My question of the day... [Archive] - Credit and Debt Problems Forums

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miracle

07-31-2007, 06:18 PM

If you had to do it all over again..
What would you do as a profession?
What do you do now and what would you do differently and why?

divemedic

07-31-2007, 06:40 PM

If I had to do it all over again- I would not have wasted my youth in the military. I feel like I wasted 6 years of my life there, and another 3 years trying to make it in the civilian world doing the job they chose to train me for.

Nascar3

07-31-2007, 07:21 PM

I'd have become a pharmacist instead of a Registered Nurse........BIG BUCKS, EASY WORK. LOL.8-)

DHK

07-31-2007, 07:35 PM

No change. I love being a financial advisor.

I would change my career planning and how I would enter the industry. I should've done more research in high school to find an "entrepreneurial" job that I would really enjoy. Then I could've planned to set myself up for greater success and shorter learning curve earlier on. For example, I would've had a reason to go to college and pay attention in Macro-Economics, accounting and corporate finance.

I don't have a degree. I got my current position because I was good with money and good with people having prior banking experience at Wells Fargo. So, in a way, I wish I could've gotten the job with better credentials and a broader base of knowledge instead of just my prior banking experience.

I'm almost done with my ChFC financial planning credential and I plan to take more "sales oriented" classes next year geared towards financial planning.

rella5

07-31-2007, 07:57 PM

I would be doing something VERY simple, on the water in a warm climate. Something to do with boating maybe, bartending in a tropical place, maybe even living on a boat, someplace where I wouldn't need a car or credit cards.

I am in the mortgage business and my DH is a contractor. I may yet do a modified version of the above.

Why? because as cliche and trite as it sounds I hate the ratrace and I want to get off the merry go round. Our little boy died at age 5 a few years ago and that experience taught me a lot about how fleeting and precious life is. I want to savor all the moments, not waste any time on the negative.

elyse449

07-31-2007, 08:00 PM

That's a GREAT question! Hmmm...well, I don't have "regrets" per se, but there are a few things I definitely would've done DIFFERENTLY, lol.

You said;

What would you do as a profession? I always wanted to be a writer. From the time I was in 9th grade, I knew I wanted to write novels.

What do you do now and what would you do differently and why?

I am currently a homemaker and I do LOVE it, but I've realized what an awkward situation I've gotten myself into. No retirement, no monetary gain so I have NOTHING financially AND I'm in an unhappy marriage...all the makings of something wicked this way comes!!!

I worked for Boeing, but was laid off in 1999. I got that job by a wonderful act of God, IMHO. I was a high school drop out...no, not a teenage werewolf, a drop out. (I do have my GED, though--and some college under my belt)

If I had it to do over, I would've STAYED IN SCHOOL and gone to college and gotten my higher education so that I could do a job that I really loved and wanted to do, maybe even the writing thing...but once ya get married and have kids, well all that sort of gets put on the back burner. All I know is there is PLENTY of time for dating...friends and LOVERS aren't going to assure you a decent future, you gotta do that yourself.

As teenagers how many of us TRULY consider our future? We're stupid, we think there'll always be time for this or that...truth is, not really--sure, you can go back to school but with daycare to pay now it'll be tough and you'll have to work TWICE as hard for what you want. The why part is easy--life would've been a bit easier. I strongly believe that. I would've been better able to provide something better for my kids.Maybe I would've met a more decent person...who knows.

newbie7069

07-31-2007, 08:15 PM

I wouldn't have squandered away the brains I was given by screwing up the opportunities I was handed in high school, or later college. Partying was fun, but where did it get me? I would have chosen my friends more carefully, and not by who was fun to get drunk or stoned with. I think it would be nice to still have friends from my youth.

I'm a SAHM married to the man I love, so I wouldn't change any part of that. I would however change the making sure that I focused on myself some, instead of focusing entirely on everyone else's needs. I think it rebounds eventually and you just burn out. I went back to college a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I really want to go back and finish.

Amerikaner83

07-31-2007, 08:31 PM

I wouldn't have squandered away the brains I was given by screwing up the opportunities I was handed in high school, or later college. Partying was fun, but where did it get me? I would have chosen my friends more carefully, and not by who was fun to get drunk or stoned with. I think it would be nice to still have friends from my youth.

Amen to that!

I would pay more attention in High School and college - I got OK grades, nothing special. I would be more open to new challenges, new opportunnities, etc...

But on the other hand - If I had done things differently, I would not be where I am, with the person i am with. We would not be getting married and I would not be planning a life with someone I love. So really, I'll play the "what-if" game, but I'm not sure I actually would. Sometimes learning things the hard way is better in the long run - makes us hold on to the lessons.

CleverCynic

07-31-2007, 08:59 PM

I'd have become a pharmacist instead of a Registered Nurse........BIG BUCKS, EASY WORK. LOL.8-)

Hey now... more cognitive as opposed to hands on, but still hard work! As for the rest... yeah :lol:

...but even I would change... to ROCK STAR!!!

chucksnee

07-31-2007, 10:24 PM

Own a bar in the philippines....

$2000 a month there and you are a very wealthy man.

I'm very happy in my Military carrer, 23 months and i'm retired with 21 years 1 month.

Pooh

07-31-2007, 11:32 PM

I would have taken that job transfer that would have lead to much bigger things.
However I do love being a chemical engineer for a major company. Lots of funds for R & D.

The only other change.....maybe I would have turned that Cap 1 card offer into confetti.

rmuse00

08-01-2007, 08:26 AM

That IS a great question Jenn! I know you specifically are asking in regards to profession but in general the question makes you think.:)

I have asked myself that a couple of times before. I have taken a look at the main crossroads in my life and wondered what would have happened if I had decided differently. I can't say i wish I had or else it might mean eventually not having my, DH and kids and I would never give that up. Even the struggles in life are not worth having the chance for it to result differently. I actually have the job I have had for 10 years because of a decision to take this job and move or stay where I was and take another job. Needless to say this job has opened up many opportunities that I am thrilled about! So, I am happy with my decision 10 yrs ago.

Now if there is something that I am doing that my parents did not really do with me, teaching my children about having control over their finances! Mom and dad taught me about the value of a dollar but not about credit and how it works! 8-) Come to think about it I don't think they really knew much about that. :? So, in retrospect, I cannot say I wish my parents had taught me that or I would have never had found this place! :D Good question Jenn! Gave my brain a little workout! :)++

imdoingitright

08-01-2007, 08:41 AM

I think I would have done human and social services as opposed to being an accountant.

I majored in Social Services and minored in Accounting. Since I was already working in the accounting field while in college it took on life of its own. Believe it or not I hate numbers and math. Thank goodness for excel.

Not really sure what I would do different. Probably not wait 17 years to have another child. I'm starting all over again. I have a 21 year old and a 4 year old. I could have been living the good life right now :roll:

torikid

08-01-2007, 10:32 AM

I actually struggle with that question every day... I can name a million personal things I would do differently, but professionally I am still young enough (30) to change. I don't mind what I do not because I sit on my tail and make more than most in a year. It took 2 years to build it that way. So it is hard to think of changing, but I sometimes wish I would have become that lawyer or a US Marshall. But for now, I enjoy spending time with my child.

soulthoughts

08-01-2007, 11:12 AM

Working in IT is nice, I have job security but I if I could have a redo...I think I would've gone to law school. I'm still young enough to do it now but it's harder now that I have kids.

If I could really change things...I would be taller and play in the NBA so I can break laws and still make millions.

spoiler

08-01-2007, 01:36 PM

What I am really curious about is how many of you answered this question without having to even think much about it??

Jenn...You asked the question...What would you answer?? :)

IOur little boy died at age 5 a few years ago and that experience taught me a lot about how fleeting and precious life is. I want to savor all the moments, not waste any time on the negative.
:cry: So sorry rella.

rmuse00

08-01-2007, 04:33 PM

I missed your post rella regarding your boy. :( I"m so sorry.
You have a special angel looking out for you! ;)

Sultan

08-01-2007, 06:55 PM

Absolutely nothing, everything in my life has brought me right to where I need to be. :) - even the bad $hit :(

Sultan

08-01-2007, 07:00 PM

I am also very sorry rella.

I would sacrifice myself with out a second thought for any of my children. I often pray for their ongoing and continued safety.

Sorry I didn't notice that until after I made the post above.

They are the reason I'm 100% OK with where I'm at because I wouldn't of wanted anything to have changed and caused us to have less (or no) children, if that makes sense.

When I hear things like the loss you suffered rella it lays very heavy on my heart. *SIGH*

admin

08-01-2007, 09:47 PM

I would have invested every penny In Microsoft and Intel starting in 1985 and kept doing it until February 2001 - but I guess hindsight is just a figment of the imagination. :)

Actually I would have been a writer/journalist - and god knows what my life would have been like now.

brattylatina

08-01-2007, 11:46 PM

What would you do as a profession?

Either attorney or police officer

What do you do now and what would you do differently and why?

Legal assistant (trying to get into law school). I would have finished high school, gone to college, not married early. I would have concentrated on building my career before anything else. It's harder now that I'm older and trying to work full-time, raise a family, and go to school.

brattylatina

08-01-2007, 11:48 PM

rella5

08-02-2007, 02:18 PM

thank you. that was kind of you.

Sky Warner

08-03-2007, 04:48 PM

You know my husband and I were discussing this very thing the other night.

I wouldn't do a damn thing different and here is why..

I have a career now that I love, that I never dreamed of. I am my own boss, I set my hours, I am always here for my kids when they need me.

I wouldn't have met my hubby if it wasn't for the crap I went through earlier in life. I married the man of my dreams, who loves me for me, loves everything about me and puts up with me. He reminds me everyday how much I mean to him and how I am special to him.

I have 5 great kids.. yeah its a lot but they all make me and made me who I am.

So nope..I wouldn't do anything different....

Sultan

08-03-2007, 06:36 PM

cracrap

08-03-2007, 06:42 PM

i wouldnt have played football , it ruined my baseball career.
..sorry nascar

confuzed

08-03-2007, 07:22 PM

If you had to do it all over again..
What would you do as a profession?
What do you do now and what would you do differently and why?

Since I was in my early twenties, I have had good work at good workplaces. I've done a variety of things and each has prepared me for the next.

I am now a math aide at a small school. It is the least "prestigious" thing I've ever done, and the poorest paid - and I still like going to work every single day, and I think I am doing right work in the world - and that's worth a hell of a lot.

I don't even think I'd do it over by credentialing as a teacher when I was younger. I'd have missed all the other employment experiences that brought me here.

"Oh, no --- I forgot to have a career!"

saramorgan

08-03-2007, 07:40 PM

I followed "the plan" and went to school to be a teacher. Upon graduating with my degree I went to work for the Small Busines Administration and then moved on to Bank of America. I quit BoA to go back to teaching because I wanted to do what I loved not what would get me the big house.......LOL

Not to long after that I met my hubby and we were pregnant with twins (shotgun wedding). He started his contracting business a few months after our boys were born.

So in all I wouldn't do anything differently. My various "jobs" have given me great skills that have helped me help my husband and my kids. It's been a long tough climb financially and we had some major medical emergencies within the last couple of years (hence the need to repair credit) but things are going really well now and I see the light at the end of the tunnel finally!

I've thought about going back to teaching now that the kids are getting older (I'm currently a SAHM) but there is the secret part of me that wants to become a private investigator. I'm a nut about combing through lots of tedious information to find the answer. It helped me locate my birthfamily (I'm adopted) and I've helped a couple of other people do the same.

Sky Warner

08-04-2007, 06:47 AM

You know Sara.. you can do PI work on the side and still teach if you can't really keep an income on the PI work alone.

Check your state to see if they have licensing requirements.. you could advertise to just help locate family members... maybe not track down cheating boyfriends etc.

Just an idea!!

And to Sultan...

HI!!!!!!!

saramorgan

08-04-2007, 06:56 AM

My husband told me I should look into doing that too :) Definately somthing to ponder for the future ;)

Macwench

08-04-2007, 07:06 AM

I would have married that old rich millionaire... (just kidding)

I probably wouldn't have spent as many years partying as I did - but I guess even the screw-ups make us who we are. Made a lot of bad choices in life that, looking back, I should have known better, but again they make me me!
Almost said wouldn't have gotten married at 15, but then I wouldn't have my kids or grandkids so even that's okay. So all in all personally wouldn't change a thing.

Professionally I love what I do - only change I would make there is realizing I can do it myself earlier and not having crisis force me into. (Lost job - no where hiring so went out on my own). 5 years my own business - lots of ups and downs but can't imagine working for someone else!!

saramorgan

08-04-2007, 07:09 AM

lots of ups and downs but can't imagine working for someone else!!

Ain't that the truth! ;)

surfninjauk

08-05-2007, 10:23 AM

Biggest problem I see is how to share your wisdom with the teenagers and children in your life and help guide them in the right direction

it's painful to tell them something, advice against it and watch them make the same stupid mistakes you made at there age.

I like my career and job now(now), although I had to work extra hard to get there, shouldn't have dropped out of college cos partying was so much more fun than studying...