How to find out what to do with my life

You've got a very good point, and I do agree. Perhaps I just romantacize the idea of doing something similar.

I spent my twenties in school and building a career trying to get ahead in life. I look around myself now and wonder why. Everything around me has gotten inexplicably more expensive and I find myself in the same position as I was before, only older, and with a bit more in the bank account. Every step forward I took, the goal posts were moved that much further back.

I will never own a home in the city I grew up in, which, to be fair, is nothing I was ever entitled to. But to watch the standard of living evaporate before my very eyes has left me completely disenfranchised with my country (Canada).

There is nothing special about where I am from, a small city suburb an hour drive from Toronto. House prices and rent have gone parabolic over the past 10 years, and wages are basically stagnant. The running joke is now it's only expensive because "x" is a world class city (hint: they're far from it). If I had to pay Rotterdam rent in Barrie, or Hamilton, Ontario, there is no question which of these places I'd rather be. These are cities and towns with no history, no culture, and no sense of community. A (very long) walk down the street is past cookie cutter homes and box stores. It feels like purgatory.

I have several friends who have never held a steady job (albeit, did complete university), they worked temporary jobs they picked up while travelling on WH visas and by all appearances have things going well for them. Granted, I will disclose that I don't know their financial situation as far as personal debt load goes. I believe if I budgeted properly, I could keep my head above the water and travel and experience things without going into massive debt.

As someone approaching their mid thirties, I really wish I followed my friend's paths. They have experienced things I could only dream of, and you can't put a price on that. Meanwhile, I run along in my hamster wheel of a job, paying me just enough to get by. A job that not 7 or 8 years ago would've afforded a middle class lifestyle, the ability to save money, and even the possibility of purchasing a home.

Sorry for being long winded and scatter brained, but I guess the point I'm trying to make is that you can't place a price on experiences. I do fully agree that education is paramount and something OP should focus on. It's always nice to have something to fall back on. Maybe even study abroad if it floats their boat.

Besides, noone's interested in something you didn't do.

/r/ireland Thread Parent