Life Advice (30 Years Old, Living With Parents, Unskilled, $200,000 in the Bank)

Lscalpel on 14/03/2017 - 18:37

Where to from here? 2017.

Worked as a baker's assistant for around five years after completing year 12. For the past eight years have worked as an office clerk in a small office which will be closing up soon.

Looking back, I didn't really care for either job.

Recently took a uni entrance exam which I failed! From what I understand this means that I will be unable to try again until March 2018.

I want to get out. Get my own place, get some direction.

I have my own car, computer, and a decent amount of furniture. No loans.

I like the idea of job security. At my age and with the current economy, I don't want to be relying on unskilled work going into the future. It would be great to have an official qualification of some kind that I could fall back on as well as give me that confidence to move forward.

So what would you do in my situation? What would be the best way to make use of my savings at this point? Buy? Rent? Study?

Since failing my uni exam, I've briefly contemplated getting into the miltary. From what I understand I could acquire some kind of qualification there that could be transferable. Something paramedical perhaps? It also sounds like most of the training etc is paid for too, so that could be an option.

In a way, the only thing that separates me from being a complete stereotypical loser bum that still lives with their parents is my bank account. But even then, it's not that much of a difference.

Few other points that I can think of; I am fit, hold an automatic licence, and have no convictions. Thanks for listening.

Education & Work

Comments

      • cameldownunder on 17/03/2017 - 15:51
        +2

        Those guys ! LOL ! Do they still find fools ?

  • holdenmg on 14/03/2017 - 20:28
    +2

    Lots of Universities have Bridging Courses or alternate pathways to Study so maybe punch where you are location-wise (or where you hope to Study) into Professor Google and see what is on offer…

    Some Uni's have Foundation Courses (day or evening) for Universities that give priority to those that complete a six month-one year course (sometimes these start mid-year) and these allow you to find out what courses are on offer and explore why University is different to the Year 12 you completed some years ago.

    You can often get Credit for the Subjects you Complete and Pass and it sets you up with a good base from which to commence further study.

    • AlanHB on 15/03/2017 - 19:33
      +2

      I was going to post something similar to this. If you want to go to university, there are a multitude of ways to do this.

  • try2bhelpful on 14/03/2017 - 20:39
    +1

    My nephew joined the Navy to finish his medical training and he really loves it. They are expected to step up and take on responsibility very early on, so you will be challenged. Probably a good idea to have a talk to the recruiters and get an idea on what you can do.

  • Findo on 14/03/2017 - 20:42

    The Army and the wider ADF won't look upon you favourably if you see it as an option of last resort. Hell, it's insulting to those that actually tried joining but got knocked back for medical reasons out of their control. Go to TAFE, upskill yourself and go to uni if you really want to. But at your age, what's the point of going to uni and accumulating HECS debt, only to compete for jobs with 23 year olds?

    • PeteM on 01/04/2017 - 15:56

      What do you base this statement on? Experience? Because I would disagree a bit here.

  • garetz on 14/03/2017 - 20:47
    +9

    Why didnt you apply to uni as a mature age student ? Why would you need to do an entrance test unless you dont have a year 12 certificate.

  • Randxyz123 on 14/03/2017 - 21:08
    +1

    Maybe tell us more about yourself… Why did you work instead of going to Uni?

    Have you looked at TAFE?

    What are your interests?

    By automatic license - do you mean your license restricts you to automatic cars? You might want to get that changed so you can drive a tradie car/work car if you have to.

  • MeToo on 14/03/2017 - 21:20
    +1

    Well done for having 200,000 savings. Pity bank don't pay much interest. Anyway any interest in going to tafe and getting the formal qualification of bakery/pastry chef?

  • Lexus101 on 14/03/2017 - 21:23
    +2

    Hello Friend.

    If I were in your shoes. I would list down the types of jobs or functions that get me excited and feeling challenged….something I could do every day without begrudging it.

    Then I would find a suitable course or apprenticeship and pursue the heck out of it. Master it well.

    Generally, there are behind-the-counter work where people interaction is minimal ie. mechanic, service technician, accounting or customer focused work like sales, marketing, parameds….you get the idea.

    Get some two to three years under your belt and then go buy a house for yourself using only part of the $200k (say half of it) as deposit.

    Broadly speaking, that would be my course of action. Disclaimer, I never said anywhere here it would be easy so don't for a minute think it will be easy because it won't. But these are the steps you need to take, the hard questions you need to answer for yourself and the determination to succeed will be your best friend.

    The main reason why people fail in their pursuits is the lack of ambition and hard work….a little bit of luck wouldn't hurt either.

    Hope you fair well.

  • railspider on 14/03/2017 - 21:59
    +22

    Move to a third world country like Thailand or Vietnam - you could almost get by living off the interest. Then do some freelance work online, and you'll be set for life. Assuming you like living in 30+ degree heat, that is.

    • johndemonik on 19/03/2017 - 02:53
      +1

      There are mountain regions in hot third world countries where temperatures are 15-25 degrees i.e. bring a jumper! McLeod Ganj or Ladakh in India, Pai in Thailand. Pokhara in Nepal to go when its not winter time there and you need to escape heat. Nov-Jan is a pretty nice time to explore SE Asia in a nicer climate too. Or Op could just rent a room with AC. I've spent 2 years in the above regions in the past and really enjoyed the lifestyle, would like to go back soon for some more time, as it's so inexpensive.

      Interested in meditation retreats ? Can get a meditation visa for Burma and spend 3 months in a monastery, or travel around the world volunteering at and also doing meditation retreats at donation based vipassana centres that are everywhere.

      TL;DR Become a hippie op.

      • johndemonik on 19/03/2017 - 18:44
        +2

        13 years without long term travel, i don't see why a backpacking, volunteering and meditation travel suggestion is worth a down vote, but OK. The mindset that you will acquire from a few years of travel experiences, can often provide you with the right answer to this question of what to do while you're on the road or return. Maybe you meet someone along the way that inspires you to choose an education or business direction, that you won't get on ozbargain. And with interest you can have 30-100% of monthly expenses payed depending on how and where you live

        • BartholemewH on 20/03/2017 - 10:38
          +1

          Fixed your negative. I think too many people are terrified of falling off the career / property treadmill. OP isn't caught up in this anyway so I don't see how some experience broadening travel could hurt.

  • kywst on 14/03/2017 - 23:30
    +4

    I'm trying to figure out how you've managed to save $300 a week for the last 12 years assuming you didn't rob a bank, sell drugs or win the lotto. Perhaps you should be a financial planner! Only get yourself a qualification if it's something you truly want to do … actually only do what you want to do. Probably time to figure that out too.

    • holdenmg on 15/03/2017 - 08:06
      +1

      Why would they rob a bank when they currently have $200K of their own money in there, unless they robbed a bank other than their own?

      If they did rob a bank, would they put the proceeds into a Bank knowing what could happen? lol

    • onetwothreefour on 15/03/2017 - 08:16
      +16

      $300 a week is nothing if you're living with your parents and not paying rent.

      • scalpel on 15/03/2017 - 12:35

        Spoke on this in an above comment. Managed to save just over $100k myself, money that I did spend mostly not wasted. Have been setting myself up in a way, could easily get by on bare minimum spend over the next five years if necessary if I am working plus studying. Would have a bit to sell if I move interstate though.

        Thanks for all of the responses so far, still reading and keeping my mind open.

  • r2160 on 15/03/2017 - 08:22
    +1

    Decide what you want to do, find a path via TAFE and finish the course. Work hard. Then reapply at UNI with the TAFE qualification.

    I did a Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and certification in 18 months while working full time. Worked my arse off.

    Trust me, this works.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2017 - 09:42

      can i ask what course did you do?

    • serpserpserp on 18/03/2017 - 16:32

      What is the difference between Diploma and certification?

      • frewer on 19/03/2017 - 14:05

        Degree > Diploma > Certificated

        • serpserpserp on 24/03/2017 - 21:44

          trying to understand this cert 3, cert 4 and certification bit. Never heard of just certification.

        • frewer on 25/03/2017 - 16:40

          @serpserpserp: It's about quota and red tape. No one want a person without any short of "certification" taking of their mum/dad do they ? This society forget that the altitude that matter not the qualification … sadly they wont wake up anytime soon.

  • M1lad on 15/03/2017 - 09:36
    +7

    Worth looking into tier 5 youth mobility Visa for UK.
    After living at home for so long, It can be the best challenge for you to kickstart your life again and learn social skills which will last you a lifetime. Everyone who has done that really loved it. You just have to make sure you apply before you turn 31 so another option for you to consider.
    Goodluck

  • iamw0man on 15/03/2017 - 09:40

    Definitely into TAFE and an apprenticeship as others have suggested. A reliable tradie's salary can rival some executives. If you are lacking direction do not saddle yourself with university debt. A lot of Aussies have wasted thousands by transferring degrees, dropping out, etc because they weren't really sure what they wanted to do. Also, look into meetup groups or local gatherings, keep up your social life so that stereotypical 'loser' lifestyle, doesn't become a reality for you.

  • michelle181 on 15/03/2017 - 10:39
    +2

    When my dad was young and lost he joined the army. To this day he says that was his biggest mistake! He was terrible at it and didn't last long, later getting into work while studying at night which led on to a career (IT).
    +1 for all the TAFE/pathway suggestions. Even if you aren't driven by a burning passion to be a doctor/lawyer/chef find a profession that is tolerable, to say the least!

  • stargalaxy on 15/03/2017 - 12:47

    Maybe you should upgrade your bakery skills and open your own shop, why works for other peoples when you can be the boss.

    • dylanando on 15/03/2017 - 14:51
      +2

      Cant imagine bakeries are going to be around for much longer? I know coles and woolies, Especially Coles are looking for bakers and if not a qualified will put you through tafe and pay you due to their recent agreement being rejected.

  • oliviale on 15/03/2017 - 13:06
    +2

    Hi there,

    Firstly, recognising that you want something more and never really cared for either job is the first step - congrats. Lots of people don't care for their jobs but don't really realise this or want to make a change and just keep going (no judgement - it just happens).

    There are quite a lot of books around that can help you in working out the direction that you might want to go. Barbara Sher is one author who has quite a few books ("I could do anything if only I knew what it was").

    A life coach or mentor could also help in drawing out what it is that you enjoy doing and what you need to do to move forward. They could help with setting goals for the future etc.

    TAFE courses could help you achieve a qualification if you can find an area that interests you/you enjoy. Quite often they are a pathway to university as well so if that is something you want to do then a nationally recognised qualification could be a good start.

    Personally, I think paying rent is dead money (unfortunately a lot of people have not other option) but if you can afford to buy then it could be a good investment. If you want to get out of your parents house but don't want to pay a mortgage on your own, finding some housemates to live with can help pay off your mortgage and still give you some independence.
    A financial advisor might be a good idea to help you invest your money wisely.

    Hope that's helpful! All the best.

    • gorge on 18/03/2017 - 23:34
      +10

      your kidding

      guess you wouldn't pass either

      • ShannonN on 20/03/2017 - 12:36
        -1

        having 2 major diplomas doesn't count hey one in 2009 one in 2012

  • maximum on 15/03/2017 - 15:21
    +11

    Don't move out unless you have to. I know my parents were the best house mates you'd ever get.

    Don't worry about uni it is over rated . I have a degree and tafe qualifications if you want to learn something tafe is is the way to go . Uni is more about learning how to think . sometimes you need the letters after your name for a certain job but if you don't know what you want to do maybe contact your local tafe to see if they have a careers counsellor.
    They'll match up your likes and dislikes and strengths and might suggest a job you'd never even heard of.

    I think if you want to do a trade the defence forces are the way to go. Your expenses (dental , medical, living) are all covered, and hopefully we keep our heads down if there's any conflict.

  • SeVeN11 on 15/03/2017 - 15:43
    +2

    I reckon you might be able to retire if you kept your expenses low.

    I've been reading up on retiring young and came across the following blog.

    I'm trying to implement it, but I'll be a long way from getting there due to debts.

    You on the other hand might be able to get there faster due to low expenses and high having a rate. Work out your numbers and figure out how many years you need to work to save the difference… Then retire.

    If it's not a long time I would suggest getting back into the line of work you were previously in.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/03/2017 - 16:06
    -6

    go work in the mines for a few years and earn $250k per year. 3 years later you have $250k + $250k + $250k plus ur $200 in bank……close to a millionaire by the age of 35.

    Then buy urself a few investment properties in regional area's and one to live in in town..

    sit back and watch the equity grow…

    never need to work.

    go pour some beers at the local and live a great easy lifestyle

    • redfox1200 on 15/03/2017 - 16:26
      +14

      but be in jail for not paying your taxes!!

    • ilikeradiohead on 15/03/2017 - 17:41
      +13

      It sounds so easy, why doesn't everyone do this?
      Hello, Gina? $250k job plz + thx

    • lyl-Lychee on 15/03/2017 - 21:03
      +6

      Not to be pessimistic, but I really doubt FIFOs make anywhere near that much anymore. Not 2012 anymore and China doesn't want as much or our raw material.

    • mmd on 15/03/2017 - 22:37
      +7

      Rio just fired more workers today.
      WA is going through a downturn in the economy atm…
      OP should put this in the body. It would be nice to put what interests you have too so there will be more helpful solutions.

      If you do obtain a degree via the army, dont they expect you to work for them for a minimum number of years?

      Nothing wrong with living at home cos you'll save money.

    • JimB on 16/03/2017 - 11:03
      +15

      Good advice.

      Just 7 years too late.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2017 - 14:57
        +3

        haha spot on. That was the last time i pondered my life and what i should do.

        Then met a lovely girl and got married so never did it.

        Those were the days!

      • johndemonik on 19/03/2017 - 03:03
        +1

        I wish someone had given me this advice 7 years ago. Would've gladly slaved away for a year or two to retire in SE Asia.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 15/03/2017 - 16:28
    +2

    If there's more money coming your way, just stay with your parents and enjoy.

  • redfox1200 on 15/03/2017 - 16:30
    +1

    sounds like you have plenty of money and time. Start a business in something that you enjoy doing.

    • WreckTangle on 15/03/2017 - 20:47
      +9

      Or buy an established business.

  • brizzy on 15/03/2017 - 16:32
    +7

    Dude u need to figure out wtf u want to do with ur life. Most people well into their 30s are sitting in the same boat going through the motions in their la de da corporate jobs but hating their life inside. Set aside 2 hours and write down what u want to do. Dont ask us how do we know what ur calling is.

  • mobius on 15/03/2017 - 16:45
    -1

    You need to branch out, go put a desposit on a very affordable unit somewhere and go live man!

  • captobvious on 15/03/2017 - 17:04
    +4

    Hookers

  • Electriken on 15/03/2017 - 17:10
    +5

    Hello ,
    I have been an Electrician for more than 40yrs and its been the best thing I have ever done. Lots of varied work and I have travelled and worked around the world. If I was you I would approach several well known Electrical Contractors and offer them your services as an adult apprentice . If they don't have any vacancies consider offering to pay for you first years wages while you get started and work your ass off at work and at school to make sure they keep you on to complete your apprenticeship . In 3 to 4yrs you will be a fully qualified Tradesmen and it will only cost you the payment of your first years wages to secure your future. Just look at it as investing in your future and it will only cost you $20,000 or so?

    Regards Electriken

    • JimB on 16/03/2017 - 11:05

      I was going to suggest an Electrical apprenticeship.

    • Blue_Diamond on 20/03/2017 - 22:10

      What do you mean by offer to pay for your first years wage??? do you mean just work for free? i started as a mature age electrical apprentice last year and in december the company i worked for closed down. been looking for work ever since but there nothing out there and the ones that are looking would only take juniors. signed up to a few recruitment agencies and even the tafe is helping to set me up with an employer.

      working for someone for free would be an interesting option for me. dont understand how that would work though. i offer to work for a juniors wage and no employer would do that because it's illegal.

      how would i find out which electrical contractors to approach though? you could find some big ones but approaching them and getting through to the person who does the recruiting is near impossible. usually they get you to drop a resume off and thats the last you hear from them.

  • Wystri Warrick on 15/03/2017 - 17:26
    +7

    In a way, the only thing that separates me from being a complete stereotypical loser bum that still lives with their parents is my bank account. But even then, it's not that much of a difference.

    You got a job as a banking assistant after completing year 12 that you worked for 5 years, then got a job as an office clerk that your worked for 8 years.
    So you ether finished year 12 at 17 years old, or where working a banking and a clerical job at the same time. And you have savings in the bank!

    Id hardly call that a "complete stereotypical loser bum" right after you completed school you landed a banking assistant job! You then got a job as a clerk! And you have a Large amount of savings in the bank!

    Look you are not a bum.
    A bum doesn't want to go to school and doesn't want to work.
    A bum just wants to smoke, drink and ass around all day long.

    I'm 23 and I can say you have achieved more than me :)

    • ilikeradiohead on 15/03/2017 - 17:42
      +11

      *baker not banker.

      • Wystri Warrick on 17/03/2017 - 13:06

        Haha. My bad, still applies though he is not a bum.

    • j4s0nly on 15/03/2017 - 19:19

      Half my cohort was 17 when we finished year 12. This is the case for NSW anyways.

  • J6 on 15/03/2017 - 17:45
    +1

    why not take 6-12 months off and work overseas for 6-12 months? Have you ever wanted to work in a ski field or some countries far different to ours? Its a great time to do so as youll have no job and you have a bit of money (you dont need to use much of your savings). It might be what you need to get out of your comfort bubble.

    • hahaboy on 19/03/2017 - 01:19

      good idea. Also a good option is to work as an english teacher for great pay in one of the asian countries.

  • orbitalpaul on 15/03/2017 - 18:05
    -5

    I would invest your $200K in 2, maybe 3, investment properties as soon as humanly possible and then put yourself through a 12 month course in an area that interests you. Get student loan assistance if you need to - having the security of the properties should offset repayment anxiety. Provided you have chosen your properties well they will mostly pay for themselves and you can re-evaluate after 12-18 months. Either free up equity at that point and purchase another or liquidate one, some or all to pursue the focus of your course. Having it in the bank is madness. If I were to do my time again I would purchase investments only and rent a place for me and the family.

    • lyl-Lychee on 15/03/2017 - 21:14

      Why 2 or 3 though? I'm guessing you mean buy a few small apartments or units far out in the sticks.
      I would've thought better a single property somewhere in the suburbs (to avoid vacancy) with as much land size as possible. It's land that appreciates over time, not the building.

      • orbitalpaul on 15/03/2017 - 21:42
        -1

        Not sure I agree. You buy the properties anywhere in Australia that will maximise your yield - you are likely to be paying an agent to manage so it doesn't have to be local - and the property itself will appreciate, not just the land. Buying more than one gives you more options with your investment.

  • InfraRed on 15/03/2017 - 18:29
    +3

    Invest in Lego

  • nomunny on 15/03/2017 - 19:35
    +4

    Start a TAFE degree in an engineering field while actively look for a job as an apprentice drafter. I know at the company I work at, mature aged apprentice drafters earn approx 50k and once finished the degree it moves up to approx 65K. I took this path and used it to start an engineering degree. 4 years later, here I am at the same company earning just under 80k.

    If you are interested, I would begin to look into Autodesk software which are free for students. (no student email required)

  • megasaur on 15/03/2017 - 20:06
    +4

    Perhaps you've already been doing this but I'd say the first step is some real deep introspection, to understand yourself as a person better. What kind of person are you? What are your goals? Why are they your goals? Is it just because this is what you think society expects you to have, or because you want it for yourself? Are you looking for a job as a means to simply earn money and have financial stability, or a satisfying career where the money is not the end goal?
    Helps a lot if you have some close people you could talk this stuff out with. Asking the 'why' behind my thoughts has helped me immensely in properly understanding myself and my motives in life

  • frostman on 15/03/2017 - 20:39
    +1

    I know your living with parents, but not sure how an office clerk role (of what 45K) can save you 200K?

    • competecarrot on 15/03/2017 - 21:25
      +4

      OP has worked 13 years (8 + 5), that's only requires $15k per year savings. Completely do-able if living with parents

      • follow on 15/03/2017 - 23:51
        +6

        he saved 100k and inherited 100k

        • JV159 on 18/03/2017 - 00:35
          -6

          No loans. Has a car, computer and heaps of furniture apparently? Cars aren't free, computers aren't always cheap or a big deal to own, and why all the furniture if you live at home? Probably has a few shelves from the reject shop that his mummy and daddy put together for him? Why all the talk up to get people to help you if you're not prepared to elaborate? OP is a waste of time. Can't even get into uni, has $200k and debt free and mooching of the folks at age 30, he's what's wrong with Australia..

  • MessyG on 15/03/2017 - 20:41
    +5

    Have another go at the university entrance exam if that's what you want to do, never let a hurdle exam stop your progress, sometimes they just require a different approach and that's okay because FAIL = First Attempt In Learning.

    You're not a bum at all, you've worked and paid taxes and you've been financially savvy - there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Think about what you enjoy doing and the sort of people you like to be around and find the fields they're in. Don't discount TAFE as it offers a pathway into university too - a two year tafe course can knock a year off a university degree and get you in without having to sit an entrance exam, quite a few of my friends did it this way. Also consider doing units at universities you want to attend through Open Universities because that's another inroad. It's also worth emailing some heads of university programs and asking to meet with them and when you do, ask them about the pathways they would accept into the course, and what sort of applicants they want.

    Just remember it's okay to fail in life, it's how we learn, and that nothing worth it is ever straightforward or easy. Maybe it is for some but I've never met them. And at your age, you will bring maturity and work ethic to anything you do so don't discount that either. Don't let the length of time anything takes stop you either, it's really normal to think "I'll be 40 by the time I finish that!" but remember, you're going ot be 40 anyway.

  • partymix on 15/03/2017 - 20:47
    +1

    There's already a lot of good advice on this thread and although this is not something I have done myself but I know 2 friends who have, and they were raving about it. Have you considered speaking to a Life Coach? Make sure you do your research and make sure they're reputable (eg, look for reviews etc).

  • JetBombat on 15/03/2017 - 20:58
    +6

    Get out to the real world, travel, meet people, volunteer, discuss ideas and you will hopefully find something worth trying. At worst you will come back with great experiences. At best you will be a completely different person.

    • Hardlyworkin on 15/03/2017 - 22:41

      I second this x 10. Travel… and travel some more. Why spend your life in a tiny pocket of a big world. Australia is great though so are plenty of other places. At worst move to Melbourne for a while. A year of traveling/ volunteering will hardly put a dent in your savings if you're thrifty.

  • Thenarrator on 15/03/2017 - 21:47
    +2

    buy a property with that 200k and watch it grow to 400k without any work. free money.

  • gekiyasu on 15/03/2017 - 22:46

    Become a certified scrum master and pull $700~1100/day. May take a couple of weekends and US$99 to get certified. :) https://www.groupon.com/deals/career-match-889-atlanta

    • TurkishDelight on 20/03/2017 - 20:01

      It's not easy to get a job as a scrum master. Basically, BA's with 5-6 years of experience plays the role of scrum master.

  • flame21 on 16/03/2017 - 00:22
    +1

    Ask yourself some questions:
    1, Do you really want to study something in Uni?
    -Seems you still have another year of time, try to borrow some textbooks of the Uni 1st year and try to read it. Sometimes you may quickly find out it's not really what you want to do, with almost no costs. I know too many Uni students only found out they do not really like the major, but already 1 year was passed and big money was paid.
    *(BTW，If you found that you cannot sit inside the chair and study a dry textbook, maybe it's not for you. University lecturers usually do a poor job to explain the knowledge, as a uni student you need to do most of the study by yourself. I have 3 uni degrees, but I will say, Uni is charging too much and care too little about teaching methods, so not worth the money they charge!)

    2, You still have a year, is it possible that you can learn the same or similar course in TAFE? You may be able to get a diploma in a year.
    BTW Sometimes a TAFE course also have a University pathway, you can go to University for further study after having a TAFE advance diploma.

    3, About the money, good job. Maybe consider invest into investment properties? I have the same among of money, and I'm using that to buying my 3rd and 4th investment properties this year. Of course, do your own study before spend the big money!
    I paid big money to many stock trading or Forex trading courses, only to found out I was losing money using their methods. Only property market was a big success.
    Anyway, learn to invest. It's the biggest waste allowing money sleeping in the bank and doing nothing.

    4, I am in my mid-30 now, I have 3 uni degrees, 1 diploma, having a job that "I don't hate" with above average income, my property investments are going very well.
    But I still do not know the exact answer of “what I really want to do”. (btw, I asked so many people I met, most of the people told me that they did not know what they really want to do, but surely not their current jobs!)
    However, I'm ok with it. now, to me, "what I really want to do" becomes a bigger question: "what is my life purpose".

    • bargainfinder on 16/03/2017 - 23:13

      Hi.
      Congrats on your successful on investments property. I like to start my path on inventing properties as well. Currently i have a quarter share in 2 house and 60k saving in the bank. If you dont mind can i pm you?

  • brotherfranciz on 16/03/2017 - 02:24
    +3

    From my personal experience, uni is overrated. I know plenty of people who don't have uni degrees who are doing very well for themselves. My degree was not worth the amount of money and time that my family invested, and in fact the work experience I gained was MUCH more valuable.

    I'm around the same age as you but have a uni degree, fewer savings and bought a house last year. I don't see anything wrong with your situation, as everyone lives their own lives differently - there is no correct way of spending your savings, no correct living arrangements, and no correct level of education. As long as you are happy, then it's all good.

    If you really are worried about your level of education, I agree with the general consensus here that TAFE is a great option.

    Lastly, don't stress or feel embarrassed about failing exams. Your work and life experiences cannot simply be measured by sitting an exam.

    Good luck!

  • weezlebub on 16/03/2017 - 08:56

    Depends on what you're into … if you don't mind doing a trade, that's a great option, tilers and electricians are always in demand, and with your savings, you can go out on your own once you're qualified …

    If you're not good with your hands, study up for uni, but the degree really depends on what you're passionate about, it's hard enough to finish a degree when you really want to do it, let alone if you're not passionate

    Alternatively, while you're still working, get an investment property to get that money working for you (draw a rental income, gearing, etc.)

  • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2017 - 09:14
    +3

    food truck?

    • johndemonik on 19/03/2017 - 03:06
      +1

      I Selfishly second this, only so op will give out ozbargain promo codes for cheap meals!

  • urlaw on 16/03/2017 - 10:56
    +3

    Read self improvement books. I would seriously recommend 'The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime' if you are into entrepreneurship or even changing a different perspective on life.

    The book talks about a different experience away from the normal 9-5 person and explains his pre-dismal life (far worse than yours) living under the societal norms until he ended up taking a different route.

    Best of luck

  • wengerboy on 16/03/2017 - 12:28

    I would firstly look at getting good at that uni entrance exam. Look in Khan Academy its all free and has everything you need to study up. The other option is to look into TAFE to get into the course you want in UNI.

    Look into investing, some good stuff from William Bernstein index funds etc. Look into traveling as well if you haven't, this adds to your value as a person it's a way to connect with other people that you might not be able to.

    Also, you're not a loser you would you believe the almost 30yo I know who are skilled have degrees but no savings at all….and yes still live with their parents, only by appreciating where you are can you improve and grow. Journal: Think 10 years into the future, write down your ideal scene with as much detail as possible just have fun with this exercise

  • Hunter14 on 16/03/2017 - 13:29

    Hey mate, just wanted to say there is nothing 'loser' about staying with your parents until you can afford to buy a place. It's called being smart. A real loser is one who stays with their parents and just sponge off them with no job and no savings in the bank. And that's not you. You seem quite level headed to have saved 200K from the jobs you mentioned. Well done. What you want to do in the future depends on what you want.

    Want to get a 'white collar' job? Keep applying for a Uni qualification. Or consider going to Tafe for a year. In the mean time, get into a firm that you may want to work for and work part time or full time in an Admin type role while you study. That way, when you finish your qualification, it may be easier for you to get the job you want there.

    Do you want to move out and get your own place? Put a deposit down for a property and go from there. Or even rent out the property and live with your parents if you want to save extra money.

    Anyway, there are a lot of less fortunate people out there who would love to be in your position. Good luck with everything.

  • shorewalker on 16/03/2017 - 13:41

    To really do this exploration properly, you need to sit down with a few people who know you well. But you start with a bunch of assets. Chief among them: you can afford to invest some time on whatever you pursue, you are quite bright, and you're able to ask for advice. These are great starting points.

    If you wrote the original post yourself, your written communication skills are well into the upper half of the population. It's well-ordered, succinct and to the point, and has managed to engage a lot of people here. Don't write off the uni option if that's still attractive.

    Find a careers counsellor of some sort – either a friend or an outside professional – and you should be able to come up with good options.

  • adn on 16/03/2017 - 13:50

    you did very well to have 200K in the bank.

    either flip houses or become a day trader

    • Oofy Doofy on 17/03/2017 - 20:11

      You're kidding, right?

      • adn on 18/03/2017 - 01:32
        +1

        which part?

        • Oofy Doofy on 18/03/2017 - 15:12

          200k isn't a joke.

          So, the second part.

        • adn on 19/03/2017 - 01:52

          @Bamboozle:

          what is wrong with op flipping houses or becoming a day trader? they have capital to get this off the ground

        • Oofy Doofy on 19/03/2017 - 16:26

          @adn:

          Because it's a big gamble, requires what would be considered a cheap purchase price in a sought after location, plus a lot of your own effort and hired tradesmen to do anything significant. Even then it's a gamble, and he doesn't have enough capital nor does he have a job atm.

          OP by his own explanation isn't good with his hands, wants to play things super safe and keep things predictable.

          You talk about day trading… Double Dragon advice right there.

        • adn on 19/03/2017 - 21:35

          @Bamboozle:

          everything has a risk. even working as a permanent you can be let go anytime. even the payments aren't as huge as in the old days. use to be n + 7 months. Now packages are consider in the weeks.

          they can't make uni, so it rules out alot of "safe" jobs

          military is not considered safe at all with bullets flying at you everyday.

          if he wanted to be safe and small timer. they stay working as office clerk. op wouldn't make thread.

  • wongsun on 16/03/2017 - 14:33

    As you don't have many commitments at this stage how about buying a small business doing something you are interested in and working to grow it over time.

    Can be daunting and a bit of a risk, but will give you an opportunity to be your own boss and be in charge of your own success. Can be lots of work but also really rewarding as well.

  • scalpel on 16/03/2017 - 16:55

    Thanks for all of the responses. A few out-there ideas to go along with the more practical ones and yet they all sound interesting.

    Some were asking about my interests and how I see my future. Initially I was hoping to keep this a bit less personal but I suppose it can't hurt.

    I would like to retire early of course, but who wouldn't. I think about old age a bit, I do not want to be forced to work to live at sixty plus. Even though fitness is important to me I can't help but worry about being that age and still having to maintain a highly physical job like a trade for example. This is the reason why something in a medical field appeals to me because it just feels like something that would be right in that sweetspot as far as the level of activeness anyway. I don't have any particular interest in the area though, which some are saying is important to be able to see a degree through to completion. I figure though that surely necessity could be a good enough form of motivation in itself?

    I absolutely do not like the idea of paying a large amount for a degree, which is where TAFE, an apprenticeship, or a military qualification appeals. I don't know much about the military, but it is my rough understanding that the certain amount of guaranteed service that is required could possibly involve having to live in either Darwin, or Canberra etc for a number of years. This makes me hesitant only because I am only just now looking at getting my own place and a bit more freedom at age thirty, and this could possibily put a bit of a dent in that. Not exactly unappealing though considering the paid training, tax perks, and likely interesting work.

    Travelling would be nice as some have mentioned but I feel that I may have already missed the boat. I am more than confident that I could manage to do it cheaply (I am an ozbargain disciple after all), but despite all of the potentially priceless experiences to be had, I would still be back in the same position that I am in now in the end, just a year or so older.

    My interests. I don't think any of them really translate to a career that I could seriously consider. I am into video games in a big way. I like super hard difficulty single player games and the same goes for cooperative multiplayer. I used to play competitive games quite a bit, but not so much lately. I have no programming skills though. I know a computer, can build a computer, self or Google diagnose issues, and can navigate and use the basic office applications like Excel, MYOB, bit of Photoshop etc.

    Video game design as far as I am concerned then, is out of the question. I don't fancy learning programming now because I have always been stronger at English than maths, and evidently my English skills aren't even at the level required to pass a uni entrance exam. I would also be competing with people a lot younger than me who grew up with programming in school. It is also a constantly changing industry, new hardware, software, introduction of VR recently etc. On the larger scale, budgets are always getting bigger and studios are constantly being shut down. While on the indi side, there are no guarantees. Among the few success stories, it just seems to me that the market is being flooded with indi stuff nowadays and I can only see this continuing.

    I even believe that I know where the gaps in the video game market are, have plenty of ideas, and pretty much know for a fact that I could design a good game that I would love to play. But I have no interest whatsoever in getting heavily involved with a kickstarter or anything like that as I'm just not a gambler. So it comes back to security and I know I've said that a lot already. I don't know why it's that important to me as others like my brother can seemingly do without it just fine but it's just the way I feel. Plus sometimes I think that turning an interest into a career might just rob that person a bit of their interest anyway.

    Other interests. Not that useful but I am an AFL fan. I follow it very closely, possibly too closely, as I tend to do with most things that I am into. I like focusing my brain on something most of the time. I have done this with languages in the past, German to start with and lately Russian. Nowadays I can read, write, play video games, watch TV and movies in German. I imagine that I could speak it fairly fluently too but has never come to this yet. All just self taught from internet podcasts and blogs etc, I haven't done a competency test or anything but I would say that I know around ten thousand words. Less than five hundred at the moment in Russian still, but am surprised at how easily I am picking it up. Realistically I don't and never did see European languages as offering anything that beneficial for me career wise though. Is more of just a personal hobby for myself and to see if I could actually do it or not. Also yet another example of something that I am not officially qualified in.

    Lastly many people mentioning investment in property. This is something that I don't know the first thing about. As far as getting my own place I imagine one option would be renting somewhere while buying somewhere else and getting others to rent that place? Or perhaps buying bigger and renting out some extra rooms? Really don't like the idea of paying a bank anything whatsoever in interest and don't like loans so was initially thinking of buying something around $300k max if it all once I have future work etc sorted.

    Thanks again, and good luck to anybody who bothered to read all of this. Cheers.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/03/2017 - 20:12

      and good luck to anybody who bothered to read all of this.

      Thanks, I'll need it. That was a bore to read! -_-

      Would it be fair to say that you lack inspiration?

      You seem to be apathetic about life and only concerned with securing the necessities of life.

      What are you passionate about? What makes you happy? From what do you derive enjoyment? What makes you feel fulfilled? What would you like to achieve?

      Do video games satisfy all your needs above the practical ones?

    • greatlamp on 16/03/2017 - 23:01
      +1

      I agree with scrooge. I think you have tried to follow the correct path in life but it hasn't worked out as everyone promised it should.

      Thinking and planning about the future is good, but worrying about the future is not helpful.

      I understand not wanting to buy a property with little knowledge, but also consider your mindset toward paying interest to a bank is not productive. You are paying them for a loan, but you are making more from that money than the bank is. 3% rent + 3% capital gain (very conservative) is 6%, more than the interest rate. You are profiting 2% of the house price, but only paid the deposit of 20%, you are actually making 10% return.

      You could also invest in index funds, which is a relatively low risk way of investing in shares.

      There is no such thing as math people or english people, if you want to pass the uni entrance exam you have the ability, your mind just hasn't been taught those skills yet. Are there turors available for that kind of test?

      You are worried about your age, now is the time to consider if 'wasting time' starting a degree, or joining the military, or moving to the uk is actually a waste at all.

      You have your entire life available to work unskilled jobs 7 days a week and make enough to pay for rent and live well enough. I think you are too harsh on yourself.

    • DrDollar on 18/03/2017 - 08:20

      Don't rule out learning IT/Programming just because it is ever-changing and you feel you would be competing with younger people.

      IF you end up feeling you may have a passion for it (in relation to developing games or the like), you can absolutely do it. It is certainly an industry that will always be a necessity and the constant learning and "keeping up with technology" can keep you from getting bored if you like learning.

      Take control, do what you want, have the confidence that you can. I think you need some drive that only getting out of your comfort-zone can give you. Being too "careful" or worrying too much about the future hinders people's future and well-being in the end.

      You're still young, I don't see any mention of kids (unsure if you are planning on kids), in which case you've still got plenty of time to change careers quite a few times in your life and try different things.

      You can also do very well in life and absolutely still get paid very well with no uni degrees whatsoever (although not in medicine or something that requires atrict regulation obviously) - It depends what your interests are, how assertive you can be and whether you are willing to put in the effort to truly excel.

      I feel like maybe your decision-making is based solely upon giving you security rather than finding a balance between security, enjoyment and personal growth.

      You don't want to one day look back and wish you did things differently.

      You've got one life, own it - What do you WANT to do?

      If you don't know, that's OK - Many feel the same way, spend some time to figure it out.

      As for financal security - Having 200k cash gives you investment options. You need to be somewhat independent in understanding how your money can work for you and be comfortable with your investment options. As a start, simply because it is so common (not necessarily the best investment), do some research on property investment and see how borrowing money from a bank and paying interest will in fact make you money if you make the correct purchasing decision. All i'm saying is borrowing money and paying interest is not neccesarily a bad thing if you do your sums correctly.

      At the moment it looks like security is your main priority and it sounds like you prefer doing the grind over thinking independently about your future outside a routine job. With this mindset, you are limiting your options and potential which will quite possibly hinder your security. It is best to understand how money makes the world go round than just feel having a routine job in a "secure" industry is enough and you won't need to think about anything else.

    • IWoNdEr on 19/03/2017 - 15:05

      Good on you about opening up.

      Seems there's an underlying issue regarding feeling comfort in getting instant reward (e.g. with most video games, or games in any level , AFL included).

      Most things in life you need to take the path and do the time.

      Baby roll, crawl, walk, fall and stumble before they run and ride bicycle.
      It's no different about relationship or career.

      That's probably an area to work on and accept before you feel you past is not wasted and can then move on to something long term.

      Good luck.

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