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- Jul 24, 2007
- 4,228
- 19,297
We started on similar paths. I was married and had my first child at 19.
My wife did not work though. I made minimum wage as a landscaper, mechanic, construction, etc...
I worked many long and physically taxing days. Overtime was optional but without overtime pay. It was simply work or don't. Sometimes from 6 am until 9 pm. There were no paid days off. Holidays were without pay unless you chose to work them at straight pay.
It was a tough start. I don't recall complaining though. I moved out of my house at the age of 16 (after getting kicked out of school). Wasn't exactly self sufficient at first but I did work. Either slept in my car or crashed on people's couches or floors.
I was sooooo happy when I got my first apartment only to lose it after 2 months. I had a job but lost my roommate and could not pay. I worked out a deal with the landlord to pay what I owed.
Still happy though. I worked my way up through different jobs and began making more money. Bought a house, got divorced, and kept the 2 kids. Now I was working full time on a job 30 miles away and had to get my children to school and daycare in time to get to work. Then get off work in time to pick the kids up before the centers closed.
I remember dating a girl once and she came over to my place. The kids were cranky and tired. They were fussing and crying about something. My date said "you poor guy" and then left. No loss on my part but dating was tough.
With the added cost of childcare, I could not pay all my bills. Almost lost my house to foreclosure. Ended up selling it and moving into an apartment closer to work.
Very stressed but still happy.
I spent all my time either working or coaching my kids in sports. Still did not have money but loved my life.
I eventually started working on my plans to escape work after marrying again. This freed up some of my time. Every weekend and late nights after work.
It was all the stress, anxiety, lack of freedom and money that motivated me. I did succeed and was able to quit my job after 3 a$$ busting years.
Nothing was easy. Nobody told me it would be and I did not expect it to be. Just did what needed to be done to survive.
I would like to advise you to figure out how to be happy in your circumstances. Deal with your job and life that YOU have designed. Learn things as you go. Once you are ready, make your charge.
My wife did not work though. I made minimum wage as a landscaper, mechanic, construction, etc...
I worked many long and physically taxing days. Overtime was optional but without overtime pay. It was simply work or don't. Sometimes from 6 am until 9 pm. There were no paid days off. Holidays were without pay unless you chose to work them at straight pay.
It was a tough start. I don't recall complaining though. I moved out of my house at the age of 16 (after getting kicked out of school). Wasn't exactly self sufficient at first but I did work. Either slept in my car or crashed on people's couches or floors.
I was sooooo happy when I got my first apartment only to lose it after 2 months. I had a job but lost my roommate and could not pay. I worked out a deal with the landlord to pay what I owed.
Still happy though. I worked my way up through different jobs and began making more money. Bought a house, got divorced, and kept the 2 kids. Now I was working full time on a job 30 miles away and had to get my children to school and daycare in time to get to work. Then get off work in time to pick the kids up before the centers closed.
I remember dating a girl once and she came over to my place. The kids were cranky and tired. They were fussing and crying about something. My date said "you poor guy" and then left. No loss on my part but dating was tough.
With the added cost of childcare, I could not pay all my bills. Almost lost my house to foreclosure. Ended up selling it and moving into an apartment closer to work.
Very stressed but still happy.
I spent all my time either working or coaching my kids in sports. Still did not have money but loved my life.
I eventually started working on my plans to escape work after marrying again. This freed up some of my time. Every weekend and late nights after work.
It was all the stress, anxiety, lack of freedom and money that motivated me. I did succeed and was able to quit my job after 3 a$$ busting years.
Nothing was easy. Nobody told me it would be and I did not expect it to be. Just did what needed to be done to survive.
I would like to advise you to figure out how to be happy in your circumstances. Deal with your job and life that YOU have designed. Learn things as you go. Once you are ready, make your charge.
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