What is my generation supposed to do?

[Reddy]

Here’s some old but good advice no matter the situation:

1) spend less than you earn and invest the difference (thanks, Dave!)

2) marry someone with the same level of education as yours or higher.

3) stay married.

[GenXteacher]

First, calm down about the future. My grandfather lived the first 43 years of his life before SS existed. He knew the only guarantee he had of making a living was to work as hard as he could, whenever he opportunity presented itself, starting at the age of 10 when he quit school to work in a sawmill. Moral of the story thus far: there are no guarantees save those you make for yourself.

As for advice, well, your experience reminds me of mine, but on a larger scale. (I didn’t come out of school with completely unmanageable debt, I was aiming at a lower-paid profession, and my lower-class background gave me lower expectations of life.) I didn’t get a job in my field immediately after college- no openings in the places I applied. So I went to work, paid my student loans, and lived at home. I eventually got a job in field- I was patient, and it took awhile. My student loans eventually got paid. At the time though, I felt much the way you sound- “I did everything right, why aren’t the good things happening?” I first counsel patience. You are beginning your life- don’t expect to have a lifetime’s worth of amenities laid on your lap, or to make the salary of the big dogs right out of the box. That’s an unreasonable expectation. Driving old junk cars is normal- although if one is giving a lot of trouble, it might be time for a different one- you can’t go to job interviews if the car falls apart. Notice I didn’t say new one. Also, there is no shame in living at home for a bit- you can save a lot of money that way, and you can do nothing without capital.

Next, I will counsel alertness. While you are working, saving money, etc, you need to look for the next opportunity. This may appear to be something you might want to scorn, but as Napoleon pointed out, “Fortune has to be wooed when she is in the mood.” If an opportunity is likely, give it a chance. Work hard at it, and do your best.

Finally, I counsel faith. When you are bogged down, seeming to make no progress, or no opportunity is on the horizon, ask the Almighty for direction, and He will show you where to go. We all hit points where we might think we are spinning our wheels, but we can move on from there.

Good luck to you- you sound like you have a chance at a good start, if you keep your expectations in line with your means.

[therut]

Get out and set yourself up in private practice. All the lawyers I know in small towns do very well. Hang up that shingle and get to work. Work for yourself and you will be more happy in the end.

[Future Snake Eater]

Join the military as a JAG lawyer. Direct commission to Captain, do a few years as an officer plying the legal trade, the military pays off your loans, you bank a few bucks, get out and do great things in the civilian world.

[Kid Shelleen]

One of my best friends was in the same situation during the great Carter recession. He dedicated himself to his profession. He established a record of excellence and integrity. Now he has a great private practice and can retire any time he wants but he keeps working because he can choose cases he is truly passionate about. Don’t get discouraged. Your peers, like most people will see the wisdom of conservatism with age.

BTW No matter what anybody says, earning the type of education you have is a great accomplishment. Good luck and don’t forget to have some fun during the way.

[wrhssaxensemble]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts