, you can go down.

I was once told, the only way to predict your future is to create it.

May God bless your future brother.

Wow man, I didn't realize you were only like 2-4 years older than me. I wish you luck on you journey through life. I know you will be successful. I am on the same track as you. I'm a very determined person. As I can see you are too. Again, all of this is very helpful. I hope to keep in touch with you in the coming years. Create your life brother. Make it what you want it. Don't stop.

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by mechramc

I think at this age - one needs to have a few options handy - Sales & management, retail, production/engineering - I would suggest picking a core engineering like civil or mechanical as the base - learn coding on the side - intern at a sales/ mgmt position....You get the drift. While that sounds like a lot of time and effort...it is not. I used to do all that, play World of Warcraft for 6 hours a day (and even got paid for that too). It is all about interest.

But on topic - I think you should save money for educational courses on the side - certifications, additional coursework which might interest you - tools needed for your interests (could be high end macbooks or a garage floor setup).

Just DO NOT get into the habit of buying stuff on installments - Cars are fine - but nothing less than $5k should be bought on an installment.

My two cents....Good luck!

Thank you. It is very appreciated. I am actually looking into Sales now. Care to put in another 2 cents about Sales?

[Eata34]

Originally Posted by elementaltoad

As others have said, focus on enjoying your youth and putting yourself in a prime position to make a great living doing something you have a passion for. In a world saturated with educated folks holding degrees, it's a tough market. Get that piece of paper and learn how to sell yourself with the quality you put into your work, and your respect for others.

Just a little background on me. I'm just a youngin' who started working at 15, graduated highschool and job hopped a lot until I settled into IT. Me and my family didn't have the financial means for college, and I couldn't afford it while living on my own working full time. So I'm not nearly as academically educated as most, but I loved to learn and discover everything I could about what I got interested in.

I bought my first house when I was 21, which was a foreclosure (miserable process, but good return). I put in repairs and work needed to get the house up to date then held it until the market was ripe to flip it. I made double and just bought my second house worth over 250k, which I bought cheap before the market for the area came back up.

Aside from that, I've always been interested in anything involving mechanical parts or technology. I build guns, and flip cars to make the hobbies pay for themselves. Several of them I've bought for less than $500 and made quadruple on resale accounting for parts and labor. I'm on my 9th F-Body, a 2016 2SS, and still have 5 other cars currently, not including the one I bought my girlfriend.

I'm 28 and I made my way while taking care of my household alone financially. Sometimes I work until the early morning hours, and may not sleep at all, but I refuse to fail, and refuse to be less than I can be.

If I can do it, anyone can. It sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders and you are thinking ahead. Finish your education, make the right choices, and everything else will fall into place.

This is very inspiring. That is a great way to live life to the fullest. I hope you are very happy. I too will be buying cars and selling them for x price. I love a hobby like that. But thank you so much man. Keep that mindset on you. You're 28, so I guess you're still pretty young, lol. But yeah man, keep that grind going.

[merlin803]

I would also keep in mind that a lot of times that it is who you know and not what you know that helps you find a job that you enjoy and hopefully pays well.

Lots of people with degrees out there who are jobless, talk to friends and family to see what they do and if you are interested maybe they could put in a good word for you or at least let you know when their companies are hiring.

I wasn't in a situation where college was an option after I graduated from high school but through working hard, getting some breaks and knowing someone who knew their company was looking to hire entry level IT people, I was able to get my foot in the door, work hard, continue learning and 12 years later I am an IT manager at another company.

[Waiting46]

When I was 18 (2008) I was looking at getting a CTS-V as my first car ($65K). I was in a similar position, my parents gave me an 03 Seville STS to drive, payed for gas, I was a lucky kid. Im from California, so a $65K car seems like a reasonable price (houses in my neighborhood were selling for $1mil because California's housing market is/was garbage, I foolishly assumed all houses were in that price range, and that that's what normal people spent on houses)
I got to college on a full ride, graduated with a commission in the Air Force, and realized that as a 22 year old I had no business owning a car in the 60K price range. I spent 4 years trying to save, and was finally able to put away a years worth of monthly payments for a 2SS (A8, MRC, NPP). Picked it up earlier this week. For those of you doing the math at home, Im 26 now. I could have bought a house instead, but Im expecting to move in the next 2 years anyway, so I bought a car instead.
Be patient, things will happen in their own time. Think about things you like. I work in something akin to IT / cyber security because I like computers, and its what the AF said I would do. If you like working with your hands, look in to being a welder / electrician also.
If you like school, look in to the academies or ROTC, you can get a good chunk of your schooling paid for.
Everything in life has trade-offs, wait until you live on your own and have some bills to pay before setting a timeline, and if your timeline slips; that's ok.