Starting your life..

jadeums365 · November 2013

Today I cried to my husband because I am so ready to start my life already, as in start being financially stable and starting my career. From the looks of things I won't graduate college until I am 27. I am planning on going to dental school and I am still in undergrad. My husband hasn't gone back to school yet but we are in the midst of registering him for spring semester. He is going for nursing. We are currently 21me/22dh. How old were you when your started your career? Do you ever regret not choosing a career that what allow you to start working sooner?

erollis · November 2013

I wish I graduated young sometimes. That way I would have been teaching for several years now.

I still do not have my BA and I most likely won't have it for a couple of years (maybe more). I would still love to teach at some point in my life. I am happy that I'm doing something I enjoy and going to school for.

I started my career at 26. Didn't feel like I did or were successful at it until 28. I'm ok with that.

WendyGR · November 2013

I received my BS when I was 21, but had part time jobs and internships related to my career (public relations) all through college. Looking back, I wish I had lived in the present and not been so focused on the next steps.

SURFERxGIRL · November 2013

WendyGR said:

I received my BS when I was 21, but had part time jobs and internships related to my career (public relations) all through college. Looking back, I wish I had lived in the present and not been so focused on the next steps.

This was essentially me too. I graduated college at 20, went straight to law school and was done by the time I was 23. At which point I realized I had no desire to actually be an attorney so for the moment I'm 25 and working in marketing. I'd love work with political campaigns again (I did internships on some campaigns and loved it. I should have trusted my gut and went with that route instead of what my parents pushed me into).

I say don't rush it. If you know what you want to do, then go for it and it will pay off in the long-run.

anssett · November 2013

You're 21 and you feel so far behind? You're SO YOUNG! In a good way! In an exciting so many options ahead way! I'm 33. I was in school until right after my 30th birthday (PhD). I got a late start in the workforce! That's OK because I studied things I love, changed direction and studied other things I love, etc, and now have a job I love. You are very young and have time to explore things you think you want to try, and change your mind a few times. The changing your mind as you learn more about yourself is half the fun. Very few people leave high school know EXACTLY what they want to do, then do exactly that. Most people meander and that journey can be amazing if you let it.

Sillygirl45 · November 2013

I didn't even start nursing school until I was 23. I wish I had done more when I was younger...LIKE YOUR AGE!! But...I took the path I needed to. You are not the least bit behind. Please live up to your full potential. You'll regret it if you don't.

Oh, and I worked the whole time. I didn't have a choice. I just wish I had known I could have gone further. I didn't have a great support system. Be glad you know better and take advantage of it.

emily1004 · November 2013

I was 27 when I graduated with my bachelors and got my first "real" job. It took me another year to get my certificate. I'm 33 now and I don't regret a thing. My H and I are very comfortable, we don't have kids yet, and we are still looking for our first house. But guess what? We have a 20% down payment and no student loan debt, because we were patient and we saved.

You have some maturing to do. What exactly are you crying about? You need to grow up! It's called delayed gratification. Why do you want everything right now?! You're only 21 for pete's sake! I really don't mean to sound heartless, and I realize it seems like I am, but I still think I am right.

jjbmstinco · November 2013

I had those exact feelings as well! Now that we are finally here at the stage that I wanted, its BORING. lol It is nice to not have to worry about papers and have a house. But now paying back your student loans, worrying about the house, and really not having a good time like we used to really suck. I got my BA at 22 and my MA at 25. I got my first real job the night before graduation.

Slow down, you have plenty of time to be grown up. Enjoy your time that you have your with H now. This will give you a nice foundation for the future! When I say that adult life is really BORING, I am not kidding. We often wish we could go back and hang out with our friends during the week. Now we only see a few friends only on weekends.

yellowdaisies84 · November 2013

Enjoy where you are in life right now. Enjoy being a student. Enjoy being happy with your husband. Trust that if you can learn to be happy right now right where you are with what you have, then you will always be happy. If you feel like you can't be happy until you graduate, you get a job, or you get enough money, you may be surprised when those things don't give you the happiness you expected or turn out the way that you planned. Trust that although 27 feels too far away right now, that you will still be young when you are 27 and you won't look back and regret those years you spent in school. Work life can be difficult, job hunting can be frustrating, finances can be stressful even when if you are making good money. Be grateful to be in school and in this part of your life and you will be helping create a bright and happy future for yourself. The secret that you learn after you graduate is that those years that you felt like didn't 'count' in your life end up meaning just as much if not more as the years that come after.

msdidonato · December 2013

Like most the previous posted have said, relax and enjoy your age!!

I graduated with my BA on my 23rd birthday, started my first "real job" at 24. I am now changing careers and I am about to turn 28. So I am going back to school. I thought I loved what I was doing, but I just don't anymore.

Life is going on right now!!! Having bills and a real job is just a phase in life, not your Life You will one day look back and wish you could go back to the days without a mortgage, or bills.

Just breathe and enjoy it. You will never get those days back.

CowgirlK39 · December 2013

I agree with all the PPs. One thing I want to add is that you shouldn't count on starting your career right away. I got out of college at 22 years old thinking I would get a great job. Nope. It took four years of working two BS jobs before I got into my career. A friend of mine just finished his degree at 41 years old. He has only had one interview since he graduated in May. Take each day as it comes, work hard, and spend time gaining experience in all sorts of fields. You may think now that you want to go into dental, but you may find something better one day. It's part of growing up.

katmo82 · January 2014

I have friends that feel the same way you do about their career I just tell them just enjoy your age and enjoy where you are now, on the bright side you are still young and vibrant. Live, Love, laugh and enjoy your life, age and career!

Janimal · January 2014

You have the rest of your life to work and handle responsibility. Calm the F down.

Enjoy your 20s and being a student. Enjoy this last little bit of time before the "real world" creeps in more.

Papillon0928 · April 2014

I totally understand how you feel; didn't start my University degree right away because of a health condition, and I am only just receiving my English degree right now, at age 25, and I'll have my teaching degree next October.

While I was working on my B.A and seeing some of my high school friends go on to careers, I couldn't help but think "This sucks that I haven't reached that point yet". But now that I'm closing in on my final degree and having to plan out the next steps from here (teaching internship placements, moving out of province to do my teaching degree, finding an apartment for FI and I, hoping that there will actually be positions open for me once I'm licensed), it's overwhelming, and I really wish that I hadn't tried to wish my B.A. away.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's pretty normal to want to get ahead- and yes, it's a very good thing to always want to press forward- but at the same time, it is so important to savor the student life and not establish any rigid timelines. You are still so young- savor the moment, and everything will work out, because it's evident that you have the ambition to make things happen

schuette2 · April 2014

I graduated with my Associates at 24, got married, went back for my BIST and graduated with that in 2013, then jumped right into grad school. By the time I have my MLIS - as long as nothing goes wrong with any of the factors involved - I'll be 29. I have a part time job in my career field with no opportunity for full time because of budget restraints, but the part time is good for my class schedule. DH graduated with his BS in Engineering at 27 and just landed his career job last year.

What I've learned over the years is not to plan things, as the timetable almost never comes out like you want it to, and the plan almost always has something go ary somewhere. As long as you reach the ultimate goal, it'll make all the bumps in the road seem worth it.

yasmineloly · June 2014

You are still young. Surround yourself with motivational and supportive people and you'll find your way!

Starting your life..

Re: Starting your life..

Choose Another Board

Search Boards