32M here, turning 33 next month and this terrifies me. I’ve been in the same dead-end job making low pay for the last 4 years, and can’t help but feel that I’ve wasted too much time. What I really want from life is my own family and to own property, but I feel like it is impossible right now to get a better job that pays enough. Does anyone have any success stories where they started a family mid-thirties and were able to get out of their dead end job? I have a plan to apply to law school in September to switch careers; I got a pretty good LSAT score and think I have a good shot, but I can’t help but feel that every month I wait is another nail in the coffin of my desired future. Any encouraging words or stories from guys who have been here would be appreciated!
Thanks 🙂
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The future isn’t guaranteed for anyone. Just keep moving forward.
Yes, doing things for others while ignoring my needs
I was making like 25k/yr at a retail job from 23-28 or so and felt like a complete joke. I always kind of knew I’d get out, and I started having a look at management track there to at least make more, but I quit to play poker full time, which I’d always loved and made a side income at recreationally. I saved up and worked very hard on my game and took the jump and quit and never looked back and now at 33 have 500-600k (quit my job with ~40k iirc) depending on what market is doing, and my annual salary (though insanely volatile with tournament poker) is very good. Just hone in on something and put everything you have towards being not just okay, but exceptional at it, and you’ll succeed.
To answer the question in the OP though, yes. I wish I’d started this journey like 5-6 years earlier. I also have squandered loads of opportunities with women just being shy and not trying, and I to this day waste loads of time on my phone and just doing nothing, which are things I’m working on, so I don’t wake up 45 one day and think, “yeah I probably should have dated more in my 30s and spent a few thousand hours less watching YouTube videos, and more on hobbies and relationships instead.”
Good luck! You can do it! Just aim and relentlessly pursue and work at your craft.
Edit: Oh and also, feeling regret doesn’t do anything for us now. The time we’ve already lived is gone and it’s not coming back, which we need to accept. Just focus on today and tomorrow and let go of the feelings of the past (easier said than done).
I’m 35 and I just started my own company. I want to start a family. Again. Divorced. I have one son with her. I want at least 3 kids. If you take care of your body, eating one ingredient foods, avoiding/limiting sugar and alcohol, you can stay mobile with high energy. I feel better at 35 than I did at 25. I have no fear of having young kids in my 40s.
I went to college at 35. Graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree and went from making $55k/yr to $175k/yr. Had my first son at 40 and second at 42. It’s been great for the most part.
Do it man! Law school would be a great choice. You won’t be the only 30+ there I guarantee.
Nah dog. I’m trying to waste more time.
You have not wasted anytime, things always change nothing is set in stone. You are at the peak age, prime.👍
P.S. Been with the Ms. for 28 years, didn’t have my son until after11 years, didn’t buy a house until I was 34 (son was 3). Been through different jobs multiple times, 48 now, son 15, same wife. You can make it, it’s tough for the whole family but you can make it.
This is the idea behind a mid-life crisis.
I’m also 32 and feeling like most of my 20’s were just a series of mistakes. I started on a new path about 4 years ago and it’s yielding some good results. It’s never too late.
If you’re unsatisfied with your life, then sit down, make a detailed plan for change and commit to it. Make it challenging but achievable, and don’t get discouraged on days where you don’t make any progress. Also stop comparing yourself to others, because it only lowers your self worth.