Tuesday, July 26, 2011
An old man’s advice to teens who are rich, poor, talented, handicapped, ‘mentally challenged,’ or whatever:
1. Unless you are determined to be a doctor or a teacher (and can afford it), do not go to college. If you are already in college, drop out. (If you had planned to be a lawyer, first read SKIP COLLEGE: Go into business for yourself.)
2. Learn at least SOMETHING about basic self-defense. There is no need to study martial arts but do get a Kubotan and learn how to use it. You young men (as well as your grandparents) can also learn something about self-defense from Dirty Tricks for Savvy Chicks.
3. Never borrow money. If you can’t afford something, don’t rent it, lease it, join it or buy it. If you avoid this advice, I guarantee that someday you will be sorry you did!
4. Show respect to your parents. Once you survive the Terrible Twenties you’ll discover that they weren’t that dumb after all.
5. If you are determined to Make It Big someday, choose a field where you have a true passion. Spend several hours every day studying it or practicing it. You will eventually become the expert in your field. That’s how the Beatles did it, that’s how Bill Gates did it, and that’s how you can do it. Get a copy of Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers: The Story of Success and study it. Seriously.
I have far more advice to give to young ones but I’ll first wait to see if there is any interest in the first five items, above.
Sad note:
My experience has been that teens seldom listen to those of us from the so-called “greatest generation.” They think the times have passed us by.
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3. Never borrow money - generally, I agree. But, do you mean I shouldn't rent a flat if I can't afford to buy one?
ReplyDeleteRegards, A.
College, huh, I knew it was a waste of time when I was in it, but my parents wanted me to go..and paid most of the tuition to boot. So, I got a great piece of expensive paper after 4+ years of mostly boring classes. After I graduated, went into the service (because I couldn't find a decent paying job- so going from one mistake to another one), I eventually got out and got a job at my old alma mater. I got a BS degree (you know what BS stands for), and got a glorious job as a secretary...paying a cool $15 k). Looking on the university's website, I found out how much they 'value' their degree programs...for instance, a 'janitor supervisory' position that requires a HS diploma paid $5k more than a genetics lab technician that required either a masters degree or 5 years of experience. Oh, and if you already graduated from that university and apply for the janitors position, they won't even interview you! Maybe because it looks bad for them to hire someone with a BS degree for janitor work? Ha! Hey, there's plenty of college grads working at McDonalds AFTER graduation.
ReplyDeleteNever borrow money, that's a great one. I am always amazed at how deep in debt people are. We both worked at 2 low paying jobs, built our own house while we worked (that was 3 years of heck) and then sold our old place and moved into our new house. Though we are always still 'building' our house (it's still not done inside!), we didn't take any loans out, though we did take out a small one to buy the land), but once we were ready to move in, we sold the house we were in, paid off the loan and had our property and house and NO mortage! I know people that made double what we were pulling in, and they're up to their eyeballs in debt and still owe money on their house. Not only that, but they both have to work just to pay off their credit card bills. I'm glad we aren't wage slaves. People gotta stop spending what they don't have to buy what they can't enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI love tips! More please!!
ReplyDelete-Someone in her Terrible Twenties
Jack, as you've pointed out before, renting tools/equipment instead of buying can be a wise decision. If I remember correctly, your example was a contractor that paved your driveway showed up with all rented equipment to do the job.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Stay away from debt. Don't listen to those who say "build your credit score." It's all a scam, a con, to keep people enslaved.
ReplyDeleteAnd the worst are student loans. Can't be discharged in bankruptcy.
"My experience has been that teens seldom listen to those of us from the so-called “greatest generation.” They think the times have passed us by."
ReplyDeleteMr. Luna, I am not of the "greatest generation." I'm much younger--and, yes: Those teens and 20-somethings have no idea whatsoever--about debt, working, or anything else.
I've resolved to "use it up, wear it out; make do, or do without." I am gob-smacked at how many people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s who haven't a clue about thrift and frugality.
I know someone only slightly younger than you who turns up her nose at my mending, canning, and going first to charity shops for what I need.
Good tips.
ReplyDeletefrom someone in his "terrible twenties".
This is great advice. But, I will say, I loved going to college. Got tech degree way back when girls didn't usually do that. Still have great tech job, even though I'm now in my 60's and working with people in their 20's and 30's. Maybe I could have done it without college, but I had no family or support to help me, so my professors become my mentors and supporters. Different paths for different folks, I guess. Thanks for all the great advice you give!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! (from someone who is IN their "terrible twenties" lol.) -JC
ReplyDelete