Am I too old?

This is a burning thing/question. I'm 26 years old.

I've done nothing with my life. I tried to go to college, but I ultimately couldn't afford to. I'm left a couple of classes away from a first diploma and a $3000 debt I need to pay off before I can even consider going back.

I make $10 an hour. I can't afford much of anything. Painting isn't a booming business in the winter. I do as much side work as possible. Computers and painting.

I quit drugs a long time ago. I don't drink. I quit smoking.

I still can't afford anything. When my car breaks, I fix it in the cold. If it's real bad and blows up (snicker) I'm walking to work for a while.

But I am free. And have a computer.

I want an education. I want to go back to school. I'm not supposed to be a painter. I'm wasting my time!!!

Am I too old to make any changes? What am I doing wrong???

I don't have any kids or girlfriends or divorces.



I'm not talking about accounting or nursing or anything like that. I'm a little more hardcore that that. I've studied a lot of science, but need some serious review and advancement in calculus. There's only so much I can do with that on my own.

I've tried to keep up with the stuff in subatomic particle physics, but it's too easy to shrug off the work and accept the theory. I need a lot of stuff since I've been away from it all so long.

I'm too old! I don't even know where to begin getting the cash for that kind of education! Megalos can claim to be an autodidactyl polymath, but I get a strong feeling that that's not entirely true. It just doesn't seem to be doable without at least someone directing and asking some questions that could otherwise go overlooked.



It's not about having all the answers, but rather all the questions. The questions are the interesting part.

So, am I too old?

[willy_ph]

You're never too old to pursue something that you really want. It seems like you're kinda in a rut in your life. Maybe going back to school is the best way to get back on track. Take the plunge. Visit a local institution and see what they offer for mature students.

Even if you don't finish again, it may open up some more doors. Education will open doors. I'm not too sure that the painting will. Yet again, you're never too old. Follow your heart, not your pocketbook. You can earn back money, but not time.

[Knothead]

Good God, Prex.

Too old? Yeah, my 49-year-old-wrinkled-heinie, shut the h*** UP!!!

26 years old, and you think you missed the BOAT?!? Somebody grab me before I do serious harm to our brother Prexaspes! GRRRRR, growl, and etc., etc., and so on!

You might be surprised to learn, my friend, that many of us have achieved great careers, only to see them evaporate before our very eyes... and we are now RE-INVENTING ourselves.... due to the computer revolution!

Ahem. So I say, welcome to the new age....but caveat emptor, the wonderful advantages and marvels of that machine you are currently playing on carry a significant price.

In case you guys didn't notice, the computer revolution serves many masters.... and you are the least of them....

So here is some advice: Create your future in such a way that whatever you do, computer technology cannot replace you.

(I know this sounds weird, but if you follow this advice, you will definitely thank me later.)

Becoming a World-Class Chef would be a pretty good start. I can't imagine a computer learning to saute medium-rare....

[JacobM5727]

you guys are all so old.. sheesh

really though, i am in a rut of sorts too, i hear school is always the answer ()

[Knothead]

**SLAP!** you both!

It is so true....youth is wasted on the young.

**SLAP!** you again!


The future blazes in front of you, take it to heart and enjoy it!

Jeez, I ain't done with it, yet, and I'm an old fart!!

You're bordering on telling me a "When I was your age" thing, aren't you.

[nunyadam]

If he ain't I am.
Life is not about money.(although it sure helps.)
Find something you love to do and find a way to get paid for It.(Hey some people get paid to fish.)
All the money in the world and a Job you hate are not the way to go through life.

I'm not rich, I don't plan to be rich. My life has it's ups and downs, But over all I am happy.

[Brainchild]

"When I was your age" (27)I had a kid with my then g/f,remarried at 30,life is an ever changing ride. No way to guess the next turn, so just stay flexible,and look farther than the end of your nose and you'll be fine.
Are you too old,only if you say so.You can talk yourself into believing anything.

[M_Six]

I went to college in my 30's. If you're really in the low-income bracket look for Pell grants and such. My first year in school I had just come back from Germany and had had no reportable income for over a year. To them I looked impoverished (which wasn't far from the truth). I actually received enough grant money to fully pay for school and books plus $1100 left over. I ended up working part-time my first year, so the next year I only got enough grants to pay for school. I had to buy my books.

After that it was student loans, which took me about five years to pay off after I graduated.

Look at state colleges. They're usually way cheaper than private schools and IMO you get a better education due to smaller classes and more time with professors.


Too old. Sheesh. You want some cheese and crackers to go with the whine?

[Mike]

LOL A lot of old-timers here! Good thing us teenagers are here to keep you old guys in check. (Or is it the other way around? )