Are You Where You Want to Be?

[Andrew]

Is 37 too early for a mid-life crisis?

Not if 38 isn't

[YoungJRNY]

Schools been on a juggle for the last couple years or so for me. One year just wasn't working out financially so that had to be put on the back burner, and that fact still remains today for me. So many things can happen in a year that is really is sickening. Last year at this time I was making good pay and getting enough cash to re-enter the college financial situation. A little cuts and bruises followed and now I'm back to square one when it comes to dough, and I want to get back on me feet in the next couple months when dealing with school again.

After my senior year, my S.A.T's were great enough to land me a school close to home, and looking back that was my best opportunity. I had 3 offers from schools to play football, one being Geneva (to where my GF resides today) Muskigum College, and Youngstown State(A campus offering) Unfortunately, when talking to the head coach& guidance counselors from Geneva and Youngstown, they said my S.A.T's were good enough to reside in the school, but had doubts about juggling school with ball. After hearing that, that pretty much winded me and I never recovered since then. Muskigum was about 5 hours from my home and I didn't feel comfortable at that distance with a lousy pay rate to begin with. The way my parents are set up credit and financial wise, they could barely scratch the surface to help out to this day.

I worked with my brother for a couple years and I decided it was time to get back at it after that. It was a bad time to make that decision and I've been juggling jobs ever since. I am due to work construction, and have yet to hear from a job security job in Pittsburgh, which I have been in contact with. To get extra money just for gas money, I took on a 2 hour motor route every morning, getting up 7 days a week to get some pocket cash to pay the small bills I got now. I figured out financially that I should be a go and enter the field of computer technology or message therapy at a career college that I've been wanting to enlist in for quite some time now. It's tough out there, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

[Andrew]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

[Andrew]

Just my 2 cents.

i need some Advil

heeeeeeeeeeheeeeeeeeheeeeeee!!!!

I BET YOU COULD GIT RID OF MY HEADACHE

For that picture re-appearing yet again - despite all your BS promises not to post shit like that - you can go on vacation.

[Ehwmatt]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

I barely get a chance to come home Drew, let alone never leave it

How's your back?

[Andrew]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

I barely get a chance to come home Drew, let alone never leave it

How's your back?

Bah...buggered! Doc in 30mins....

[artist4perry]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

I barely get a chance to come home Drew, let alone never leave it

How's your back?

Bah...buggered! Doc in 30mins....

Get well Andrew.........back injury can be so painful. I hope they can help you!

[portland]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

I barely get a chance to come home Drew, let alone never leave it

How's your back?

Bah...buggered! Doc in 30mins....

Andrew take care and let us all know!!!!

[SherriBerry]

You guys are the best!! I am so glad that I'm moving - I'm worried about not having a job right away, but I have time to figure things out and get out of this huge rut I've been stuck in! It's time to dream some new goals and make them happen. I don't know what happened - I think I felt limited by the idea that I was running out of time and just started focussing on getting through the day instead of living it, but if I have about 40 years ahead, that puts it in perspective. It's never too late.

Some people just accept defeat and choose to stay miserbale or to just give things up and blame everything on something else because it seems too hard. Congratulations on not being one of those people.

Things will work out as they are supposed to and it isn't always an easy ride getting there. Sometimes you have to hit the lowest so that you can appreciate the good things more when they do come.

It has been quite a ride - I feel like I just woke up and wonder where the last decade of my life went! I like the idea that I can redefine myself at any age and choose who and what I want to be. My resolutions are starting early too, but they're going to be specific with deadlines, so I'll know I'm not just spinning my wheels again!

The other day I was thinking that I hope things are different in the town I'm moving to - then I realized that they won't be unless I'm different. I can't believe it took me so long to figure that one out. I wish everyone the best of luck in what they are doing and finding employment doing something they love. I've been lucky during this economy, but I'm going to aim higher and see where I land.

[SherriBerry]

I'm 23 and doin what I always wanted to do. I haven't made any terrible choices at all.

Shit....do you leave the house? I was into double digits by that age!

I barely get a chance to come home Drew, let alone never leave it

How's your back?

Bah...buggered! Doc in 30mins....

Get well Andrew.........back injury can be so painful. I hope they can help you!

Good luck with your back Andrew - best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Andrew]

No surgery

But, ongoing back issues possibly for life due to some asshole bones doing asshole things.

Physio later today and I'm on my way back

[Don]

I'm only 23 and I have the midlife crisis going on already too. I pushed myself to get through college in 4 years (my parents would stop paying if I went longer), chose a major subject I was interested in (Classics, which is Greek and Roman studies) because I heard from *everyone* that "hardly anyone actually uses their major in their job", and shortly after I graduated, employment tanked. So basically I have no idea what to do with a B.A. in Classics, and my several years of job experience in low-tier IT work is doing fuckall to help either, since I don't have certs or an education to back it up, and most of my experience was helping UCLA students print their PDFs or install MS Office. I've been partially employed for almost 11 months, and $200/week from my part time job (which isn't willing to give more hours) doesn't pay the bills here in Los Angeles. I've basically been living scared for over a year now, never sure where I'll be by the next month.

My parents feel like they've raised a failure, and that they wasted thousands of bucks for me to go to UCLA and basically emerge with just a few more qualifications than a high school grad. I'm constantly questioned by friends and family alike about if I really want to do IT. But they don't offer alternative suggestions, and it's like, how can I even know what else I can do? I think I might have to break down and shell out the money for an IT cert, but who knows if that will even help.

Basically I wish I really knew what would make me happy, and that it wouldn't kill my spirits so much when I don't get calls back from apps or interviews. It's really hard to keep trying.

Have you hit up all the Video game production houses and all that? Plain old game testing is a great part time job, only ten or 12 bucks an hour but at least it's not minimum wage. There's a ton of them in Santa Monica. Many smaller companies will take noncertified IT people if you don't mind starting at 15 bucks and working the off shifts changing back up tapes until you get enough OJT on other things.

There's so many chances for employment in L.A., you just have to be aggressive. Don't just look at the classifieds or online, show up at these places and see if you can get an in house list from HR, sometimes they'll give you a chance if no one has applied. I've seen you know how to maintain your website, if you're near Burbank go to Disney, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network and see if they need an assistant for the web manager, if nothing else. Warner, Sony, all those places usually have entry level mailroom positions open if you can handle the low starting pay of 12 or 13 bucks an hour. And the companies I mentioned have pretty good benefits. I've worked for Warner, Nickelodeon and Clear Channel before I settled down with my current job. There's stuff out there for you, just keep the faith.

[Tracie555]

I was in a relationship that was going nowhere for far too long (3.5 years) but I was too stubborn to admit it. That's about the only possible big black mark I have on what has been a great time of my life like the early 20s are hopefully supposed to be. But hey, you live and you learn. I'm still young, there's lotsa broads out there, and there's lots of fun to be had before I "have to" settle down

Otherwise I'm feelin great besides this damn sinus infection I can't kick

Change that 3.5 years to 20+ years and same here. Even including "that damn sinus infection". Arggg, after 10 days of antibiotics, I've still got major sinus pressure on the right side, even my damn teeth hurt and right gland is swollen.........so, heading back to the doctor tomorrow for probably a second bout of antibiotics. The right side of my face is even swollen a bit. LOL I don't care if I look like the elephant man by next week, I'm still going to TSO!

Mid 40s, I'm finally where I wanna be. Living life to the fullest. If somebody would have told this doormat (and yes I was) years ago, I'd be flying off on my own to meet a bunch of music people I didn't even know, I would have told them they were crazy. I wouldn't change a damn thing about my life the last few years!

Well, Deb I hope that you are feeling better very soon=0) Good for you!!! I am glad that you are finally living your life the way you deserve too!!! Take care=0)

[Deb]

I was in a relationship that was going nowhere for far too long (3.5 years) but I was too stubborn to admit it. That's about the only possible big black mark I have on what has been a great time of my life like the early 20s are hopefully supposed to be. But hey, you live and you learn. I'm still young, there's lotsa broads out there, and there's lots of fun to be had before I "have to" settle down

Otherwise I'm feelin great besides this damn sinus infection I can't kick

Change that 3.5 years to 20+ years and same here. Even including "that damn sinus infection". Arggg, after 10 days of antibiotics, I've still got major sinus pressure on the right side, even my damn teeth hurt and right gland is swollen.........so, heading back to the doctor tomorrow for probably a second bout of antibiotics. The right side of my face is even swollen a bit. LOL I don't care if I look like the elephant man by next week, I'm still going to TSO!

Mid 40s, I'm finally where I wanna be. Living life to the fullest. If somebody would have told this doormat (and yes I was) years ago, I'd be flying off on my own to meet a bunch of music people I didn't even know, I would have told them they were crazy. I wouldn't change a damn thing about my life the last few years!

Well, Deb I hope that you are feeling better very soon=0) Good for you!!! I am glad that you are finally living your life the way you deserve too!!! Take care=0)

And right back at ya Tracie, hopefully see ya at a show again sometime down the road here.

[Hollywood]

Am I Where I Want To Be?

Of course not! Not planning on getting there anytime soon, if ever. You just never know what you want from day to day, and then when you have what you want it never seems as good as you thought it would be until you look at all the fun you had and all the good people you met on the way to getting it.

Live everyday and enjoy the journey as long as you can.

Since this is a music website here is a song that conveys my sentiment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GghSQFvW-3g
Switchfoot, and they have a new album out today.

[StevePerryHair]

Live everyday and enjoy the journey as long as you can.

This has pretty much been my philosophy on life since my dad passed away 15 years ago. He was 46, I'm 41 now,and I think it has more meaning to me now than it did back then. You don't know how long you have in this world, so you have to make the best of it and do things that you enjoy and just take one day at a time. A lesson I was reminded of recently.

[MBPL]

No surgery

But, ongoing back issues possibly for life due to some asshole bones doing asshole things.

Physio later today and I'm on my way back

Yes, one's back can be quite a pain in the ass!! :snort:! All the best to you during this time. MBPL

[Sarah]

I'm only 23 and I have the midlife crisis going on already too. I pushed myself to get through college in 4 years (my parents would stop paying if I went longer), chose a major subject I was interested in (Classics, which is Greek and Roman studies) because I heard from *everyone* that "hardly anyone actually uses their major in their job", and shortly after I graduated, employment tanked. So basically I have no idea what to do with a B.A. in Classics, and my several years of job experience in low-tier IT work is doing fuckall to help either, since I don't have certs or an education to back it up, and most of my experience was helping UCLA students print their PDFs or install MS Office. I've been partially employed for almost 11 months, and $200/week from my part time job (which isn't willing to give more hours) doesn't pay the bills here in Los Angeles. I've basically been living scared for over a year now, never sure where I'll be by the next month.

My parents feel like they've raised a failure, and that they wasted thousands of bucks for me to go to UCLA and basically emerge with just a few more qualifications than a high school grad. I'm constantly questioned by friends and family alike about if I really want to do IT. But they don't offer alternative suggestions, and it's like, how can I even know what else I can do? I think I might have to break down and shell out the money for an IT cert, but who knows if that will even help.

Basically I wish I really knew what would make me happy, and that it wouldn't kill my spirits so much when I don't get calls back from apps or interviews. It's really hard to keep trying.

Have you hit up all the Video game production houses and all that? Plain old game testing is a great part time job, only ten or 12 bucks an hour but at least it's not minimum wage. There's a ton of them in Santa Monica. Many smaller companies will take noncertified IT people if you don't mind starting at 15 bucks and working the off shifts changing back up tapes until you get enough OJT on other things.

There's so many chances for employment in L.A., you just have to be aggressive. Don't just look at the classifieds or online, show up at these places and see if you can get an in house list from HR, sometimes they'll give you a chance if no one has applied. I've seen you know how to maintain your website, if you're near Burbank go to Disney, Nickelodeon or Cartoon Network and see if they need an assistant for the web manager, if nothing else. Warner, Sony, all those places usually have entry level mailroom positions open if you can handle the low starting pay of 12 or 13 bucks an hour. And the companies I mentioned have pretty good benefits. I've worked for Warner, Nickelodeon and Clear Channel before I settled down with my current job. There's stuff out there for you, just keep the faith.

Pfft, $15 would be AMAZING pay for me. I currently make $12 and most of the IT jobs I apply to that have had salaries listed are about the same. Currently I'd be thrilled if I got $12 full time.

I'm actually on the Square Enix QA list, but I'm not sure if I should accept a project because they're only a month long and then I'm back on the street again. I wouldn't be able to keep my current part time job if I did, because it's right in the middle of the day every day, but I don't want to take a chance and leave it.

As for people who suggested teaching, I guess but I don't feel like I'm very good with kids.

[rockinfayrose]

There are three basic reasons why people are not where they want to be: #1 - Self-Sabotage / #2 - Family Obligations / #3 - Unforeseen Life Events...for all these reasons, unfortunately I am not where I want to be, or thought I would be by now.

Ten years ago I had dreams of being a screenwriter & involved in the entertainment industry, so like everyone else I moved to Los Angeles with two written scripts & aspirations, and all I got was a bunch of rejection letters, a few gigs as a background actor & some $50 writing assignments...Big Deal huh? Ended up 5 years & counting working in a grocery store. This year I got inspired to start a line of handmade jewelry, but my own procrastination is delaying that too, however I am determined to make it a reality in 2010. - Hence reasons #1 & #3 apply, while reasons #1, #2 & #3 continue to damper my personal life.

But no matter how often we allow self-pity to get the better of us, I do believe everything that happens in our lives happens for a reason beyond our current comprehension. So keep working towards your dreams, learn from your mistakes, overcome your mental roadblocks and find strength in music.

"Someone once told me that you have to choose
What you win or lose
You can't have everything
Don't you take chances
Might feel the pain
Don't you love in vain
Cause love won't set you free
I can't stand by the side
And watch this life pass me by
So unhappy
But safe as could be

So what if it hurts me?
So what if i break down?
So what if this world just throws me off the edge
My feet run out of ground
I gotta find my place
I wanna hear my sound
Don't care about all the pain in front of me
Cause i'm just trying to be happy, yeah
Just wanna be happy, yeah

So any turns that i can't see,
I'll count on a stranger on this road
But don't say victim
Don't say anything"


"Happy" Leona Lewis

[Lula]

As for people who suggested teaching, I guess but I don't feel like I'm very good with kids.

you've really got to want to teach to be effective. in los angeles unified there have been many cuts and lay offs. if you don't have a single subject credential in secondary math or science or a credential in special education there really isn't much out there. i hope it all turns around soon, for you and so many.

[SherriBerry]

There are three basic reasons why people are not where they want to be: #1 - Self-Sabotage / #2 - Family Obligations / #3 - Unforeseen Life Events...for all these reasons, unfortunately I am not where I want to be, or thought I would be by now.

Ten years ago I had dreams of being a screenwriter & involved in the entertainment industry, so like everyone else I moved to Los Angeles with two written scripts & aspirations, and all I got was a bunch of rejection letters, a few gigs as a background actor & some $50 writing assignments...Big Deal huh? Ended up 5 years & counting working in a grocery store. This year I got inspired to start a line of handmade jewelry, but my own procrastination is delaying that too, however I am determined to make it a reality in 2010. - Hence reasons #1 & #3 apply, while reasons #1, #2 & #3 continue to damper my personal life.

But no matter how often we allow self-pity to get the better of us, I do believe everything that happens in our lives happens for a reason beyond our current comprehension. So keep working towards your dreams, learn from your mistakes, overcome your mental roadblocks and find strength in music.

I know what you mean. I've wasted a lot of time procrastinating too - I have so many ideas that I can't seem to focus on one thing, which means I end up getting nothing done. I think my motto was 'Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?' When I was managing a department, I was superorganized and had task lists, etc. I need to apply that to my life! For years I have stayed in limited jobs instead of going after something better because it was easier to stay in my comfort zone. New Year's Resolution #1 is to leap out of my comfort zone - moving to a new town is a start.

What kind of scripts did you write - TV or film? StocktontoMalone mentioned he wrote screenplays too - it sounds like it would be an amazing career to get into. There is a website called www.etsy.com where you can sell your handmade jewellery online. Good Luck!

[rockinfayrose]

[
I know what you mean. I've wasted a lot of time procrastinating too - I have so many ideas that I can't seem to focus on one thing, which means I end up getting nothing done. I think my motto was 'Why do today what I can put off until tomorrow?' When I was managing a department, I was superorganized and had task lists, etc. I need to apply that to my life! For years I have stayed in limited jobs instead of going after something better because it was easier to stay in my comfort zone. New Year's Resolution #1 is to leap out of my comfort zone - moving to a new town is a start.

What kind of scripts did you write - TV or film? StocktontoMalone mentioned he wrote screenplays too - it sounds like it would be an amazing career to get into. There is a website called www.etsy.com where you can sell your handmade jewellery online. Good Luck!

Both my scripts are for film. I regret I haven't written a full script for 10 years - I have the ideas but can't keep the focus. I wrote a cookbook too that I need to have published but just keep wasting time. The jewelry thing I really am going to stick to though, will check out etsy.com, thanks.

Anyway, I really wish you the best in this current phase of your life. Your New Year's resolution #1 is a good one - I should adopt this one as well. Let's make Resolution #2 to beat the procrastination plague and make the most of the rest of our lives!!

[artist4perry]

I like the make the most of the rest of our lives......resolution. Every day is precious, and one never knows what they can do till they try. I beleive we fail, because we don't dare leave our comfort zones.

[rockinfayrose]

I'm only 23 and I have the midlife crisis going on already too. I pushed myself to get through college in 4 years (my parents would stop paying if I went longer), chose a major subject I was interested in (Classics, which is Greek and Roman studies) because I heard from *everyone* that "hardly anyone actually uses their major in their job", and shortly after I graduated, employment tanked. So basically I have no idea what to do with a B.A. in Classics, and my several years of job experience in low-tier IT work is doing fuckall to help either, since I don't have certs or an education to back it up, and most of my experience was helping UCLA students print their PDFs or install MS Office. I've been partially employed for almost 11 months, and $200/week from my part time job (which isn't willing to give more hours) doesn't pay the bills here in Los Angeles. I've basically been living scared for over a year now, never sure where I'll be by the next month.

My parents feel like they've raised a failure, and that they wasted thousands of bucks for me to go to UCLA and basically emerge with just a few more qualifications than a high school grad. I'm constantly questioned by friends and family alike about if I really want to do IT. But they don't offer alternative suggestions, and it's like, how can I even know what else I can do? I think I might have to break down and shell out the money for an IT cert, but who knows if that will even help.

Basically I wish I really knew what would make me happy, and that it wouldn't kill my spirits so much when I don't get calls back from apps or interviews. It's really hard to keep trying.

I really feel for you Sarah. I think the 20's are the hardest decade of one's life to get through. No matter how hard it is though, keep on keeping on and pushing forward, you will get through it. Make the most out of the next 7 years and do try to find your own happiness, otherwise you'll wake up at 29 and wonder "where did it all go wrong" with Angry Young Man (u can sub the words for Woman) as your theme song -Live everyday without regret, follow your heart and be true to yourself, it may sound so cliche but these really are the keys to a happier life - wish I would have lived my 20's this way. Unfortunately no one can tell you what will make you happy but you. I wish you all the best on your journey of life.

[Sarah]

Make the most out of the next 7 years and do try to find your own happiness, otherwise you'll wake up at 29 and wonder "where did it all go wrong" with Angry Young Man (u can sub the words for Woman) as your theme song

Hah, I already wonder that! I felt like my life was chugging along just fine until it got completely derailed a couple of years ago.