Holy shit my wife went x-mas shopping

by **PudriK** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 6:19 pm

Originally posted by Rand0m
When you guys start putting more value on non-materialistic things maybe we'll discuss some more on this topic. That's whats completely wrong with our society. Value and success are placed on materials; cars, houses, televisions, and so on. Maybe if people began valuing their health and well being America wouldnt have the highest percent of overweight adults. I can go on just let me know.

I'll reiterate what ferret said about not generalizing in return.

Actually, I agree 100% with you, which is why I said people need to learn to live within their means. The problem is, people try to live beyond their means, because they think an nicer car, a bigger house, a new toy, will make them happier.

And ender, you make a very valid point, too. I wouldn't be where I am if my mother had not forgone any sort of retirement saving to send all her kids to very good schools. And she put so much on her credit cards after my father died finishing her education that it took the rest of our childhood to pay them off. Hopefully, that "investment" will pay off for her. (We do feel obligated to take care of her when the time comes--something that too many Americans simply leave to state programs and institutions.) Part of what I learned from the experience was to be better prepared for unfortunate circumstances.

And my brother's experiences have shown me that it can be very hard to get ahead once you get behind... it takes a lot of discipline to be smart with your money when you don't have much, and it's very hard to get a decent job without a college degree, no matter how hard you work or how smart you are, or how little a degree means to anything you will be doing in that job.

It doesn't help that real incomes for lower-class America have been flat for so many years, while the upper 20% have seen a lot of gains. Don't be surprised if "class-warfare" gets a lot worse in the future, if current trends continue.

Random, I maintain that if you have something interesting to say, I want to hear it. All the more if you think it is something we don't know. The onyl way we learn is to listen to others, consider their thoughts, and discuss them.

Too much these days, people think discussing something means it must be an argument, with each taking sides, tearing each other down, and trying to "win."

But it doesn't have to be.

We can listen, we can learn, and both come away smarter, having changed our opinions to match new data, with at least an appreciation for how someone else views the world, even if we don't agree.

by **Rand0m** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:52 am

"Find something you love to do and you'll never have
to work a day in your life."

“Forget the resolutions. Forget control
and discipline... too much work. Instead
try experimenting. Go in search of something
to fall in love with...something about yourself, your career,
your spouse."

by **Major SONAR** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:09 am

it takes a lot of discipline to be smart with your money when you don't have much

Very true.

it's very hard to get a decent job without a college degree, no matter how hard you work or how smart you are, or how little a degree means to anything you will be doing in that job.

Once again I think that's true... BUT, if you look at a lot of rich people (Bill Gates and Michael Dell for starters), NEITHER earned a college degree. Yes they both STARTED college but neither finished.

I'm not saying a college degree isn't beneficial in helping most people earn more money, (statistics prove that it does). I am merely pointing out that people can become rich (if that's your goal --- I would hope happiness is your real goal, not money) without a college degree.

Read this book. "Millionaire Mind" by Thomas Stanley. He surveys about 1000 millionaires and this is the results of his findings. The vast majority are people with common intelligence. They worked hard and used their minds to figure out how to make money. Most of them are first generation millionaires (i.e. they did not inherit their money). I found this book very insightful and easy to read. You dont have to reinvent the wheel to become rich. Why not look and see how others did it and emulate them? Why not modify some of your behaviors to match theirs and see if that helps you?

I don't want it to seem I know it all, because I don't. I'm just trying to pass along some information I found useful and perhaps others will as well.

by **Rand0m** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:12 pm

I agree SONAR. While college helps many into a secure career it's not for everyone. And just because someone goes to college it does not mean they will be successful. And just because someone does not go to college does not mean they can't be successful. College is a crock of shit in my opinion. The only reason employers look for a college education on your resume is to see that you can make a commitment, a long, boring, 4 year commitment at that. If your qualified even just the slightest bit, or they see your trainable, then they hire you...when you have a 4 year degree even if it hardly relates to the job.

For me, I'd rather find that one thing I love. The one thing I'd give my heart for then waste time at school. Once I find whatever this may be I will most likely go back to school if there are any degrees that pertain to whatever I find. Most people live their lives not finding this, or they know what it is but do not pursue it because of fear. They already have security in their job and by the time they try and pursue their dreams it's too late. Life shouldn't be that way, it's too damn short to live that way.

Of course I'll hear shit from most of my family members for not going to school next semester but this is my life, not theirs. They don't want me to make the mistake of not going to school. Well, I dont want to make the mistake of not pursuing my dreams and finding true happiness.

by **[ecgn] btt** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:22 pm

Originally posted by Rand0m
I agree SONAR. While college helps many into a secure career it's not for everyone. And just because someone goes to college it does not mean they will be successful. And just because someone does not go to college does not mean they can't be successful. College is a crock of shit in my opinion. The only reason employers look for a college education on your resume is to see that you can make a commitment, a long, boring, 4 year commitment at that. If your qualified even just the slightest bit, or they see your trainable, then they hire you...when you have a 4 year degree even if it hardly relates to the job.

For me, I'd rather find that one thing I love. The one thing I'd give my heart for then waste time at school. Once I find whatever this may be I will most likely go back to school if there are any degrees that pertain to whatever I find. Most people live their lives not finding this, or they know what it is but do not pursue it because of fear. They already have security in their job and by the time they try and pursue their dreams it's too late. Life shouldn't be that way, it's too damn short to live that way.

Of course I'll hear shit from most of my family members for not going to school next semester but this is my life, not theirs. They don't want me to make the mistake of not going to school. Well, I dont want to make the mistake of not pursuing my dreams and finding true happiness.

I am 28 and still have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have a decent job. And my own home. Plus my health. I am content with that right now. If I run out of time and never persue my dreams. So be it. To me the ability to dream is a dream come true.

by **Rand0m** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:55 pm

Thats exactly what I mean. I talk with friends grandparents and they still have no idea what they want to do or maybe I should say wanted to do for their lives. I dont care if it takes me 10-20 years to find something that will make me happy. I'd be a much happier person knowing I tried different things out then not trying at all and doing what everyone else wants me to do.

by **Major SONAR** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:59 pm

They don't want me to make the mistake of not going to school.

This is because they love you and want the best for you. They want you to avoid the mistakes they made.

I encourage you to stay in school, but school is not for everyone and it may not be for you. I don't think a good education ever hurt anyone.

I have my undergraduate degree in art; commercial art and graphic design. It wasn't until 5 years later that I figured out what I really wanted to do. Once I figured that out, I went back to school for another 3 years for my masters degree. Here it is 15 years later and life is good, but I'm ready for a change. I may need to go back to school for more education if I want to change professions. Education is good. You carry it with you wherever you go.

At this stage in my life I've found that starting a business is probably the best way to go. I encourage my 8 year old son to look at the world in a different way than the way my parents taught me. I encourge him to seek ways to generate money without working for others, but instead to work for himself. Perhaps he will learn, perhaps not. As a business owner, I call the shots. I stay up as late as I want or sleep in as long as I want. Sometimes I don't do either..hehe. I work everyday, but it's not really work now. I get paid for doing things I like. I'm working right now.

So... go to school if you can, if you can't, read some good books and talk to someone whom you respect. Get their opinon about life. Maybe you'll learn what it is you want to do with your life.

by **ferret963** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:19 pm

College isn't that hard, I love it 1000x better then High School. In High I was just a average student. Now that im in college i'v been on the deans list every year. Because im actually doing something I like. High school I only liked my C.A.D class. If your thinking about college but don't have any idea what you want to do try out the general classes that everyone takes. They give you an idea what different fields are like and maybe you will proceed further in them. I'm going to be an ITE teacher. I love C.A.D, drafting, & architecture. I learned about the ITE program from my High School C.A.D teacher and I thought id try it out. I love it a lot! I have gotten such a insight into so many other fields and areas from it

I would of never dreamed of before. I love woodworking, and welding now. Also automotive and machining is pretty darn cool to. My specialty is C.A.D, Drafting, computers, and some graphic design type stuff. But all the areas of ITE I love! Also, from college I really like psychology! I'm probably going to dual minor in psychology and a more teachable minor of history. I really like college and plan on educating myself further for the rest of my life! After I graduate a year from now I plan on going on for my masters and after that PHD

If I get bored of High School I’ll move to college level or pick up a welding job hehe

by **Rand0m** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:37 pm

It's not that school is hard for me. I had two solid A's and a B+ in the courses I took this semester. Hell, I even got a 105 on one of my mid-terms. School isn't hard for me it never has been. What pushes me away is when everyone tells me whats best for me. No one knows whats best for anyone except themselves. If you go through life listening to everyone else life will always be a smooth ride in which you never fail and you never learn.

Everything is based around structured education. It's almost like education/college is made out to be the key to life or something these days. I can learn all of the shit they teach in college from a book if I wanted on my own. Shit at this point after listening to everyone preach to me in my life that you wont be successful without a college education I want to prove them wrong and show everyone you dont need a college degree to go places in your life and be successful.

by **ferret963** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:57 pm

Just remember the only person you have to prove anything to is yourself

by **Rand0m** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:58 pm

Originally posted by ferret963
Just remember the only person you have to prove anything to is yourself

Glad you understand

Holy shit my wife went x-mas shopping

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