Debt Kid has an interesting article up about what he would tell his 18 year old self if he had the chance. That’s a very interesting take on things and sounded like a great kick off to a new article.
Six years ago I was just about to graduate high school. It’s nuts to think about that as it seems like a terribly long time ago, but at the same time it feels like no time has passed at all.
A Recap of Major Life Events, 2002-2008
- I graduated high school in 2002, and graduated college in December 2005.
- I got engaged October 2005, and married the woman of my dreams in January 2007.
- I’ve worked two real-world career jobs.
- We bought our first house last summer (remind me to write about this at some point).
- We got a dog two weeks ago.
What I Would Tell My 18 Year Old Self
These are in no particular order, lest you think me a cold hearted man.
- Get an internship for every summer between school, even if you have to pay out of pocket.
- I turned down an internship with BMW USA in New Jersey because it didn’t pay enough to even pay rent up in New Jersey. In hindsight it was a great opportunity, but the program seemed very unorganized (no list of available corporate apartments for interns, etc.). I may have missed the boat with my favorite car company.
- Network more.
- I was brought up to believe that hard work and good grades were what it took to succeed in life. I’ve learned over the years that a significant portion of life is who you know. It may not be fair, it may be kind of cynical, but it is definitely true. I would network with more people and put the books away more often.
- Be appropriately frugal.
- I’m definitely pro-frugality. Just don’t let it affect your life. (Psst… take your spouse on a date.)
- Walk in the rain with the one you love.
- Be silly. It can be fun. Branch out a bit.
- Life is short.
- You will know people who die young. Your family isn’t getting any younger, either. Call your parents. Call your wife’s parents. Stay in touch with friends.
- Figure out how to get organized.
- By far one of the most important things you can do. Come up with an organization system and stick to it.
- Get engaged later or marry faster.
- You and your future wife will both agree waiting 14 months to get married is far too long, you impatient jerk.
- You can do a long distance relationship and make it work.
- When it becomes a short distance relationship, you will truly appreciate it more. It sucks for now, but stick it out. She’s a winner.
- Don’t forget how to dream and thank God for every day. Repeat: Life is short.
- Take risks. Repeat: Life. Is. Short. Live a little.
- In fact, don’t forget to live.
- You’ll end up writing a personal finance blog and focusing on money a lot. Don’t let it take over your life. Life each day to the fullest. Take her to Brusters. Get ice cream. Rent a movie. Don’t be an old fuddy-duddy.
That wraps it up for now. What if we turned this into a meme?
What would you tell your 18 year old self, Cash Money Life, Being Frugal, and Master Your Card?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Networking is a incredibly important. Its one of those things that you never think about when you’re a kid. When you’re in school you’re either shy or you’re outgoing. The reality is that doesn’t matter you can still network with the best of them and be shy.
I agree that networking is very important. If I could go back seven years in time, I would tell myself that college certainly isn’t for everyone… and don’t be afraid to take risks for the things you love and are passionate about.