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

Teacher2

To my 18 year old self:-
-don't worry, it's all going to work out
-manage your money well and never get into debt
-don't let mistakes and failures set you back, learn from them
-when you meet new people, assess their trustworthiness before you trust them
-start saving
-buy a property as soon as you can
-don't run with the crowd but be independent
-'neither a lender nor a borrower be'
-'stuff' is not as important as character and experience
-read widely and constantly

Elizabeth1945

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!!!

Turn off the power to his bedroom. He will soon come out. Once he is out give him no chance to return to the old ways and insist he gets out and gets a job. When he is working he will soon rethink his life. Works for someone I know and the boy is back in education and doing well but you must act fast.
No !!!!!footing around him. You have given him support already. Time for him to do something.

Fif1985

When it came to university straight after my A Levels, I now wish I had taken a gap year first. I needed a break before continuing study, and think had I taken that, I may have begun with refreshed enthusiasm for study and learning.

Secondly if you have the intention to travel, do it first; it is all to easy to get swept up into your potential career after you graduate and then you may not wish to leave but regret you didn't take the chance to travel earlier.

Thirdly, consider what you might want to do after uni & offer your services as a low or unpaid intern during summer and /or other vacations. Often companies may need additional support while their staff take summer holidays and could be willing to take you on for a month or two - be flexible and willing to do everything from filing to making tea and hopefully some more interesting things will be chucked your way too. Do everything to give yourself an advantage over your competition for future jobs! There is no harm is asking family connections if they might know if any opportunities to do this!

slimbo

Live for today, but with one eye on the future 'cos that future will come round quicker than you expect!:j

rollingmoon

Robin_Davies wrote: »

Aim to make your pile by 50 and then travel in style.

And just hope you don't die of a stress-related heart attack at 49.

smala01

Never ever turn down an opportunity to sleep with a member of the opposite sex

vbrindle

Moneywise I would say:

Don't spend all your savings (that your relatives saved for you)
Avoid Plastic (It feels like free money but it isn't)
Don't pay off student loan with bank loan (what was I thinking?)
Don't buy the latest gadget straight away (you will get it eventually)
Shop around when looking to buy something.
Look out for this amazing site called MSE

For non money related stuff:
Don't be shy, ask that girl out (missed opportunities)
Be yourself and don't care what anyone may think
Live life to the full (or as much as you can)
Avoid that job, find another one lol

bigjuicygrasshopper

I would tell my 18 year old self several things, but the main thing is:


Regret nothing, as everything happens for a reason.


If I hadn't dropped out, if I hadn't got into debt, if I hadn't changed to that awful job........ I would not have been where I am today. I am now debt free, my credit rating is excellent, I have a fabulous house, a great job and a wonderful husband.


Never be too hard on yourself. Everything has a reason, even if it breaks your heart at the time.

martyn2000

DON'T get married..............DON'T have children............If you do either, it will cost you money! If you get married she will eventually demand children, even if she said she wouldn't when you went out with her. That will cost you loads of money. Estimated £200,000 per child until age of 18. Only half of marriages survive and half will end in divorce. That will cost more money than you can think of, and if you are unfortunate enough to have children will cost you your house and still have to pay out for them. You will end up in a bedsit with no money to speak of. Don't fall for either of the above.

MyHappinessProject

smifffy1989 wrote: »

Never take a debit/credit card on a night out

Never get a credit card!!! Something you REALLY want is worth saving for.... Do not try to keep up with anyone else's expectations by getting into debt. It can creep up and creep up ,if you do this again and again and you may be left with debt you cannot repay. Nightmare. It can hang over your life and ability to do anything(including socialising) for years.