Yet nobody told me it would be this hard growing up. My parents told me I didn't need to get a job until after college, because they were so sure I'd be fine, and that they themselves would be wealthy enough for mine and my brother's education and living expenses. We were promised a university complete with the whole dorm life experience. My dad always told me I don't need to get a job and I should concentrate on my education, because he "made the mistake" of working instead of going to college right away.
Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. What I should've done was start working right when I turned 16, but when that time came, I mentioned to my parents, "all my friends are getting jobs, should I get one too?" No. Concentrate on your studies. I went with what they said, because, even after their divorce and my dad's bankruptcy, I was sure we'd be fine again in the long run, and not working seemed ideal to me.
College arrived. No, not the university dorm experience I've since high school graduation expected and looked forward to. Community college. I asked my dad the same question. "Should I get a job now?" No. Concentrate on graduating college. You'll be fine with loans, grants, and my VA loans. You don't need to work. It's been 3 years and my dad hasn't been approved for his VA loans, the $700 he promised would come every month has never came, I get financial aid loans once a year, which aren't enough and I will have to pay back in the long run, and scholarships? Ha ha ha, since when have I done well in high school to earn those? Even if I applied to university, I wouldn't be accepted anyway. My mom's promised $100 for me every month, but now she can't afford it. You never know what might happen to your parents' money. Don't think you can rely on them forever.
First off, when you turn 16, the first thing you ought to do is look for a job, always. No matter how rich you think your parents are. This is one thing I will always regret not doing. I often see people complain that their parents are forcing them to go out and look for work when they're only in high school. I would have given anything to have that instead. When you're 20 years old with no work experience, the chances of finding a job will be H A R D. Do you know how awful that looks on a resumé? When my first employer looked at mine, she said in a very judgmental tone, "You've never actually worked before?" It's a good thing I'm a charismatic person when I need to be. I don't care if it's goddamn McDonald's, or if you're walking a balloon animal at a kiosk in a corner of the mall. Any experience is a beneficial experience.
The one piece of financial advice my dad gave me that's really helped in the long run, and has assisted me in renting my own place, was, "Put 10% of whatever money you earn into your savings and don't touch them." I will tell you, in the last two months I've saved $300. That's how much my VTNE (Veterinary Technician National Examination) will cost me when I graduate. And it only took me two months to save it up. And I EARNED IT. Do you know how good that feels?
Although I've lived a privileged life (up until we lost that house in Lake Elsinore and my family went bankrupt), I've come along pretty strong. I've recently experienced living without water for the second time. I can't go out and enjoy myself because we're saving so much money to ensure we have food and a roof over our heads. I haven't had a proper shopping spree in over a year, and shopping sprees to me are spending more than $50 at the mall. I have three pets I will refuse, and absolutely REFUSE, to give up, I will gather whatever little money we have left to take care of their needs and ensure their happiness. Animals that I'm currently dedicating a huge part of my life to.
xoxo
Angie
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