Making future plans

[TheXtremisT]

Hey guys, just a quick question (for the older members on here). As you were approaching adulthood, and becoming more and more independant, did you ever start to think about things you would like to do in the near future or in the next few years (like set yourself goals)?
I'm almost 21 (august), and am currently a student in a London university just about to finish my first year. I've had to adapt pretty quickly in living from home, managing my finances and making important decisions.
However, with all this time on my hands, I've begun to think about things I'd like to do (things I've never really thought about before).

I've started changing my style of clothes, and my image has pretty much changed in the last couple of years (to the point I'm happy with it), and I've basically given up collecting figures, to buy other things I really need, or things I've always wanted but never been able to buy (like a new phone, headphones, i-pod...).

In the summer, I've been thinking about learning to drive (impossible in the past due to various financial problems), getting a tattoo, getting a part time job to help my sister with her university loan, learning to dance hip-hop or similar, and hopefully go to France with my friend to visit my best friend.
I imagine I'm going to be pretty busy since, I go to the gym 4 times a week, so I'm actually looking forward to going home.

In the future, I've been thinking a lot about what I need to do after my time at university is over. Still haven't decided on working or studying further. I've begun thinking about where I'd like to live, start a family, how I'd see myself in 10 years.
I've even decided what kind of car I'd like (when I have enough money), I've always liked Mercedes' cars from the 80's, and there's a few parked down my road here in London. Makes a change from all the mass-produced stuff you see nowadays. Just want something with a bit of class, that stands out.

[mazz]

I have found myself in a similar position recently. I just recently turned 21 and got accepted into a college I was really interested in attending. I have about a week left to decide whether to continue to stay home and go to college, or leave my hometown for the first time in my life. It's a somewhat frightening decision that has only been complicated by the fact that I would be leaving my girlfriend behind. Regardless, something tells me I should go. Not to highjack your thread, but if anyone has any advice about this sort of thing I wouldn't mind hearing it.

That being said, I often think about where I would like to be in the future and I make sure to set short term goals that correlate with the image that I feel best represents myself. I try not to get too far ahead of myself, as sometimes it can be frustrating being forced to live life without a Mercedes from the 80's (nice choice, these are the same type of cars I've been in love with.)

[Grumpyoldman]

I'm 40. The only thing I planned since I was younger was to have a job(s) and to save as much money possible. I stopped collecting figures, sold 95% of my stuff and started to live as cheaply as possible.
I don't have to have the latest fad. I don't own an Ipod, smartphone, Ipad, Iphone, etc. I have a cell phone that can make calls & texts.
I don't have cable. I have no use for it. I drive a 2006 Jeep, and I care for it majestically. I don't need a booming system, mod rims, tinted windows or loud pipes. As long as it doesn't break down, I'm happy. I am a firm believer in "if you're good to your car, your car will be good to you."
I have no desire to get married, buy a house or have children. I don't want to raise some woman's children, so I won't date a single mom.
I come from a family of 7. My parents immigrated from Holland. They instilled very old school values in me, which I am proud of. We were dirt poor and did without a lot of things.
I've never owned a baseball glove, went to a sporting event, went to camp, had my own room, had a "new" anything. Everything was hand-me-downs. I was lucky if I got 3 or 4 things for Christmas or a birthday.

I know I sound like a grizzled, ornery old coot, but the best advice I can give you is save your money. Get as much education as you can, whether it is from a school or training class. Learn something that might help you in the future. Learn a second, third or fourth language. Learn a trade. Learn to drive. As long as you enjoy it and can afford it, do it.

I wish you luck in everything you achieve.

[TheXtremisT]

May 26, 2011 15:28:24 GMT -5 mazz said:

I have found myself in a similar position recently. I just recently turned 21 and got accepted into a college I was really interested in attending. I have about a week left to decide whether to continue to stay home and go to college, or leave my hometown for the first time in my life. It's a somewhat frightening decision that has only been complicated by the fact that I would be leaving my girlfriend behind. Regardless, something tells me I should go. Not to highjack your thread, but if anyone has any advice about this sort of thing I wouldn't mind hearing it.

That being said, I often think about where I would like to be in the future and I make sure to set short term goals that correlate with the image that I feel best represents myself. I try not to get too far ahead of myself, as sometimes it can be frustrating being forced to live life without a Mercedes from the 80's (nice choice, these are the same type of cars I've been in love with.)

Nice to know I'm not the only one.
IMO, I would say: think long and hard about it, but if I were you I'd stay at home for the first year and then if you feel like moving out in the second year (if that's possible), then do that. This way you can experience college, and still see your girlfriend enough. The year after will then be less of a huge jump. It's all about taking baby steps.

May 26, 2011 16:00:26 GMT -5 Grumpyoldman said:

I know I sound like a grizzled, ornery old coot, but the best advice I can give you is save your money. Get as much education as you can, whether it is from a school or training class. Learn something that might help you in the future. Learn a second, third or fourth language. Learn a trade. Learn to drive. As long as you enjoy it and can afford it, do it.

I wish you luck in everything you achieve.

Thanks, man
I already speak french fluently so, I'd love to learn spanish too. You're right, because languages are like keys, they help you so much.

[spamdfms101]

I just graduated high school and am attending college in the fall. I'm really nervous about it. I'm also sad because I am growing up. But my main goal is to some how become famous or extremely successful. I know that is vague, but honestly Ill be happy as long as I am more successful than the people I went to school with. Im not going to my top university choice(USC), but I still am going to a good school(Clemson). Theres always graduate school though. My life is just beginning.

[eddie eddie]

May 26, 2011 15:28:24 GMT -5 mazz said:

I have found myself in a similar position recently. I just recently turned 21 and got accepted into a college I was really interested in attending. I have about a week left to decide whether to continue to stay home and go to college, or leave my hometown for the first time in my life. It's a somewhat frightening decision that has only been complicated by the fact that I would be leaving my girlfriend behind. Regardless, something tells me I should go. Not to highjack your thread, but if anyone has any advice about this sort of thing I wouldn't mind hearing it.

That being said, I often think about where I would like to be in the future and I make sure to set short term goals that correlate with the image that I feel best represents myself. I try not to get too far ahead of myself, as sometimes it can be frustrating being forced to live life without a Mercedes from the 80's (nice choice, these are the same type of cars I've been in love with.)

ditch the girl, ditch the school, come over and play N64 with me, mazz.

[mazz]

May 26, 2011 16:12:30 GMT -5 TheXtremisT said:

May 26, 2011 15:28:24 GMT -5 mazz said:

I have found myself in a similar position recently. I just recently turned 21 and got accepted into a college I was really interested in attending. I have about a week left to decide whether to continue to stay home and go to college, or leave my hometown for the first time in my life. It's a somewhat frightening decision that has only been complicated by the fact that I would be leaving my girlfriend behind. Regardless, something tells me I should go. Not to highjack your thread, but if anyone has any advice about this sort of thing I wouldn't mind hearing it.

That being said, I often think about where I would like to be in the future and I make sure to set short term goals that correlate with the image that I feel best represents myself. I try not to get too far ahead of myself, as sometimes it can be frustrating being forced to live life without a Mercedes from the 80's (nice choice, these are the same type of cars I've been in love with.)

Nice to know I'm not the only one.
IMO, I would say: think long and hard about it, but if I were you I'd stay at home for the first year and then if you feel like moving out in the second year (if that's possible), then do that. This way you can experience college, and still see your girlfriend enough. The year after will then be less of a huge jump. It's all about taking baby steps.

I have already been attending college at home for the past two years. Maybe I'm ready to make the change.

May 26, 2011 18:48:49 GMT -5 eddie eddie said:

ditch the girl, ditch the school, come over and play N64 with me, mazz.

Actually this seems more rational, I wanna hit up chi town make this happen ed.