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

  • acersaurus on 16/03/2017 - 21:06

    Firstly, congrats on saving 200k at age 30.

    That's a lot of cash, you could buy 2/3 of a new house in a regional city with that. Maybe you should?

    I'd keep working full-time if I were you. Stuff uni, go to tafe as it's nearly free. You could potentially study aged care - guaranteed job and long term security.

  • msmhw on 16/03/2017 - 23:09

    may be opening your own business? something you have a good understanding about, or even online store?

  • PAPower on 17/03/2017 - 00:44
    +1

    Get a TESOL and travel the world while teaching English. Life's good!

    • freakatronic on 20/03/2017 - 20:37

      Most employers overseas require a degree (in any discipline) plus a TESOL qualification.

  • madamethrifty on 17/03/2017 - 07:37

    I say travel. I absolutely found it the best way to gain perspective and get to know myself. Take the leave from work that you have available and get out of your comfort zone. It is the best way to figure out what you want it off life in my opinion 😄

  • stockpimp on 17/03/2017 - 08:13

    Aged Care

  • cillianbc on 17/03/2017 - 09:54

    I would seriously consider learning how to code, it's "easy" to get started, hard to master. But with the type of cash you have in the bank you could easily take 6 months out and enrol in an Intensive bootcamp that get's you job ready for a junior developer position. Depending on where you are based, general assembly do a good bootcamp in Melbourne & Sydney

  • idonotknowwhy on 17/03/2017 - 11:55

    Buy BTC

    • Oofy Doofy on 24/02/2023 - 17:53

      Lol if he had done this, he would have been rich beyond imagination. Wild.

      • umoddbro on 03/05/2023 - 04:02

        This post is 6 years old, really curious what OP ended up doing and how much has changed since then… Too bad OP hasn't logged in since posting this.

  • Lockieasy on 17/03/2017 - 15:29

    Join the Bikies! I hear they've had some openings lately so it's worth a literal shot.

    In all seriousness though, go travelling. If you don't want to do it alone then do a Contiki tour. I did one last year in South America and highly recommend it

  • Biance on 17/03/2017 - 17:27

    The STAT test is just one of the many ways to get into uni, considering that you didn't get the grades you needed on your first try, I wouldn't recommend waiting a year just to try again!

    The best option for you would seem to be a bridging course, as you have been out of study for a while. Every uni offers one that is basically identical, and will transfer between unis. They will teach you the skills you need to succeed in uni, and will get you in.

    Other options can be study at TAFE (not the most direct option though), or studying a few units through OUA. OUA will let basically anyone in, and you can use the study you do through them as your entrance into a local uni, and as credit towards your new degree.

    In terms of what to study, I recommend having a look through all the courses of offer and see if any peak your interest. A couple of ideas that come to mind would be:
    - Sport Science
    - Chiro/Physio
    - Games design/production - you do seem very interested in this field and you shouldn't discount it just because it is difficult to get a job. A lot of people who study these kind of courses will end up working with things less like the "games" they imagined when they started - but a much wider variety of programs and systems. (eg. 'games' to help with medical rehabilitation).

  • pao2x on 17/03/2017 - 18:05

    Migrated to Australia at 30 as a uni student with pocket money left after international student fees. Choose a field you want to work or study in. It is not too late, far from it.

    • TurkishDelight on 20/03/2017 - 20:46

      what did you end up studying?

      • pao2x on 21/03/2017 - 09:32

        Nursing, definitely not for everyone

  • Viderzo on 17/03/2017 - 19:52

    Plumbing apprenticeship​, you can make good money I think. I should know, my plumber charged me more than my accountant and almost as much as my lawyer! :)

  • Vallani on 17/03/2017 - 20:40
    +1

    You seem to have a good command of written (and presumably spoken) English. I am a lawyer and you communicate more clearly than many other lawyers I have dealt with in my career. This is a valuable skill, and I feel in the right environment it could be very useful.

    My suggestion would be to try to find an entry level job (it could be something as basic as data entry or a call centre rep) at a medium or large sized reputable company - larger businesses tend to offer more opportunities. It could be any industry but preferably one that interests you. Without a qualification you will probably have to start near the bottom but if you show initiative and take responsibility for your work (it's amazing how many employees do not) you will, over time, be able to rise through the ranks. Many, perhaps most positions can be learned on the job, and if you are doing well many businesses will support part time study.

    Anyway, good luck.

  • JV159 on 18/03/2017 - 00:25

    $200k in the bank, you're 30 and worked 2 shit jobs?
    Either you're full of it or you spend $0 since you turned 18. If you dont have a place of your own why have all the furniture? Coming on a site that caters for penny pinchers to ask how to spent your $200k.. Something doesnt add up.

    • follow on 18/03/2017 - 08:47

      Damn if you bothered reading, he saved $100k and inherited another $100k

      • JV159 on 18/03/2017 - 17:32
        +4

        I knew I was going to be in trouble when I saw someone replied to my comment. Aside from that, $200k is a pretty impressive amount to have at 30, why he's coming here for advice is beyond me. Most of us are tightarses. Where did it say he inherited half?

  • 1968 on 18/03/2017 - 00:46
    -2

    Haven't read the replies but why on earth would you keep 200k in the bank? Have you heard of investing? Invest some time in learning how to make your money work for you before you do any drastic career changes. Hint- property is not the only option. Don't follow the ponies on this one.
    Are your parents well off? Regardless I would offer them money to cover your rent and bills for all the years they have been supporting.
    Why have you not moved out? This is in my opinion the best way to grow up. While it's not financially the smartest option on paper, you learn so much it's worth it. I don't know how anyone can live with parents past 21 and there's so many reasons.

    • Oofy Doofy on 19/03/2017 - 16:29

      Safest place to park your money is in the bank, has been for a long while.

      Bring back late 2000's interest rates and OP wouldn't have needed to post here.

      • johndemonik on 20/03/2017 - 05:07

        What were they?

        • Oofy Doofy on 20/03/2017 - 13:50

          Savings accounts with 8% rates and bonus rates between 9 and 10%.

          Between that and working half the year would have been enough for the OP

  • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2017 - 09:56
    +3

    Crap boogies to all the above !

    Live a centrelink sponsored holiday for the next few years, substitute any short comings in whatever their payment is with your bank balance.

    You may need to hide the $200k off shore first.

    Ensure you convert your parents garage into a VR paradise and play video games 24/7 until you have a mid-life crisis.

    You Win !

    • johndemonik on 20/03/2017 - 05:08

      No need to hide anything, centrelink pays you the dole after a 3 month waiting period if you already have savings.

      • weezlebub on 21/03/2017 - 09:54

        Really? they told me i had to have less than 1500 in the bank when i applied for centrelink

        • johndemonik on 21/03/2017 - 10:18
          +1

          You apply for it first, then they ask for your assets amount and then take that into consideration for how long you have to wait before you start receiving anything. Not sure what it is now but it can be waiting for one or two weeks, but maximum 3 months. Just like a waiting list.

    • digitalbargain on 20/03/2017 - 20:52

      in case you seriously wanted to consider this: https://www.1843magazine.com/features/escape-to-another-worl…

  • serpserpserp on 18/03/2017 - 16:42
    +3

    My advice is to find the love of your life.

    • BartholemewH on 20/03/2017 - 10:42
      +4

      That'll help take care of the 200k lol.

      • TurkishDelight on 20/03/2017 - 20:53
        +1

        @bartholemewH bahahhaha yea as you said, finding a love would be to blow off his entire savings. Hahaha this was so funny, loved it.

        • weezlebub on 21/03/2017 - 09:55

          is she russian?

        • TurkishDelight on 21/03/2017 - 18:26

          @weezlebub: I don't know why but I am still laughing at his pun. Nah weezlebub there are plenty of sugar babies out there.

  • kewell on 18/03/2017 - 17:53

    Live a little

  • bumheadboi on 19/03/2017 - 09:27
    +1

    Travel? spend a year or 2 in SE Asia then after a while see if you want to move somewhere else. maybe some Europe cities?

  • azorax on 19/03/2017 - 09:59
    1. Tradie
    2. IT soft dev
    3. ADF (Try ADFA)
  • luxx on 19/03/2017 - 12:11
    +1

    Take a Trial Instructional Flight and see if becoming a pilot may be a job for you. It's not really a profession, not really a trade but takes a bit of everything to be successful. A good challenge. Plenty of guys and girls start later in life (can't afford it straight out of school) but the employment situation is getting better and better at the moment (might change quickly though).

    If you decide to give it a go, show discipline and put everything into it. Doing bits and pieces in dribs and drabs doesn't really work. It's a hard slog to get your first job and bit of experience, but if you are interested in it, it is rewarding.

    Want to do something a bit different? Go to South Africa for training. The Rand is crazy low at the moment and you can have very professional training (some schools are among the best in the world) for a fraction of the cost than in Australia. Plus, it'll really kick you out of your rut and comfort zone.

    • TurkishDelight on 20/03/2017 - 20:56
      +1

      I agree with "Want to do something a bit different? Go to South Africa for training. The Rand is crazy low at the moment and you can have very professional training (some schools are among the best in the world) for a fraction of the cost than in Australia. Plus, it'll really kick you out of your rut and comfort zone."

      but becoming a pilot? Nope Nope. Jobs are rare.

  • ASTROBOY18 on 19/03/2017 - 15:44

    Go to the UK. Shag some locals + Drink lots of booze. Come back when you're 30 all cultured after fathering some children.

    • TurkishDelight on 20/03/2017 - 20:57

      Tier 5 youth mobility Visa for UK.

  • andyando on 19/03/2017 - 17:08
    +1

    I wouldn't worry about university/tafe until you've exhausted all other options. There are plenty of entry level jobs in the corporate sector that you'd be able to apply for if you have decent PC skills. You just need to expect a 'junior' or entry level wage to start with, but wages would improve very quickly after your first couple of years.
    I would suggest looking into roles such as Junior Project Administrator or Project Management Officer etc.

  • jar-unit on 19/03/2017 - 20:08
    +2

    I recommend travelling! read this: http://vagabonding.net/ ; while you still can

  • daleyboy79 on 20/03/2017 - 14:53

    Put the whole 200k on Winx next time she runs … easiest $40k you'll ever make in 2 mins

  • PeteM on 01/04/2017 - 16:21

    My first suggestion is find something you enjoy or can be passionate about. I know it can be hard to get an apprenticeship at 30, I've had experience with that. If you're seriously considering the ADF hit me up with anything you want to know and I will give you the honest answers, as opposed to the recruiting answers. Don't think it's all Darwin and Canberra, it really depends on service and job.
    You've mentioned ADF a few times so I will point out a few highlights:
    In most roles you will have the option of renting your own place and your rent is capped at apprx $450 per fortnight.(provided you rent a place within that regions rent cap)
    You will get tons of training for free, and some jobs will get you a qualification.
    You get paid quite good super 16.4%, although not as high as it used to be on the old scheme.
    Free medical and dental

    Considerations:
    You're 30, So going back to training kind of feels like going back to high school. You'll be an old man in training but it does have it's perks.
    You will have a minimum period of service.
    You have to sign a document agreeing that someone can order you to your death in a time of war.
    You may move around alot, but this depends on job and service. You can just as easily spend 6+ years in one location.
    You may be deployed overseas, but usually not more than 6 months at a time.
    Some people get screwed because they are fed BS when choosing a job.

  • l005e on 19/11/2022 - 09:27
    -1

    any crypto?

  • l005e on 22/03/2023 - 10:38
    -1

    Bitcoin

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