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Thread: If you could turn back time. Career/Life Advice

  1. #1
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    If you could turn back time. Career/Life Advice

    Hi guys,

    Hoping to take advantage of the wisdom of some of the older members here. A bit weird perhaps but I genuinely find myself at a point in life with no real objective or direction.

    Imagine you are 27 years old again, just graduated university and have no real commitments and have your full health and a few quid in the bank. What would you have done with yourself knowing then what you know now etc.


    More context:
    I suppose a bit more context would help.

    I left school and completed an apprenticeship and a few years work thereafter (electrician), got bored and binned it off and went to uni. Thats now almost completed but I have absolutely no enthusiasm for the subject (electrical engineering) and grad jobs only pay 25k and expect you to jump through far too many hoops. I do have a job offer doing estimating which would pay considerably better but I imagine that would bore me to death.

    Always dreamed of being a fast-jet pilot but that was a non-starter due to asthma at an early age. Now it's too late anyway. Nothing beyond that excites me, although I have thought of a military career as an officer but that's probably not what it used to be either. Any military officers care to share their own experiences feel free to PM me.

    Living with my partner of 6 years but no financial ties to the house, I have my own which has no mortgage and is rented out. So free in that respect, kinda.

    I'm often told I'm very lucky but I don't feel it at all.

    Genuinely not sure if I'm depressed.
    Last edited by -Ally-; 22nd April 2017 at 00:06.

  2. #2
    Not much help for you, but wish i'd followed through with joining the navy after uni 20yrs ago. Also wish i'd mortgaged myself up to the max and bought as many houses here as possible after the 2007 plumet, cross rail has sent prices silly here now, could have retired

  3. #3
    Master
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    Travel - see the world before you settle down and have kids. I did this, and glad I did as don't get to travel much for pleasure these days

  4. #4
    If you're gonna have kids, have them early. I see all my old school chums with grown up kids, getting their lives back, and there's me, 41 with a 6 and a 4yr old, i'll be nearly dead by the time i got shot of these little blighters

  5. #5
    100% and absolutely no doubt about it in my mind, I would focus on the words "have your full health".

  6. #6
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    deleted.
    Last edited by -Ally-; 22nd April 2017 at 00:07.

  7. #7
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brighty View Post
    If you're gonna have kids, have them early. I see all my old school chums with grown up kids, getting their lives back, and there's me, 41 with a 6 and a 4yr old, i'll be nearly dead by the time i got shot of these little blighters
    You will be lucky to get rid of them at all in the current climate. My kids are 24 and 22 - I keep reminding them that I left home, had my first home and and mortgage at 23. I disagree with kids at an early age, live your life, see the world, kids in your early to mid 30s is fine.

    Have a five to ten year blast, sow your wild oats (as people used to say 40 years ago) then look to settle down, turn into a boring old fart and argue with other boring old farts on a watch forum.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wallasey Runner View Post
    You will be lucky to get rid of them at all in the current climate. My kids are 24 and 22 - I keep reminding them that I left home, had my first home and and mortgage at 23. I disagree with kids at an early age, live your life, see the world, kids in your early to mid 30s is fine.

    Have a five to ten year blast, sow your wild oats (as people used to say 40 years ago) then look to settle down, turn into a boring old fart and argue with other boring old farts on a watch forum.
    The only problem is when you were 23 one could realistically buy a house. This day and age? house price / salary multiples are just insane. Different times means different progression.


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  9. #9
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    The world is your oyster yet understably no clear direction lies ahead which I can understand is as daunting as feeling stuck in a hellhole. What I wouldn't recommend is a knee jerk reaction in any direction - the mere fact that you're asking the question acknowledges your level of awareness of your situation and that won't go away unaddressed.

    Just, as quite appropriate, given the vehicle for our discussion:

    ....... give it time.

    I'm sure your next direction in life will come to you.

    All the genuine very best.

  10. #10
    Grand Master Wallasey Runner's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kaiserphoenix View Post
    The only problem is when you were 23 one could realistically buy a house. This day and age? house price / salary multiples are just insane. Different times means different progression.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    I totally agree. I was a Civil Servant and in my day people could get a 2.5 times salary mortgage with a 5% deposit and buy a flat or a small house on a single wage and if they met someone, sell both properties and buy a semi detached and the housing ladder climb started.

    No chance these days. Bank of mum and dad or wait for some inheritance - sad, but true?
    Last edited by Wallasey Runner; 22nd April 2017 at 00:37.

  11. #11
    Grand Master Rod's Avatar
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    I would have stayed a cop.I was destined for further promotion as I was very good at the job... but for reasons I left and went into selling. Not really regretted it as I've been ok since.

  12. #12
    I didn't have the opportunity to travel when I was younger due to finances and although only 33, with 3 kids, responsibilities by the bucket load I just can't live that care free life that I sometimes wish I could. Also, if I knew what I knew about property now, I would certainly have been a millionaire by now. Unfortunately I always come late to the party for some reason or another but must be thankful for what I have I suppose..

  13. #13
    Master pacifichrono's Avatar
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    My suggestion would be to look at a very broad range of entrepreneurial opportunities (not a franchise). Talk to young business people, read business and technology articles, and start making notes on ideas you may have for exploiting market situations where you can apply your knowledge, skills, and passion.

  14. #14
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    What is important to you - as in position do you want to be in in 10-20 years?

    Do you want to have a lot more cash, or is money not important to you?
    Do you want to have achieved something (something personal, outside work)?
    Do you want to be an expert in something (have a career, but can't choose which)?
    Would you set up your own business?

  15. #15
    Craftsman comdiver's Avatar
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    Become a commercial diver, work all over the world, earn loads of money, get married, kids, house etc. Work all over the world, spend loads of money, get divorced, lose said wife, kids, house etc then repeat.
    Oh hang on that's my career

  16. #16
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    When I was a mere 16, I applied to join the RAF as a trainee pilot. They told me at the interview stage that I was too young and to re-apply in a year or 2.
    In the 2 years that followed, I got on a sponsored college course/apprenticeship scheme with (at the time) the biggest computer manufacturer (ICL) after my dad told me computers were the way ahead. Boy, was he right!
    So, nearly 40 years down the line, I often think about the "what ifs" but in reality, I have few regrets. I wouldn't have my wife and family, albeit, I'd probably have another, different family.
    I've learned that you can't live based on the decisions you don't make, just make the right one for you at the time.

    As I say to my son, who's a little younger than you Ally, "it's your decision, just make sure it's the right one!" Drives him nuts, which is the intention ;-)

  17. #17
    Grand Master Velorum's Avatar
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    I should have stopped doing things that were detrimental to my long term health. Running buggered my knees and excessive alcohol consumption did the same to my internal organs.

    I should have divorced my first wife before she took all of my money as opposed to after the event and then remained single.

    Had I done both of these I suspect that I would not now be mistaken for an OAP at the barbers.

    In any event, I cant read the thread title without thinking of Cher in her underwear....

    Last edited by Velorum; 22nd April 2017 at 08:25.

  18. #18
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    If you could turn back time. Career/Life Advice

    Quote Originally Posted by mtagrant View Post
    Travel - see the world before you settle down and have kids. I did this, and glad I did as don't get to travel much for pleasure these days
    This^^^


    Quote Originally Posted by Brighty View Post
    If you're gonna have kids, have them early. I see all my old school chums with grown up kids, getting their lives back, and there's me, 41 with a 6 and a 4yr old, i'll be nearly dead by the time i got shot of these little blighters
    Not this^^^ *


    Quote Originally Posted by 11erv View Post
    100% and absolutely no doubt about it in my mind, I would focus on the words "have your full health".
    This^^

    All IMHO of course.

    * There are obviously pros and cons to having children both earlier and later in life.

  19. #19
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    I waited 30 years to save enough to leave construction contracting to buying some land and developing into residential. I just didnt want to be involved with the bank in case it went wrong.
    With the hind sight i would have got them on board.

  20. #20
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    I would have kids way earlier, now I am 42 with 5y old, and as much as I enjoy spending time with him, I feel I am already set in my ways and have way to little patience for him.

  21. #21
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    What exactly are you dreaming of doing though, military officer is quite a varied career, i.e. what service, what specialism/trade, what location, etc?

    I know a fair few from each of the services and it's a mix of the older wanting to come out and the younger wanting to get as much as they can before leaving. Not sure what you're after though, would just joining the TA/RNR/etc not suit, giving you some change from the normal job?

  22. #22
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    Travel. My one regret is not taking a year and seeing the world in my twenties. I've travelled a lot with my work since but it just isn't the same.

    Finish your degree, pack a bag and go. You're in the perfect position to do it.

  23. #23
    Master bobbee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Argee1977 View Post
    What exactly are you dreaming of doing though, military officer is quite a varied career, i.e. what service, what specialism/trade, what location, etc?

    I know a fair few from each of the services and it's a mix of the older wanting to come out and the younger wanting to get as much as they can before leaving. Not sure what you're after though, would just joining the TA/RNR/etc not suit, giving you some change from the normal job?

    ^^^^^
    This.
    I get the feeling you are not being challenged enough in your life, and the TA/RNR would be an excellent step for you if this is true.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by comdiver View Post
    Become a commercial diver, work all over the world, earn loads of money, get married, kids, house etc. Work all over the world, spend loads of money, get divorced, lose said wife, kids, house etc then repeat.
    Oh hang on that's my career
    I'm only a year older than Ally, but in the same boat. My finals are in less than a month, and courtesy of the teaching at uni, a job in a field related to my degree sounds like it will be dull as ditch water. Doesn't help that I like working with my hands, the idea of being sat behind a desk is depressing. Funnily enough, becoming a professional diver is something I've been considering over the past handful of months. Plenty of options for training and obtaining initial qualifications within London.

  25. #25
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    What does your partner want to do?

    Me and my wife never really had a plan, but I feel we've done a lot more together (travelling, different jobs/starting a business, homes, mad fun stuff, kids) than I ever would have done on my own.

  26. #26
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Thanks for all the replies so far guys.

    To answer some questions:

    Travel-Would be possible but nobody to do it with and don't fancy it alone.

    House - Could afford to move anywhere in the U.K. so no issue there but beside better weather I don't have any attraction to London or the South.

    Own business- Again financially feasible but nothing inspires me and I don't think sinking cash into anything I'm not mad on would be wise.

    Kids- No.

    Partner - Stable and well paid job, not very ambitious and quite content with the 9-5.

    Forces Career - My only real passion is aviation so the RAF would be the natural choice, I've also spent the last couple of years in the UAS so have decent exposure to it. Pilot is out and EngO would be the natural choice but I suspect that would be equivalent to a civvy job but with the added disadvantage of lifestyle restrictions. I've done test in advance/CBAT and I'm competitive for all Officer specialisms pretty much. The RN appeals too as it would be more likely to see me travel. Ultimately though I think a forces career would be at the sacrifice of my relationship.

    Is such confusion normal
    Last edited by -Ally-; 22nd April 2017 at 09:37.

  27. #27
    Master Alansmithee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brighty View Post
    If you're gonna have kids, have them early. I see all my old school chums with grown up kids, getting their lives back, and there's me, 41 with a 6 and a 4yr old, i'll be nearly dead by the time i got shot of these little blighters

    It's funny how different generations look at this - when my best man announced at 41 he was having his first child, my father's (78) rather uncalled for response was 'what do you want to f**k around with kids at your age?"

    At 41 I've got three clear groups of friends:

    * Had early, Kids now in their 20s - hurrah - holidays, parties!
    * No kids, no interest
    * Had late, The wife wanted one - shit, I'm never going to retire...
    Last edited by Alansmithee; 22nd April 2017 at 10:01.

  28. #28
    Master bobbee's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Alansmithee View Post
    It's funny how different generations look at this - when my best man announced at 41 he was having his first child, my father's (78) rather uncalled for response was 'what do you want to fuck around with kids at your age?"

    At 41 I've got three clear groups of friends:

    * Had early, Kids now in their 20s - hurrah - holidays, parties!
    * No kids, no interest
    * Had late, The wife wanted one - shit, I'm never going to retire...

    We were "late starters", first child at 39, second at 44. Wifey was 37/42. We had tried for 9 or 10 years with no luck and had resigned ourselves to being childless.
    Our joy at the surprises knew no bounds, and both (boy and girl respectively) are treasured.

    I will always be thankful for my chances at fatherhood, no matter how late it seemed to others, as they do not know the circumstances.

  29. #29
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by comdiver View Post
    Become a commercial diver, work all over the world, earn loads of money, get married, kids, house etc. Work all over the world, spend loads of money, get divorced, lose said wife, kids, house etc then repeat.
    Oh hang on that's my career
    Other than job title this seems to apply to me as well, my advice to me at 20 would have been,
    'when you think you're making the right choice, go and do the exact opposite'!

  30. #30
    Master drhexagon's Avatar
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    I worked in the family business after leaving school and completed my undergraduate studies while continuing to work there until the end of last year. I also completed my MSc last year and I am now waiting to start a role in Network Engineering at BT. Personally, I didn't think it was possible for me to land that role as it pays far above the average for a graduate job but it is achievable if you can narrow your focus and just go for it.

    From what you say, you have no financial burden such as a mortgage so in the grand scheme of things, £25k on its own is a reasonable wage. I recommend completing your current course and then having a look a postgraduate study. I was not enamoured by my undergraduate degree and struggled to complete it as I lacked the enthusiasm for it.

  31. #31
    Grand Master wileeeeeey's Avatar
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    This is just me but if I could turn back time I wouldn't have gone to uni, might not have gone to 6th form, and would have worked my arse off to get a deposit for a flat or house. Uni hasn't served me in my career at all and I don't keep in touch with anyone from it.

  32. #32
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Velorum View Post
    I should have divorced my first wife before she took all of my money as opposed to after the event and then remained single.

    Had I done both of these I suspect that I would not now be mistaken for an OAP at the barbers.
    You sound like my dad,with respect to both points!

    He's 65 now but has been enjoying pensioner rates at the barber for 10years.

  33. #33
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post

    .... went to uni. Thats now almost completed but I have absolutely no enthusiasm for the subject (electrical engineering) and grad jobs only pay 25k and expect you to jump through far too many hoops....

    I skipped uni for this very reason.
    At least half the people I know who went were just "going through the motions" which pisses me off no end (no offence OP).
    I mean, why waste time and resources learning if there is no passion for the career path it leads down? And £25 grand doesn't excite you? £25,000 might sound shit but it's good for a graduate job. Did you expect to be pushed directly to the top of the ladder on a 6 figure salary?

    Maybe I'm having a bad day but I'm struggling to sympathise. In my 20's I worked for two firms that went belly up so spent a lot of time working through temp agencies - literally didn't know where my next wage was coming from some months. In the end I set up on my own (in jewellery - after a decade running logistics and transport!), but I'd have been more happy working in a steady job with a reasonable wage.

    I'd suggest taking a month or so out, maybe go backpacking or something, and "find yourself". Sounds very much like boredom - sucks, but I guarantee you that being bored with a decent job is a ****ing damn site better than the "excitement" of not knowing how your mortgage is getting paid the following month.

  34. #34
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kevkojak View Post
    I'd suggest taking a month or so out, maybe go backpacking or something, and "find yourself". Sounds very much like boredom - sucks, but I guarantee you that being bored with a decent job is a ****ing damn site better than the "excitement" of not knowing how your mortgage is getting paid the following month.
    Very wise words.


  35. #35
    Master MakeColdplayHistory's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post
    I'm often told I'm very lucky but I don't feel it at all.
    Genuinely not sure if I'm depressed.
    Address this first.

    If I could turn back time, I would look after my own mental health earlier. For me it's been anxiety on and off over the years more than depression (although they are linked) - nothing crippling but if I'd addressed it earlier I would have had more good days and less bad days and perhaps made some better decisions.

    Enough about me... If you feel you might be depressed, there's a good chance you are suffering. Speak to your GP or someone at the Uni or look at an online resource like the 'Living Life To The Full' website. Worth sorting out before making too many big life decisions?

  36. #36
    Don't focus on starting salary - a friend of mine started on 19k as a finance graduate at a global company and is now a divisional CFO at 30 earning a substantial amount. He also requested a mentor early on. That was helpful.

    Become an accountant in a company and transition to management because it stops being about numbers and starts being about general business pretty early on.

    I started my own company (sales agency so no capex) at a young age and really I should have waited, learned on someone else's time and money. I'm 32 now and the company is successful and I just started a services company I run alongside it. That's a whole different ballgame. And 7 months in we have 2 bluechips as clients and are about to take on a couple of graduates.

    I suppose all that waffle boils down to 'be patient'.


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  37. #37
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    Of course everyone has different views/opinions on life and careers but here's mine for what it's worth. Last year at 46 I finally got myself in a position that I could retire if I wanted to and on a reasonably comfortable income. I didn't retire though - firstly because I really enjoy what I do (work as a Financial Adviser only dealing with a few high net worth clients and have a number of investment properties) and secondly because I'd be bored I think. Having a 9 month old daughter to add to the 18 and 16 year old sons keeps me busy.

    The goal of being 'able' to retire was probably my main one in my working life alongside a couple of simple rules I stuck to. My dad told me 3 extremely valuable things many years ago that I've never forgotten:

    1. Find something you enjoy doing, get good at it and THEN work out how to make money out of it - going for the money first will only lead to a miserable work life.
    2. Borrow as much as you can as young as you can, because years later it won't seem like much.
    3. Never sell a freehold.

    Ally at 27 the world truly is your oyster and you seem to have your head screwed on. Go out there and go for it, who cares if you don't quite know what yet, you'll find it. Make sure you throw in travel as well.

    For me working for myself was the only thing I'd ever wanted, that's not for everyone though.

    Good luck and hopefully you'll share your adventures. And if you ever wanted any advice, just ask 😎

  38. #38
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    Quote Originally Posted by MakeColdplayHistory View Post
    Address this first.

    If I could turn back time, I would look after my own mental health earlier. For me it's been anxiety on and off over the years more than depression (although they are linked) - nothing crippling but if I'd addressed it earlier I would have had more good days and less bad days and perhaps made some better decisions.

    Enough about me... If you feel you might be depressed, there's a good chance you are suffering. Speak to your GP or someone at the Uni or look at an online resource like the 'Living Life To The Full' website. Worth sorting out before making too many big life decisions?

    I must say I feel like I am getting caught up in this anxiety/depression state myself sometimes, nothing severe mind you, but it feels crippling at times not to be able just to relax and enjoy certain moments. I always thought it was more related to getting old than to ask professional opinion.

  39. #39
    "The most interesting people I know didn't know at twenty-two what they wanted to do with their lives
    Some of the most interesting forty year old's I know still don't"

    Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen). The song, originally a hypothetical comments speech, could be seen to be a little clichéd, however IMO there's a lot of truth in it.

    FWIW I still don't know what I want to do and I'm mid 40s. A good friend of mine lives by the rule of "there are no good or bad choices, just choices" on the basis that you learn by making either, so don't be too scared else you won't make any choices at all.

  40. #40
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    Quote Originally Posted by kevkojak View Post
    I guarantee you that being bored with a decent job is a ****ing damn site better than the "excitement" of not knowing how your mortgage is getting paid the following month.
    So true this.


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  41. #41
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    I have a few decades on you Ally, yet I still don't know what I want to do with my life/career, so don't worry if you don't - it's normal.

    Just a few things to think on:
    • When making decisions, think "why wouldn't I do it" rather than why should you do it - i.e. rather regret the things you've done rather than regret the things you haven't done.
    • Also, life is a journey - these is no actual destination. So enjoy the journey rather than worry about things in the future that may never come to fruition, or planning for some perceived destination that won't actually arrive in the way you might think. Life is what happens when you're making plans.

    In terms of looking back I certainly have no regrets but I would do things differently. These do include not worrying about settling down in a job/career so early. Follow your interests and do things (e.g. travel, change jobs/career, move to another country). I've done plenty but could have done a lot more, plus I started a profession at 19 that I'm still in - I would rather have whimsically flitted around jobs and travelled more and only thought about being more settled in my 30s.

    Check this out for some relevant messaging - and uplifting music:


    Here's a text version: CLICK
    Last edited by ASW1; 22nd April 2017 at 12:09.

  42. #42
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    Thanks again guys, genuinely useful stuff. I've never asked for help with anything in life but at this point I appreciate it, that and I was utterly bored of studying last night and my mind went into overdrive.

    To kev, its good to hear something critical too but was I never looking for sympathy. Whilst this isn't about money, I gave up a job paying twice that so its hard to get excited about for that reason.I was very enthusiastic about engineering 3 years ago, the reality is though, university is a bit of a sham.

    Postgrad study isn't even a consideration.

    Quite the coincidence that I came across that Baz Luhrmann song just last week on YouTube.

  43. #43
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    As a fellow Scot ( I assume your Scottish and not just living there, either way it doesnt matter)

    Move out of Scotland, the weather is terrible, you probably have Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and it is the perfect time of year to be suffering from this, as the next few months go on, you will feel better, but come next winter, then rinse and repeat.

    I felt the exact same as you, at roughly the same age, even though I was working in my dream job and had a great life/partner.

    Move down south, even get back on the tools, or do electrical design, you can pretty much be sure of £45K+, even more.

    working on exciting large international projects, building your reputation very quickly to allow you more and more time to do 'what you want'

    as has been said, it is a journey matey, this moment is all it is really about, everything else is background noise.

    enjoy what you have now, while making small chess moves towards what you want to be, and when you get there? hell decide to be something else.

    soundood

    coming up on 50 years of age,
    7 serious career changes in 25 years,
    total of maybe 20 different jobs,
    kids started at 32 years of age,
    engaged for 18 years, married for 3,
    hit financial rock bottom 5 times (currently good)
    I have 5 'real friends' 3 of them women (not including wife)

    and after years of 'climbing the ladder' to achieve early retirement, and an easy life (which I could have) I decided to go back on the 'tools' as an Electrician, I have my own company and work when I want, if I want.

    I finally feel as if I have complete control of my life, I have never been happier.

  44. #44
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    I think people expect too much from a job/career in terms of enjoyment. I don't advocate doing something you really hate simply because it pays well, but sometimes you have to face the fact that work can be a boring drudge.........you're not meant to enjoy it! It makes more sense to seek enjoyment/fulfilment in your hobbies and pastimes rather than through work, if you can earn enough to do this maybe that's the best strategy.

    The situation to avoid is having to work long hours with lots of stress. I don't care how much money people make, it isn't worth it. Get the work/life balance right and you'll be happy, even though you may not own fancy cars or a big house. I've no sympathy for the folks who work themselves to death (literally) just to enjoy the so-called finer things in life, don't fall into that trap.

    At 27 it' s time to get on a job/career path and knuckle down to it. I started work at 16 and I don't hold with fannying about travelling etc and 'finding yourself'. Get on with a career, get the work/life balance right, and don't forget about pensions/ retirement. Being able to give up work in your early-mid 50s has it's advantages but you have to plan for it or it won't happen.

    Paul

  45. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by walkerwek1958 View Post
    but sometimes you have to face the fact that work can be a boring drudge.........you're not meant to enjoy it!

    Paul
    I totally disagree with this comment, I will not, and have never done anything I dont enjoy in regards to my working life, I cant as I wont last two minutes.

    I am stubborn when it comes to this part of my life, and I believe that your job should be something you love doing, and for that reason it isnt work, even when I have found what I love in work, I then get bored of it, and move on to another interest.

    I have friends that have worked in the council for 25 years+ they look dead on their feet, trolling through the day watching for the clock to hit 5pm, one of them (my best friend) is an excellent guitarist, who had the chance to join bands and tour, and I believe he could have made it a career, even as a session guitarist, his choice was to go for the pension.

    I on the other hand toured for years as a sound engineer, working with some amazing people, I gave that up as I got bored with it, and after careers in IT and Retail Management (to name a couple) I am now an electrician, odds on I will get bored of that too, but I offset the onset of boredom, with working when I want, and If I want.

    I cannot understand why, someone would spend 40 hours+ a week on something they hate doing, I would rather be on the dole, searching for what I want to do, and making that happen.

  46. #46
    Master MarkO's Avatar
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    You have a desirable skill as an electrician, have you considered voluntary work for an overseas charity. There are plenty of organizations all round the world so you would get to travel/live abroad for a period - it could be just for 3-6 months.
    This could be seen as a post-degree sabbatical and in the long term would look good on a CV rather than admitting you haven't got a clue what to do.

    This could end 3 ways: you have a great time and find something that excites you, you find a country you want to stay in or you have a tough few months and move back to the UK realizing your lot is not so bad after all.

  47. #47
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    On a lighter note...


  48. #48

    Hello

    Ally,

    What about the Reserves? You could do that as well as the estimating job. If you enjoy the Reserves you could do more of that.

    My regrets. Not working harder at college and then Uni. I got a 2-2. Joined the civil service not doing too badly but not earning a great deal.

    I was married but sadly now separated. One amazing daughter.

    Not enough money to own and run a car or buy a house so stuck renting till I retire and or move home from London to Devon.

    However, if I'd gone a different direction when younger wouldn't have had my daughter.

  49. #49
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    Quote Originally Posted by -Ally- View Post
    Ultimately though I think a forces career would be at the sacrifice of my relationship.
    Your career will probably last until you're 70.
    Will the relationship?

  50. #50
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    Quote Originally Posted by verv View Post
    Your career will probably last until you're 70.
    Not if I can help it it won't. My dad retired at 55 and I hope to be able to do the same.

    Quote Originally Posted by verv View Post
    Your career will probably last until you're 70.
    Will the relationship?
    Well I didn't think I'd manage 6 years but I've surprised even myself.

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