The Great Hunt: Tips to tell your 18-year-old self

hannerrbabes

That A Levels are not the only option of study. It took me a few years after leaving school to find the right course which I have fully succeeded in.

JC383

Don't get scared by new challenges you are stronger and cleverer than you think.

alfielibby

pennypinchUK wrote: »

And travel, travel, travel.

Only in your young adult years will you have the time to take extended trips abroad to far flung places. These journeys will build your character. And you can't do them when you've got a career job, with the odd 2 weeks vacation time here and there.

This is so not true. 10 years ago, me and my husband, aged 38 and 43 respectively, took career breaks from work, sold our house and spent nearly a year travelling on our motorbikes around Africa.

I'm not saying don't do it in your teens/early twenties, if it's what you want, go for it; but don't assume that if you don't you'll never be able to.

With increasing emphasis on equality and work/life balance, etc. this should become even more of an option in years to come.

Luisita

I was almost 32 when I bought my first property on the outskirts of London. This was back in 2007 at the peak of the market and needless to say I paid way over the odds for my 1 bed ex council flat in one of the less salubrious areas of fine ol London town (one of the very few areas I could afford to buy in).

I am now kicking myself. When I was 23/24 my landlord who was lovely (they do exist, or at least they did do back then) offered to sell me the flat I was currently living in for below market value (he was an accountant with his own business and I think he ony took on the flat as a favour for a friend). At the time I poo poohed the idea and thought why did I want to buy a property?

BIG mistake!!!! If I had have done this I would most probably be in a house by now, in a much nice area closer to central London, having made loads of equity and steadily climbed the property ladder over the last 15 years. Prices back then were much lower than when I bought. Instead I am stuck in a cruddy area, in a tiny shoebox of a flat in a horrible council block and now pushing 40!

I rest my case your honour. Property prices will always rise in the long term. Don't miss the boat!

Obviously you wouldn't want to saddle yourself with a mortgage at 18 (and the chances of you getting one are zero anyway), my point is just don't leave it for too long before you start on the ladder.

Hoof_Hearted

Have more sex....

PhilLondon

One of the most damaging things that makes people - especially young people - unhappy, is a sense that they aren't as "good" somehow as others. It isn't (can't be) true. Listen for the absorbed voices that tell you this, and stand up to them. Confidence is an illusion - if you can pretend to be confident, you are. And then it stops being any sort of pretence.

PhilLondon

Work steadily. Working hard is for the birds - and it's only a guilt trip anyway. There are things that can happen instantly that can ruin your life, but the things which will make it better tend to happen only gradually. Apply yourself gently, and regularly, but give it time, whatever it is you want to achieve.

My Mum (bless her) was always telling me to "work hard". Just made me uptight.

Mick_Leary

First thing - get yourself a copy of Baz Lurman's recording of 'Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)' - it may be tongue in cheek, but actually it's all good advice!

Second thing, buy the book 'Why Men Don't Listen and Women Can't Read Maps' by Allan and Barbara Pease - and read it from cover to cover! It explains things that will help you understand and be successful with your relationships, work, play etc.

Both available from amazon, under a tenner the two, good luck on life's journey! Wish I'd had them both when I was 18!

mannieac

RocketGirl wrote: »

Hi All my 18yr old just got dreadful AS results and has sort-of given up on study, he is directionless and just plays on his computer all day/night.
What can I do to encourage him to live his life and get out of his bedroom!!!

Tell your 18 year old neither Branson nor Sugar did well at school. This is just a blip. He has choices. He should speak to his teachers and find out what they think before he gives up. It is early days yet and he is upset but he will work it out. I left school at 16 and went to work. Made my way up the ladder and went to Uni age 29 (I knew by then what I wanted to study). I have achieved more than many of my friends who went to Uni at 18/19. There is too much store put on exams these days. I don't agree that kids should be encouraged to take on so much debt to get to Uni. My husband failed all is A levels, has a reasonable job he enjoys and has time to spend with our children. He is very happy. Give your 18 year old time and support he will figure out what he wants. Good luck!

ajr77

I would tell my 18 yr old self: Just because you found it mostly quite easy at school doesn't mean that uni will also be easy. But if you do find you are struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help.