[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

You only get one shot at life. this ain't no dress rehearsal.

At 18, I left Springfield, Mo. without a prospective job, without even a high school degree, no skills and $325.00 in my pocket. People told me I was a fool. Ended up working on the oil rigs traveling around all over the South and Jamica, Mexico the bahammas etc for about 8 years until an oil rig blew out I was suppose to be on.

I has no english skills but I thought I could make it as a writer. Applied and educated myself and made enough money as a writer to travel the world for 2 years.

I was living the totally suburban lifestyle. Working as a Respiratory Therapist. Was saving lifes daily. Was as highly paid as anyone in the field but started to think about paying for college and how to get money for retirement. I would need a better paying career. I worked as an RT during the day. Went to school after work until 10:00 pm. Stayed up till 2:00 am working on computer stuff. Woke up at 6:00 am and started it all over again. For 2 long azz years.

The plan worked. Tripled my salary. Had the highest paying job I've ever had. The company loved me, I loved the job. But, we didn't want to live in suburbia after our son graduated high school. So, I left my comfy exsistence, chose to spend a year away from my wife and son to take a leap of faith that I could do this more advanced job in Florida, that they would like me. Gambled big time financially. So far, it looks like its all going to work out.

My whole life I've never taken a dime of grant or federal money. No help for school from my family or any state or city funds. So I don't want to hear that BS "I have no money so I can't change my life" argument.

The lesson is that you can change your life without help from others if you believe in yourself and are willing to bust your ass to achieve your dream.

Grab that brass ring Luv, live the life you want!

Well, done. Your balls are much bigger than mine.