What to do, now that I'm grown up...

[GallopingGuitarist]

Thank you!

[FlyGap]

GG I was pretty lost at your stage. If I had to do it all over I would have worked harder at a "normal" job while I was in college. I did the whole travel thing and I don't regret it a bit, but I could have done more.

I agree with getting an education for tech job like in nursing or dental, those jobs will always be available. And while they do require skill they won't tap you out like something requiring a talent or being an entrepreneur. I am a self employed Freelance artist, farmer, etc and I have to work so much that I rarely get to enjoy life. There are many days that I'd love for someone else to be worrying about making payments, meeting deadlines, fixing equipment, etc...
I have several family members that are either nurses or school techs. Some of them only work 4 days a week and make twice as much as I do working 24/7.

I support your idea on purchasing rather than renting. BUT only if you can really afford it, buy something cheap like a foreclosure and plan on fixing it up yourself. I have a friend that worked as a cashier at WM, she paid for her education, and purchased her first home at 20. It wasn't anything spectacular but even in our depressed market she made good money to put towards her future farm when she sold it. DO NOT BUY a mobile home. They are a waste of money unless you plan on living in it for the rest of your life. DH and I have flipped a few homes and if you do the work yourself and chose wisely you can still make money at it.

I travled the world at your age and it did give me the most incredible memories and an extreme sense of self dependence, awareness of how fortunate we are living in the Americas, and how truly blessed we are. That being said, if you don't have the money, don't rack up debt doing it. Those countries are always going to be there. If you have money later you'll be much more comfortable visiting and sleeping in nice hotels VS park benches and train stations, LOL!!

Have you thought about joining the military? Great way to work towards a down payment if you save your money, free education, and some benefits...

Good Luck!!!

[RitzieAnn]

When do you come to BC? And which part? I'm in the US, but not too far south of Canada/Vancouver

[GallopingGuitarist]

I go to BC in June. I have no idea how long I'll be there. I told them as long as they needed me. I am assuming that I'll be there for summer and fall. I will be by Lumby. It's 45 minutes from Kelowna.
I am hoping to come back to SK after I get done there. If I can find a place to rent that I can keep my animals at, I would be in heaven! I have two horses and a cow. By that time I will have two cows though and possibly three horses. Cow is bred and horses (rescue) is possibly bred (I'll find out at the end of May).

Thank you Flygap for the advice. Every bit helps me figure out what I am working on.

[GallopingGuitarist]

BTW RitzieAnn, what town are you in? Pretty much all my relatives live in WA. I have an Auntie and Uncle in Lynden, WA.

[RitzieAnn]

:) I don't live in Lynden, but I grocery shop there!

You'll be way in the middle of no where's ville. Lol.

If you come down to visit your aunt & uncle, you should let me know. Maybe I'll let you ride a horse. Lol

I'm 27, and have been living on my own since I was 19. There were times that I was supporting my self and a boarded horse on about $800/mo. It's hard sometimes. Luckily I drove a honda (great gas mpg!!) and I worked at a restraunt in the kitchen, so I had lots of "left overs" to take home at the end of the night.

The biggest, most important thing to do is treat your savings account like a bill. You HAVE to save. Pretend it's $20 or $50 a month, and FORCE yourself to pay it. Sure it means you won't get a new halter, or go to that movie with your friends, but at some point you will be really greatful that you did. In addition to treating it like a bill, when ever you have some money left over, put it into savings also.

[GallopingGuitarist]

Working the savings account right now.
As far as living in the middle of nowhere, I've done that pretty much my whole life. I prefer it that way.
Not for sure, but I might be getting around to a few endurance races with my employers there. That should be fun! I will be getting a lot of horse time in, exercising, training, cleaning stables, etc. That's what I love I do!
Posted via Mobile Device

[RitzieAnn]

I feel like we live in the middle of nowhere... but we are close to the interstate, so that gets us into town pretty quickly :)

[LisaG]

There's a trainer in NW Sask looking for an apprentice. I'm pretty sure he used to teach at that Lakeland colt starting program. I took a clinic with him last year, and I really like his approach to colt starting. His wife is a lovely lady, too.

Anyway, if you're interested in that route, here's their website Elliott Cutting Horses

You won't get everything figured out at 21. That's half the fun of being in your 20's!

Good luck!

[GallopingGuitarist]

Thank you! Will look and see if they are still needing someone when I get done out in BC. I have done some looking around and figure that if I go to college Olds is probably my best choice. They are well known for their equine programs.
Posted via Mobile Device