Things you wish you did when you were 18

Lucky Leprechaun · 01-05-2015 7:57pm #1

Hello, I’m a fairly new poster I’m quite foreign to the forum so forgive my ignorance. I wasn't entirely sure where to post this. I’m eighteen years old…male. I’m in my final year of secondary school, the leaving cert is a little over a month away and I’m in the phases of entering into adulthood.

I very much so have a lack of direction in life…I’m not really sure where I’m heading or what exactly what I want to do. I was wondering if you were 18 again, what things did you do/ wish you did that would benefit you now?

For example: Study, Learn an instrument, or learn a language. What advice would you give someone starting off in life?

What lessons and morals have you learned?

Thank you,
A.

Blacktie. · 01-05-2015 8:27pm

Been more serious about fitness. Not like it's an issue now but man if I knew then what I know now I could fuel them workouts with a nice natural cycle of test!

syklops · 01-05-2015 8:29pm

A J1 to New York.

Also wished I'd saved more money. And by more I mean some.

Staplor · 01-05-2015 8:34pm

Ride everything you can, that gives permission to do so

Mister Vain · 01-05-2015 8:35pm

I wish I partied more.

I wish I had the confidence I have now.

I wish I rode that blonde girl when I had the chance.

johnny osbourne · 01-05-2015 8:37pm

wear sunscreen

Dravokivich · 01-05-2015 8:45pm

I'd advise you make things happen.

I just let my youngerness walk on by me. I only really started doing in my mid 20's what i shouldve done when i was a lot younger.

Go out and get to know people. ive seen the world get a whole lot smaller over the last 15 years. Embrace it. Organise a weekend away here and there with mates if funds allow. Dont need to be abroad or particularly fancy. Hostels are cheap enough.

summer is coming, its not quite winter but with the longer days is a good time to go out cycling. Just get out and get to know the places around you or beyond. You might end up finding somewhere cool to just chill out or even hang out with mates.

If you havent done so yet. Arrange with your folks or someone else in your family to learn to drive. only thing i really resent not doing and not having the time for it now.

RonanP77 · 01-05-2015 8:47pm

Study and work hard in college.

Take up swimming and running.

Do as many girls as possible but always wear protection.

Take a year off after college to travel before settling down.

DON'T DO DRUGS, or if you do just remember that the 6' rubber chicken isn't really there and isn't trying to kill you.

tritium · 01-05-2015 8:50pm

If I could give the 18 year old me all the wisdom I know now, it wouldnt make a difference because that person and the person I am now are two very different people, and only the experiences I've had since then could make me understand how and why that is. That said, if I had to offer some advice of the things looking back I now wish I'd done sooner or differently:

Travel, take some time over the next 5or 6 years and be able to say you've seen and done something different. Note to self-dont just go to the trendy places

Get involved, make friends, don't be shy. Most everyone your age will have the same fears and insecurities you may have to at least some degree.

If you're going to college (I recommend you do) enjoy it but work hard. If you get the balance right it's a lot of fun but will set things nicely for the future.

Look after your body. Its the finest machine you'll ever own, and when it begins to slow down its hard to get that back. Enjoy the peak of your physical existence.

Enjoy where you are but be aware that so many of the things you're certain about now, you'll have a completely different view of in a few years.

Oh, and take lots of photos, I recommend that. There's a small but significant part of my life where I didn't, I wish I had...

01-05-2015 8:55pm

If you're not sure of what you want to do, take a year out. Get a job - any job. If you can, do any available classes in things that interest you.

If I was 18 again, I'd have learned to swim and not done the waste of a College course I did!

ancapailldorcha · 01-05-2015 8:57pm

Dravokivich wrote: »

If you havent done so yet. Arrange with your folks or someone else in your family to learn to drive. only thing i really resent not doing and not having the time for it now.

I've only just got my provisional. Not looking forward to paying for less, that's for sure.

Lucky Leprechaun · 01-05-2015 9:01pm

Wow what great advice so far all though I don’t think many will surpass “6' rubber chicken isn't really there and isn't trying to kill you.” Some things though really have stuck out:

“serious about fitness”
“saved more money”
“confidence”
“make things happen”
“It’s the finest machine you'll ever own”

I love all this input and different perspectives thank you.

mikom · 01-05-2015 9:03pm

Lucky Leprechaun wrote: »

“serious about fitness”
“saved more money”
“confidence”
“make things happen”
“It’s the finest machine you'll ever own”

Reads like the thoughts of Patrick Bateman.

Dravokivich · 01-05-2015 9:04pm

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

I've only just got my provisional. Not looking forward to paying for less, that's for sure.

Time is the main thing holding me back on it. But the cost after that is only slightly... unapproachable i suppose. When i was younger money was much more disposable so to say. Learning of some basic resposibilites, but also to enjoy. as one should in their youth.

Lucky Leprechaun · 01-05-2015 9:06pm

What about dreams and passions and following them? What are your opinions on that?

sweetie · 01-05-2015 9:13pm

Lucky Leprechaun wrote:

What about dreams and passions and following them? What are your opinions on that?

If you can get a job in something that you are passionate about then you'll never 'work' a day in your life. Many people like myself in a decent job that they dislike.

Another piece of advice; never settle for second best.

ancapailldorcha · 01-05-2015 9:18pm

Dravokivich wrote: »

Time is the main thing holding me back on it. But the cost after that is only slightly... unapproachable i suppose. When i was younger money was much more disposable so to say. Learning of some basic resposibilites, but also to enjoy. as one should in their youth.

Fair enough. I'm 27, not far from 28 so I'm not that young anymore.

01-05-2015 9:19pm

Don't ask yourself "Is this love?" If you have to ask, it's not. You'll know when it is!

syklops · 01-05-2015 9:57pm

Lucky Leprechaun wrote: »

What about dreams and passions and following them? What are your opinions on that?

You rarely regret doing things, but its common to regret not doing things.

Pawwed Rig · 01-05-2015 9:59pm

I would love to have spent a year or two in China. Wonderful country and people.

Alkers · 01-05-2015 10:04pm

Keep your friendships alive, if you move to college, make an effort to keep in touch with your school friends, make contact again with anyone you've fallen out of touch with and make an effort to have a few gatherings with old friends each year.

Get into the habit of saving, even a small amount when you can. Its a great habit if you can get into it from an early age, even 5% of what you earn can add up over time.

If you do go to college, don't break your balls to get good grades but make sure you don't end up flunking. You can seriously set back your life vs your friends' if you end up having to repeat a few years or the likes.

Think long and hard about what career to go far and do consider earnings also. I ended up in something that I do like but when I compare my earnings to my friends who were behind me in school, it can be very frustrating.

Travel, but consider who your going with, I've "wasted" what could have been a few great holidays by going on the lash for the entire time. By all means, go on the boozy, party holidays but if you're going somewhere far away or for a few months, a big group of you can prevent you from meeting new people and experiencing places for what they are with the locals.

ancapailldorcha · 01-05-2015 10:06pm

Pawwed Rig wrote: »

I would love to have spent a year or two in China. Wonderful country and people.

Have you been? I'm seriously considering doing TEFL in Japan depending on my employment situation next year.

johnny osbourne · 01-05-2015 10:08pm

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

Fair enough. I'm 27, not far from 28 so I'm not that young anymore.

arra your only a young lad

drunkmonkey · 01-05-2015 10:12pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

The advice in this song is pretty accurate, you won't realise it now though. Make the most of the next 12 years and experience as much as you can in it, it'll stand to you when your older. Don't smoke cigarettes, save the price of a packet of cigarettes every day. Look before you jump. Don't be afraid to talk to pretty girls.

i'll leave you with a quote from Tony Montana
"In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women."

metrosity · 01-05-2015 10:58pm

Lucky Leprechaun wrote: »

Hello, I’m a fairly new poster I’m quite foreign to the forum so forgive my ignorance. I wasn't entirely sure where to post this. I’m eighteen years old…male. I’m in my final year of secondary school, the leaving cert is a little over a month away and I’m in the phases of entering into adulthood.

I very much so have a lack of direction in life…I’m not really sure where I’m heading or what exactly what I want to do. I was wondering if you were 18 again, what things did you do/ wish you did that would benefit you now?

For example: Study, Learn an instrument, or learn a language. What advice would you give someone starting off in life?

What lessons and morals have you learned?

Thank you,
A.

I'd say I wish I could have been more aware. Learn about the world. Read between the lines. Take a step outside yourself and see what's been influencing you over the years, what's been programming you, distinguish between who you are and who/what is the mask you've been given or chosen to wear. Read about people that grew up with modest possessions and had clearer, less muddled minds. What was important in their lives? How did they live at 18?

Might sound a bit deep, but that's what I'd do. Forget about a year in Australia or something like that. If you do "take a year out" (the Earth will still complete 1 full revolution around the sun btw.), make it spartan - a year of reflection and renewal. That's my opinion. It would certainly help if you could find others to do that with. I'd start by learning about who Alan Watts is. At your age, his work is a good introduction to reflection etc.

And one more thing, if you get out of the rat race, you're out, and it's hard to go back into it. Don't get too soft. You didn't get here without 1,000's of generations of tribal warfare and sex.

If you have too much time to think, you can be too much of a thinker and not enough of a doer. If you want to avoid doing, then the life of a monk might suit you and that's commendable too.

keeponhurling · 01-05-2015 11:00pm

RonanP77 wrote: »

Do as many girls as possible but always wear protection.

These

johnny osbourne · 01-05-2015 11:21pm

mine for gold

metrosity · 01-05-2015 11:25pm

johnny osbourne wrote: »

mine for gold

Haha! This

johnny osbourne · 01-05-2015 11:30pm

metrosity wrote: »

Haha! This

there's gold in them thar hills

dutopia · 02-05-2015 12:04am

Travel, travel, travel.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater · 02-05-2015 12:08am

Karen who I was in college with. Missed out big time there.

mufcboy1999 · 02-05-2015 12:17am

My biggest regret, not joining the army when I had the chance as a teen.

In truth just basically just doing the opposite of the advice I was given on a lot of occasions, but then again mistakes are a great teacher all the same.

smurgen · 02-05-2015 6:26pm

Travel and exercise.women are just more vain when they're younger so there's a bigger emphasis on looks.i'm only 27 and already feel like I'm too busy for travelling right now plus trying to save funds for deposits etc so can't afford it.try inter-railing or a j1 if the funds will stretch.

Sleepy · 02-05-2015 6:45pm

Learn to save. Put 10% or more of every cheque you earn in a savings account and don't touch it. You can still have plenty of fun with the rest.

Honestly, if I had the chance again, I'd set up two accounts, one getting 20% of all earnings for holidays / travel / first car etc. The other getting 10% that I wouldn't touch.

That money represents your freedom. It's your "**** you" money. It means that if life isn't going your way, you don't have to keep sucking it up. It lets you quit a job/relationship where you're being treated like **** and **** off to the other side of the world, go back to college to try a different career path, etc.

Knowing that you have that freedom will make you more willing to take the risks that need to be taken to truly succeed in life and perversely in my experience, less likely to end up stuck in bad situations in the first place.

All going well, that money will make a hefty deposit if/when you want to buy a home or the start up capital should you want to start your own business.

Pawwed Rig · 02-05-2015 6:47pm

ancapailldorcha wrote: »

Have you been? I'm seriously considering doing TEFL in Japan depending on my employment situation next year.

Yeah I spent 3 weeks there a few years ago. Amazing place. Massive though, spent 23 hours on a train at one point which was great actually.

syklops · 02-05-2015 6:57pm

Sleepy wrote: »

Learn to save. Put 10% or more of every cheque you earn in a savings account and don't touch it. You can still have plenty of fun with the rest.

Honestly, if I had the chance again, I'd set up two accounts, one getting 20% of all earnings for holidays / travel / first car etc. The other getting 10% that I wouldn't touch.

That money represents your freedom. It's your "**** you" money. It means that if life isn't going your way, you don't have to keep sucking it up. It lets you quit a job/relationship where you're being treated like **** and **** off to the other side of the world, go back to college to try a different career path, etc.

Knowing that you have that freedom will make you more willing to take the risks that need to be taken to truly succeed in life and perversely in my experience, less likely to end up stuck in bad situations in the first place.

All going well, that money will make a hefty deposit if/when you want to buy a home or the start up capital should you want to start your own business.

This is very good advice. Any saving for a rainy day I ever did, lasted me a rainy couple of days, but weren't substantial enough when winter arrived six weeks early, to stretch the analogy a bit.

bb1234567 · 03-05-2015 12:58am

Just do what makes you happy. If you don't like travelling or parties then don't do it, having a fun or enjoyable youth/life shouldn't be based on what others perceptions of an enjoyable or worth while few years are. For instance most people tell me to go out and meet new people and keep old friendships alive, but I genuinely don't like people. Im extremely introverted, I see no benefit to those things nor do I enjoy them . I spenda lot of time on my own and I enjoy every minute of it, many would say thats lonely or Im wasting my youth but Im not. Because Im enjoying it. Constantly being around friends or going to parties and travelling lots would be my idea of wasting my youth , as I don't enjoy them.

J Mysterio · 03-05-2015 1:23am

Trust your gut instinct with people. Some 'friends' are shallow and worthless, some acquaintances are worth getting to know better. Make an effort with the right people as it will pay you back.

Work on your manners.

Brush your teeth twice a day.

As another lad said - don't be afraid to talk to pretty girls (or ask them out) - dont undervalue yourself.

Also as another person said - dont just take a college course cos you have to take a college course. Try and figure out what you would like to do, if possible. If you can't, travel is always a great option in the interim.

Don't be afraid to do things on your own.

Love your family.

Respect your body.

Try to say yes to as many opportunities as possible (within reason).

Everything in moderation.

Learn to drive as soon as you can.

Travel.

Read.

Learn to cook properly.

Smile as much as possible.

Enjoy school/ college etc - live in the moment.

Try not to worry about the future.

Try to help others where possible.

Mister Vain · 03-05-2015 7:40am

bb1234567 wrote: »

Just do what makes you happy. If you don't like travelling or parties then don't do it, having a fun or enjoyable youth/life shouldn't be based on what others perceptions of an enjoyable or worth while few years are. For instance most people tell me to go out and meet new people and keep old friendships alive, but I genuinely don't like people. Im extremely introverted, I see no benefit to those things nor do I enjoy them . I spenda lot of time on my own and I enjoy every minute of it, many would say thats lonely or Im wasting my youth but Im not. Because Im enjoying it. Constantly being around friends or going to parties and travelling lots would be my idea of wasting my youth , as I don't enjoy them.

That's actually very good advice. When you're in your late teens/early 20's, there is a lot of peer pressure to go out and get pissed. It's not for everyone though and if you're not a part of it you may be considered boring, or as you say, wasting your youth. It's the main reason why I emigrated as I felt I just didn't fit in here.

Skullface McGubbin · 03-05-2015 5:03pm

A lot of things I suppose. For example, growing my hair longer. Of course, back then I didn't think I would start going bald in my early 20's.

astonaidan · 04-05-2015 12:40am

Honestly things I wish I did when I was 18
.Wish I had taken my education a lot more serious, would be a way for me to travel easier, right now doing casual jobs with crazy hours just to make it a reality
.Wish I hadnt been such a pansy with girls, no harm getting turned down took me probably 8 years to realise this and have never been doing better

.Wish I had started working out, everyone should try take care of their body
.Wish I had started playing rugby earlier, just because your good at something doesnt mean its what you will enjoy the most

aaaaaaaahhhhhh · 04-05-2015 5:27pm

Don't grow older with regrets, never have that "I wish I tried that" thought in a few years when its too late.
If you get an impulsive idea(that's legal of course), go out and do it.

I had a job when I was 18(after finishing leaving cert),
Decided to do acting when I was 25, went to the US and done courses, extras in movies etc,
Went back to college at 29 cos I wanted a qualification,
Changed careers at 33,

Am 37 now and have no regrets coz I tried it all.

Knex* · 05-05-2015 4:03pm

Sleepy wrote: »

Learn to save. Put 10% or more of every cheque you earn in a savings account and don't touch it. You can still have plenty of fun with the rest.

Honestly, if I had the chance again, I'd set up two accounts, one getting 20% of all earnings for holidays / travel / first car etc. The other getting 10% that I wouldn't touch.

That money represents your freedom. It's your "**** you" money. It means that if life isn't going your way, you don't have to keep sucking it up. It lets you quit a job/relationship where you're being treated like **** and **** off to the other side of the world, go back to college to try a different career path, etc.

Knowing that you have that freedom will make you more willing to take the risks that need to be taken to truly succeed in life and perversely in my experience, less likely to end up stuck in bad situations in the first place.

All going well, that money will make a hefty deposit if/when you want to buy a home or the start up capital should you want to start your own business.

Gonna get on this right away. I'm 24 and have put off doing it for far too long now.

Sleepy · 05-05-2015 4:05pm

Knex. wrote: »

Gonna get on this right away. I'm 24 and have put off doing it for far too long now.

I only wish I did when I was your age. Good luck with it!

_Whimsical_ · 05-05-2015 4:08pm

I would say do what you want and what feels right for you, don't turn anything down on the basis of what other people might think. Life rolls on, you forget who the hell those people even were after a short few years.

metrosity · 05-05-2015 7:41pm

Knex. wrote: »

Gonna get on this right away. I'm 24 and have put off doing it for far too long now.

Since we're on the topic of materialistic things to do when you're 18, this is bad advice imo. You don't see boatloads of Chinese graduates arrive in Dublin every week so they can save 10% of their money made in Starbucks.

They spend their money on education, well not education as such more spending on usurping you out of yours.

You buy jobs in this country. You don't even have to have a relevant degree, just do a postgraduate in an industry that has jobs - accounting, comp sci. Work hard for a year and get a job. It could be a 10,000 euro splash out but it's the industrial usurper connection you're buying. I've met Asians that have done this and have not 1 but 2 jobs in big IT companies in Ireland and are milking it!

These companies have no loyalty to anyone based on nationality.

My point is simple - 10% of what??

Get skilled up. Help close down these parasites and claim what's rightfully yours - paid for with your and your parents taxes over generations so that corporation taxes could be low. Did you or your parents pay for for the grand usurp? I don't think so.

If we're on the subject of materialism, spend your money on education so you don't have be concerned about working in a crap job that you certainly don't deserve..

You and your parents taxes - should be your reward.

ancapailldorcha · 05-05-2015 7:44pm

Sleepy wrote: »

I only wish I did when I was your age. Good luck with it!

I was coasting by on a minimum wage job a year and a bit ago. I had a conversation with a friend who'd saved about £5,000 in 18 months. Needless to say I immediately set up a direct debit. It'll be a long time before I can even think about getting a car or a house but it's nice to have some sort of savings account.

I'm from rural Donegal and left for good when I was 22. I think I was the only man my age who couldn't drive. Not looking forward to that at all.

bb1234567 · 05-05-2015 10:06pm

metrosity wrote: »

Since we're on the topic of materialistic things to do when you're 18, this is bad advice imo. You don't see boatloads of Chinese graduates arrive in Dublin every week so they can save 10% of their money made in Starbucks.

They spend their money on education, well not education as such more spending on usurping you out of yours.

You buy jobs in this country. You don't even have to have a relevant degree, just do a postgraduate in an industry that has jobs - accounting, comp sci. Work hard for a year and get a job. It could be a 10,000 euro splash out but it's the industrial usurper connection you're buying. I've met Asians that have done this and have not 1 but 2 jobs in big IT companies in Ireland and are milking it!

These companies have no loyalty to anyone based on nationality.

My point is simple - 10% of what??

Get skilled up. Help close down these parasites and claim what's rightfully yours - paid for with your and your parents taxes over generations so that corporation taxes could be low. Did you or your parents pay for for the grand usurp? I don't think so.

If we're on the subject of materialism, spend your money on education so you don't have be concerned about working in a crap job that you certainly don't deserve..

You and your parents taxes - should be your reward.

This is really good advice.

jetsonx · 05-05-2015 10:32pm

A lot of people saying take a year out after college.

I disagree...take a year out before college. (The CAO system allows you to defer your place in college for a year and get a loan
for the year if you have to)

Going form the stress pot years of the LC to relative freedom of college life can be a big jump.

A year traveling is the perfect anti-dote.

What is more; after your year's travels, you'll return being the most interesting and sensible fresher in college.

bb1234567 · 05-05-2015 10:43pm

jetsonx wrote: »

A lot of people saying take a year out after college.

I disagree...take a year out before college. (The CAO system allows you to defer your place in college for a year and get a loan
for the year if you have to)

Going form the stress pot years of the LC to relative freedom of college life can be a big jump.

A year traveling is the perfect anti-dote.

What is more; after your year's travels, you'll return being the most interesting and sensible fresher in college.

I said this to my parents but they didn't listen. I pretty much listed all the advantages of taking a pre year out before college but they were having none of it. Their only reason was 'nobody does that'. So yeh in college now. My course is awful its more work than the leaving cert. Freedom me hoop

jetsonx · 05-05-2015 11:03pm

bb1234567 wrote: »

I said this to my parents but they didn't listen. I pretty much listed all the advantages of taking a pre year out before college but they were having none of it. Their only reason was 'nobody does that'. So yeh in college now. My course is awful its more work than the leaving cert. Freedom me hoop

Well the workplace today is a very different place to the workplace which your parents entered it.

The best innovators, the best thinkers, the best entrepreneurs have all gone against convention. When people zig they zag.

For most professions today, where computers can do almost everything independence of thought is becoming a prized commodity.

Great organisations don't want sheep working for them. As the great philospher Hector once said "let yourself go"

(tell your parents that...and no zig and zag jokes btw)

Things you wish you did when you were 18

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