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Author
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Topic: If You Could Go Back What Would You Change?
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PrimeDeborah
Board Grand Poobah
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posted November 11, 2003 02:23 PM
   
Got a really good question of the week submission. Here it is:If you could go back to age 18 again, would you change anything about your education, business, or family knowing what you know now? If so, what? Remember, every action has a consequence (like the movie "It's a Wonderful Life")! Deborah 
WAHM Editor
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homew2
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 02:38 PM
I would have to say I would change my education. I would apply myself more to college and work harder at finishing my degree. I took it for granted, my dad was paying for college for me but I chose not to apply myself and appreciate what he was doing for me so I finished community college on my own and instead of having a BA, MBA, Ph.D I have an Associates I guess something is better than nothing. But certainly I would change my route towards education. ------------------
Gwen Daniels
Wild Tree Herbs Representative
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Wild Tree Herbs
My personal website
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tea4two321
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 02:46 PM
Same here, I would have been more serious about college. It would be great now, at 31, to not have to worry about going BACK to school to finish my degree. But at the time it just didn't seem important to get a degree. TinaIP: Logged |
NoniMom
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 02:47 PM
Hmmm, good question! I would say, further my education. When I was in high school, I took business courses. We had a terrible guidance counselor that no one liked. He pretty much told me that I wasn't smart enough to go to college since I was taking business classes instead of academic classes and that since I never took a language (Spanish or French) that I couldn't even apply. Well, in December of my senior year, my business teacher told me that I really should look into going to a 2 year college because I had always gotten really good grades and was always on the honor roll. He helped me find a Jr college, I took my SAT's and was accepted right away. I got my two year degree, graduated with honors, but didn't go any further. So, I would like to have gone on in school and gotten a 4 year degree in marketing. I probably would have still met my hubby because my best friend introduced us when I was visiting her in college. Bev IP: Logged |
smithcp
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 02:55 PM
I would have taken more science and computer classes in college. I'm not using my music degree anymore and don't really want to. There are a lot of other things I "say" I'd like to change, but if I did, I never would have met my husband and stuff like that. Besides, mistakes make you wiser and stronger. IP: Logged |
luvmy2kids
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 03:43 PM
Good question! I ask myself that question everyday! I would probably finish college, I dropped out after finding out I was pregnant with my oldest child. But I agree with smithcp, if I took a different route I probably wouldn't have met my husband either. IP: Logged |
WhisperingWinds
New to WAHM.com
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posted November 11, 2003 04:32 PM
I would definitely have been more "focused" in planning my future! I spent so many years not having any idea what I wanted to do 'when I grew up', and just floating along day to day. Now at 34, I'm FINALLY getting focused and setting some goals down, and working toward them. Better late than never I guess! LOL But I sure could have been alot more comfortable than I am now if I had only thought ahead! IP: Logged |
JulieType
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 05:37 PM
I would have planned ahead of time when we first got married to live on only one income, so that when we had kids, it wouldn't have been such a drastic adjustment. I always thought I would want to work outside of the home until I actually had my ds and realized there was no way I could leave him! Of course, like you said, everything has a consequence. And if I'd done that, we might never have gotten into a house and would still be in an apartment. So, maybe I wouldn't really change anything! ------------------
Julie
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terrapin&4boys
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 11, 2003 07:48 PM
well Im 24 now, and if I could go back...Id make sure we didnt take that lousy apartment in the yellow building ~ worst apartment we ever lived in! Everything else stays ------------------
Loretta Oliver
Stitching the Night Away
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MY WORKS IN PROGRESS~*~Updated 6/14/03 IP: Logged |
football_mom
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 12, 2003 08:51 PM
I wouldn't change one single thing. Not the pain, not the problems.... nothing. My life is just what it should be, as imperfect as it is. I have two amazing kids to show for it!------------------
Sher
Mom & Her Money
Make more, spend less, be happy! IP: Logged |
MOMpreneur
New to WAHM.com
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posted November 16, 2003 06:48 AM
When I was 18 and in college, I worked very hard to prepare for this time in my life when I wouldn't have to work so hard, so... if I could change one thing it would be to have just said "NO" to stress. In His Grip Of Grace,
Bernadette IP: Logged |
chrismchicoine
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 17, 2003 01:06 PM
I would have to say that I wouldn't change anything. Not to say that I haven't made bad decisions but, out of those bad decisions came wonderful events in my life. So if i changed one thing....everything would have changed. Yesterday my pastor said that it is the little decisions we make...the ones that at the time seem insignificant...those are the decisions that shape the way our life goes....and you know what he's right.
------------------
Caden and Shelby's mommy :D IP: Logged |
elfinsnow
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 18, 2003 08:06 AM
I have to agree with the last one. I`ve made alot of mistakes, and sometimes things haven`t been the best. But- I think that is part of what makes me- me!
Terry------------------
Paying too much on your phone bill? I can save you money! http://www.excelir.com/johnjohnston Do you know 20 ppl who use a phone? It`s worth $1000! E-mail me for details! elfinsnow@yahoo.com IP: Logged |
sher_t
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posted November 19, 2003 10:27 AM
The only thing I'd change would be to attend school full time and work part time instead of the other way around. But if I'd done that, I may not have met the people I have or had any of the experiences that have made me who I am now.Sherrie ------------------
Jill Ryan -- Home Accents and More
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jelmyoung1
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 20, 2003 06:20 PM
I would have followed my heart instead of my parents'. I never wanted to attend a university but my parents insisted since I got a full scholarship. I ended up with panic disorder and pretty much lost out on my 20's because fo it. I'm 31 now and finally in control of my own life. I know I'd be way further ahead in life and really be able to recognize whay MY dreams and goals are if I was just able to stand up for myself and folow my heart.Michele ------------------
Come visit with me on Ryze IP: Logged |
NewAtHomeMom
WAHM.com regular
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posted November 20, 2003 07:14 PM
This is interesting. When you read a lot of posts on WAHM you realize that a lot of people here are not necessarily in the position they are because of choice but more out of necesity; i.e., death, illness, etc. I think it shows that overall perhaphs adversity does make people stronger. As people are not whining in their answers but show strength. Going back I know what I would change, and it is something I am still working on now. That is, realizing that this IS my life. Not to wait for it to get better after some goal is met, or to think things will be different when, but to know everyday this IS life. If, I had realized that then and could better live that now, that would be the change I would make. Everyone must die, but not everyone will live (from Brave Heart - I think). IP: Logged |
Aimee
New to WAHM.com
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posted November 21, 2003 04:44 AM
I wish I spent more time with my parents. I was away in University most of the time and even took summer classes to speed up the years (finish in 3.5 years instead of 4). My mother died a year after my graduation and 7 years later, my father died. I just wish I spent more time talking with them as an adult (rather than “the child). There seems to be so many questions I would have wanted to ask them about life, but never really got the chance too. Sad eh?------------------
Aimee
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home working mom
WAHM.com regular
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posted December 19, 2003 11:46 AM
I must admit, I have been asked this question before and have thought about it deeply. I thought about furthering my education, but realized had I have done that I would never have gotten the chance to do the things that have made my life so meaningful. I am proud of the way my life has turned out because I have been able to share in so many other peoples lives, from babysitting to fostering and then adopting the two younger children I have now. Had I of went on to more schooling, I would not have been there when these children needed me and would not have been able to share the love I was blessed with. I didn't make a bunch of money by any means, like I could have if I had furthered my career, but have received so many blessings for it. My favorite saying is "We are not in this world to see what we can get out of it, but to see what we can add to it." I may not be remembered for being rich or famous, but I will be remembered for the hearts that I have touched. To me that is so much more important. Sorry for the sermon girls, but as I said, I have had a lot of time to think about this one. Marilyn http://womenswealthandwellness.com
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Bunnybee
WAHM.com regular
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posted December 20, 2003 05:43 PM
I first thought I'd be saying a huge YES that I'd change my college plans- and went with my heart instead of listening to my Dad the way I did. I wanted to go into nursing school, but let his comment "I couldn't work in a hospital, I can't see why you would" sway me from doing what I really wanted to do. So I went to college for something else (art- something else I liked). And then about 5 yrs after I graduated, I ended going back to college again, and got my nursing degree. So, sometimes I think what my life would be like if I'd gone into nursing right away... but then I realize I'd never have met 2 of my best friends because I met them during my first round at college. So I guess I wouldn't change a thing. There are some other more personal things I'd change, but career-wise, I think everything fell into place just fine. And I'd agree with the other response (can't remember her name) that said that she'd LIVE more and not just think like "I'll be happy when..." and be doing so much planning that I missed today. I think I missed alot because I was always looking towards a goal. Once I achieved that goal, I'd be looking for another, instead of just enjoying BEING. ------------------
Angie B.
Bunnybee Creations- Custom handmade cards
www.bunnybee.net [This message has been edited by Bunnybee (edited December 20, 2003).] IP: Logged |
carouselfreak
New to WAHM.com
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posted December 28, 2003 04:04 PM
I would have gone away to college, taken it more seriously and finished off my Bachelors Degree. IP: Logged |
meg27599
WAHM.com regular
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posted December 28, 2003 09:28 PM
I wouldn't change very much in my life, including my college experience, because that is where I met my so (10 years and counting!). I might not have taken that year off between high school. or maybe I still would as I learned a lot about myself (l0ooking back).But the one thing I would absolutely change in less than a milisecond if I could would be to have never started smoking. I didn't start until I was 18, so I knew what I was doing to mydself. I've tried quitting a few times and it's just too hard right now. But I think about all the money I have, literally, thrown AWAY! OH, that is what burns me! IP: Logged |
PCHEFMOM
WAHM.com regular
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posted December 29, 2003 03:09 AM
The only thing I would change was my school. I paid 26,000 to go to flight school in florida (The loan was for 26,000) I enrolled in the Private Pilot course at a flight school and loved it so much that I wanted to be an airline pilot....I decided to enroll in the Professional Pilot program at the whopping cost. The school had a good reputation and I was clueless....(you live you learn) Well after I enrolled in the program upon the warm encouragement of the other students and staff, 9 months later the school went out of business....needless to say I lost about 21,000..... IP: Logged |
haydens_mom
WAHM.com regular
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posted December 29, 2003 09:57 PM
I would have taken my sr. year in highschool more seriously and would not have lost my full ride scholarship for softball.........  Then I wish would not have joined the Army. But I LOVE my life now and wouldn't trade that at all !!!!! Kahne IP: Logged |
Ill-be-at-home
WAHM.com regular
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posted January 02, 2004 11:51 AM
I would change only one thing. I would be nicer to people.Don't get me wrong...I wasnt really mean...I just chose my friends based on popularity, looks, where they lived....basically I was shallow. The typical cheerleader with the popular boyfriend. I am sure now that I missed out on a lot of good friendships. Because of this...I have always encouraged my children to seek the good in people, no matter how they look, where they live...etc. We live in a very small town where everyone knows each other....we cant afford to pick and choose our friends...we are all neighbors. Its the best lesson that I have learned in life. God puts friendships in the most unusual places. ------------------
Corri IP: Logged |
laught0omuch
New to WAHM.com
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posted January 02, 2004 07:38 PM
If i could change something in my life i would of finished high school and gone off to college. I was too busy in high school trying to fit in and find friends i ended up going off with the wrong crowd. Drugs, clubs, and boys. My life was so unstable. If i would of stayed in school I maybe could of done more.IP: Logged |
TickleMeTammy
New to WAHM.com
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posted January 02, 2004 10:38 PM
wouldnt change a thing, All the bad things that have happened no matter what they be have made me strong and who I am todayIP: Logged |
JackieUlmer
WAHM.com regular
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posted January 08, 2004 12:23 AM
I would not change a thing!Yes, I have some things I am not thrilled with, but overall, they ALL brought me to where I am today and I LOVE my life! I am truly blessed and have made it a point to not look back but only to today, focused forward. After all, we can't go back and this moment is the only one we are sure of! Embrace it! EXPECT Success! Jackie Ulmer http://www.streetsmartwealth.com Creating Fortunes Online Enter My Free Candle Drawing! http://www.onlinecandleclub.com IP: Logged |
katiebuggsmom
New to WAHM.com
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posted January 09, 2004 10:16 PM
Wouldn't change a thing. It's all about Him and His plan, not me.IP: Logged |
GMAC
WAHM.com regular
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posted January 10, 2004 11:13 PM
If I had one chance to change anything in my life it would be to have had a better relationship with my Mother who is now passed on 10 years. Not to say we had a bad one or anything like that, but I was to busy running around in my teens when she was sick with cancer. I didn't think she was going to die, I could not see it happening in my head, my life without my Mother, never... So I kept on going like life was normal.
Befor I knew it, she was gone. That was when I was 17. I am not the same person as I was then. I want to talk with her now as an adult, I want to sit with her on the phone over a cup of coffee and talk about coupons, I want her to hold my children in her arms as she did me...I am 27 now, married with 2 beautiful little boys, and I am now the Mother. ~~~ ~~~ The one who sacrifices everything for the joy of my children.. the one who gets a kick out of the little things they do.. the one who watches them as they sleep peacfully at night.. The one who's heart aches if they are sad or upset about something.. the one who reads bedtime stories when I have the flu and acts like I am just fine just so they can hear it one more time..the one who worries that one day they will grow up and have they're own lives without me..
All of the things a Mother gives up for her children, is what I did not realize then.. but I am most greatful to her now for. And now I see....IP: Logged |
JaceAndJalensMom
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posted January 10, 2004 11:33 PM
I am only 23 and I honeslty have to say I wouldn't want to go back and if I did I wouldn't change anything. Not saying I did everything I wanted to. But I feel everything happens for a reason and every step of my life was a lesson learned. Not to mention I met a wonderful man and have 2 beautiful children that I may not of been able to have if I changed anything. Although I do wish I would have been stronger in college and had not stopped going. But I have 45 hours behind me and plan to start taking online classes to finish my business degree. Hoping I may be able to have my own business someday. [This message has been edited by JaceAndJalensMom (edited January 10, 2004).] IP: Logged |
ronette
New to WAHM.com
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posted March 31, 2004 09:44 AM
if i could go back to when i was 18 i would change my career goal. i would have decided on a career and prosued it in college, may be even go away. i did not have any goal and i was not focused. i would change this because now i am struggling trying to figure out what i want to do. i am now in my 30's. IP: Logged |
Shane
New to WAHM.com
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posted March 31, 2004 01:40 PM
If I could go back,...well,Iwas married at this age and waiting for my first child,so being at this age again I would probably finish my education and then have a family,though I don`t regret any of it but could a little more education------------------
being 50 and loving it. IP: Logged |
ktbaby
WAHM.com regular
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posted March 31, 2004 01:55 PM
I thought long and hard about this question and came up with a lot of little petty things that probably wouldn't have changed where I am today...But overall I am happy where I am. I think that if things would have been different I may not be who I am today and i definitely wouldn't have had my two gorgeous,funny,happy,smiling children. I wouldn't be with the man I love.I probably could have saved myself the heartaches and pains but I feel that they were well worth it. I feel that they helped me to build character. I think they helped to form my role as a mother, girlfriend,ex wife etc. You live and learn and there are more mistakes to be made but it is what you take away from them that counts. Not what you could have avoided. Melissa
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cookingmomof3
New to WAHM.com
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posted April 02, 2004 12:49 AM
I honestly don't think I would change anything. I'm doing as I planned, and I now have three wonderful little boys. I love things the way they are.Patricia Gaynor www.gourmetconcepts.com
Megan's Pantry Future Director IP: Logged |
kelfr25
WAHM.com regular
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posted April 02, 2004 09:01 AM
What wouldn't I change? (Not really, because if I hadn't met DH, I wouldn't have my kids, but I'd change pretty much everything else...)
I would have listened to my heart when I chose my career path, and gotten my degree done ROTC so I could go into the Air Force from the get-go instead of having to go back and pretty much start over after having made a bad career decision.
I also would have been more careful with my money and not had to have a new "cool" car, because I'm paying for those bad decisions now. And, if I had been more careful, we wouldn't have had to live in those crappy apartments that we lived in where my wedding ring was stolen.
Anyhow, I've learned my lesson for next time...------------------
Kelli Get coupons for local businesses. USA Coupon Club Be sure to mention agent number KFROST001.
Designer clothes at discount prices! Clothes4Less
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allforlot
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posted April 05, 2004 03:41 PM
If you would have asked me that question five years ago, I probably would have had a laundry list of things to change. But now that I'm married and have two beautiful children, I see that the less-than-stellar choices I have made in the past actually make the life I enjoy now possible because they make me appreciate what I have.IP: Logged |
katie1168
New to WAHM.com
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posted April 05, 2004 03:45 PM
It is amazing to read all of the replies. The vast majority realizes that while there are certain areas of our life we wish we could change, we wouldnt change where we are today at all! As several have mentioned... it is our adversities that make us strong and into the people we become.I myself dropped out of college due to a cancer relapse, married at 20, divorced with a newborn at 23 and finally took some time for myself. Would I go back and change anything? Nope, God knew exaclty what he was doing and had a plan worked out for me all along. ~Katie Dir Biz Development www.emergingmarketing.com IP: Logged |
Jewel
WAHM.com regular
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posted April 05, 2004 10:49 PM
If I could change one thing, but still keep the same husband and kids, I would have gotten a degree in pharmacy instead of education. Sure, being a teacher allows you to be off during the summer, but being a pharmacist opens up so much flexibility in your hours - as do many other medical professions. I never imagined, before having children, that I would ever want to stay home with them. Financially, that decision would have been a lot easier if I'd been in a profession that allows "as needed" positions! One thing I would NOT trade is being able to spend lots of time with my husband and kids. ------------------
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 IP: Logged |
happytimes
New to WAHM.com
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posted April 06, 2004 11:27 AM
I would definitely say if I was 18 again instead of approaching 40 I would have gone to college sooner in life and I would have gone into a different field of work. I went back to school @25 and got an assocaites degree. I am actually thinking of doing the school thing again as I am ready for a change of careers. IP: Logged |
just me
WAHM.com regular
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posted April 16, 2004 07:00 PM
Ok, I am going to say that I would have taken more precautions...but now I have a boy who has grown into a nice young man. But if to do it over, I would have gotten my life together more before bringing another life into the world. I would have still married the same man (we are still married 18 yrs later), but we both would have finished college before starting a new life. Instead we did it the hard way and went to college while raising our kids. Not easy at all, but it can and was done! Because of my own experience I am a strong advocate of teens using adoption as a option. I was just 19 when I had my first and it was very hard to manage, I can not imagine being younger and doing it. IP: Logged |
