Thinking back on life 10-15 years ago? Life now?

[LifeHitMeandRan]

I'm not picking an MHO for this question. If one is picked, it was done automatically. I value everyone's answer on this one and am hoping to learn from your stories. Not sure where this question belongs so I'm going with the first suggestion GaG gives me. If I get it wrong, that is GaG's fault, not mine. I don't think a proper category exists on this site for this type of question.

Think back on where you were in life 10-15 years ago and compare to where you are now.

Did you achieve the dreams you had for yourself back then/are still pursuing them? If not, did you give up? Or did your priorities simply change the dreams you had? If you achieved those dreams, are you happy? If you did not, do you regret not achieving those dreams or are you glad life changed directions?

Are you happy with where you are now?

Do you miss how things were back then?

Are you still close friends with anyone from that time period?

What good changes have come over you?

What bad changes have come over you?

What would you change?

What would you do again?

Finally, the question of love. Did you and your high school sweetheart make it all the way? If not, have you found the love of your life? Or are you happy remaining single?

I'd love to hear everyone's journeys from that point in time until now. Feel free to go beyond the questions I've asked.

Life went how I planned and I'm generally happy/content.

Life did not go how I planned, but I'm glad it didn't and I'm still happy/content.

Life went how I planned, but I am not happy/content with it.

Life did not go the way I planned, and I am not happy/content.

[WindAtMyBack]

I was already retired 15 years ago. Not much has changed, but some things have. In the last couple of years I've tried to become a little more active. I even started dating a little again - very little. I started going hiking again. I started doing some volunteer work. I started doing a little paid work also.

I "accidentally" retired young due to medical reasons. Nothing life threatening, but it kept me from going out except very short trips. That lasted several years. I lost all momentum and it was hard to get going again. But now I'm making more effort.

[exitseven]

15 years ago I was still working hard trying to get ahead in my career and I was putting my kids through college. I did not get as far as I had planned but I was able to retire this year and my kids are all college graduates and living on their own.

[LifeHitMeandRan]

It's mind blowing to think how much life you've lived. I'm only 31. 15 years ago, I was in 10th grade and working my first job. 12 years ago I entered the military and 9 years ago I left the military. I've worked Corrections since then, but got injured to where I cannot work in law enforcement anymore. I come from a broken family and was homeless with no support from September 2018 to just this past November. I finally got an apartment, am improving my credit and still searching for my final career. I haven't even begun to entertain the idea of a wife and kids yet.

[exitseven]

You have a lot of different experiences that can be transferred to other places. You should visit your local Community College and ask to see a counselor. They will tell you some of your options. You are still young enough to have a rewarding career. I did not get into IT until I was almost 40.

[LifeHitMeandRan]

I'm debating between Nursing or Cybersecurity. I'm waiting to hear from VocRehab (VA program). Sadly I burned through my G. I. Bill changing majors. I have NO PLANS of taking on student loans to further my education. I'm working in Security right now. It's not my ideal career, but I can move up if needed. I also get VA Disability payments so I'm not hurting for money. WORST case scenario, I wait until I get enough of my debts paid and use my Disability checks to pay for school.

[exitseven]

There are plenty of opportunities for training since COVID, There re a lot of funds available. The Financial Aid office can help you with this.
Nursing and Cybersecurity are both great choices. In Nursing you need to like to work with people.

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[Nikki1989]

My life has been on an upward trend starting from about 15 years ago.

[rachel776]

well i was 5 so i hope i've gotten ahead a bit 🤷‍♀️