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I was married at 23, already an established work-a-holic, making good money in an oil refinery. I had 2 kids, and was saving/investing the entire time. At 29, my wife had some affairs, and beta me moved her back to her home state to solve our marital problems. After the divorce, I had all of my investments (properties that I was snowballing the income to purchase more. I was buying one rental a year) and full custody of my sons. I was 30 years old. How did I spend the next 15 years.............

From 30 to 40 I trained MMA, bounced at a night club, continued to snowball my income for more properties, and played WoW. From 40 to 45, I trained MMA, bounced at a night club, continued to snowball my income, and smoked weed. (First time I ever touched it, I was 40.

After 2 weeks to flatten the curve, 30% of tenants stopped paying rent. After Trump failed re-election, I liquidated with the belief that nothing would get better, and inflation will eat any profit from rents, as repair costs grow. I took the money, and 'prepped'.

Today, I can't train MMA because hospitals won't see me for non life threatening injuries, (no vax) and I can't work a nightclub for the same reasons. Though I can eat for years, have no debt, sturdy car, as well as everything else I'll need for at least 5 years, I have no skills that are valuable for todays climate. I don't have any skills that allow me to work under the table for any meaningful wage. I'm basically grunt labor.

Young men of today... invest in yourself. Choose a passionate hobby, and a practical one. Humble yourself, and never, NEVER think your situation won't change. Plan on it.

This isn't a sob story, as I'm not needing for anything..... at this moment.. but without a skill set, were I to just sit here and let this stay a fact, I'd be fucked. As it is, I'm now competing with a younger, more knowledgeable work force just to get a toe in a door that will lead to anything meaningful.

I was married at 23, already an established work-a-holic, making good money in an oil refinery. I had 2 kids, and was saving/investing the entire time. At 29, my wife had some affairs, and beta me moved her back to her home state to solve our marital problems. After the divorce, I had all of my investments (properties that I was snowballing the income to purchase more. I was buying one rental a year) and full custody of my sons. I was 30 years old. How did I spend the next 15 years............. From 30 to 40 I trained MMA, bounced at a night club, continued to snowball my income for more properties, and played WoW. From 40 to 45, I trained MMA, bounced at a night club, continued to snowball my income, and smoked weed. (First time I ever touched it, I was 40. After 2 weeks to flatten the curve, 30% of tenants stopped paying rent. After Trump failed re-election, I liquidated with the belief that nothing would get better, and inflation will eat any profit from rents, as repair costs grow. I took the money, and 'prepped'. Today, I can't train MMA because hospitals won't see me for non life threatening injuries, (no vax) and I can't work a nightclub for the same reasons. Though I can eat for years, have no debt, sturdy car, as well as everything else I'll need for at least 5 years, I have no skills that are valuable for todays climate. I don't have any skills that allow me to work under the table for any meaningful wage. I'm basically grunt labor. Young men of today... invest in yourself. Choose a passionate hobby, and a practical one. Humble yourself, and never, NEVER think your situation won't change. Plan on it. This isn't a sob story, as I'm not needing for anything..... at this moment.. but without a skill set, were I to just sit here and let this stay a fact, I'd be fucked. As it is, I'm now competing with a younger, more knowledgeable work force just to get a toe in a door that will lead to anything meaningful.

(post is archived)

[–] • 12 pts

Become a personal trainer

[–] [deleted] • 7 pts

and/or open your own MMA/Jiu-Jitsu/martial arts gym. My son goes to one and they are packed with people. One or two people wear masks, and it is hilarious seeing a guy with a mask wrestle on the floor with someone not wearing a mask.

[–] • 2 pts

🤣 can't fix stupid. That's wonderful for your son, discipline and strength are keys to success in all aspects of life. For the poster, it could open up endless possibilities

[–] [deleted] • 6 pts

This isn't a bad idea...... thank you.

[–] • 2 pts

This is a great suggestion.

[–] • 5 pts

Basic electrical repairs are easy to do and easy to learn. You can make some nice side money doing things like replacing outlets and switches on the sly by charging way less than an electrician.

[–] • 3 pts

Shhhh... they need a licensed electrician at $100 an hour.... stop shitting in my nest stupid bird!

[–] • 2 pts

These aren't people that are going to be calling an electrician. These are the idiots that will try to DIY and not understand why the narrow prong is connected to the black wire.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

That's a hot take

[–] • 2 pts

This is precisely why I share as many neautrals as possible and love seeing delta Y high leg configurations. I don't like idiots doing their own work.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Simple electrical, deck building, fence building...we hired neighbor unemployed due to vax and saved $$$$

[–] • 2 pts

This is good, just be careful as youd need a license for electrical work in many areas which could land you in a bit of a pickle.

[–] • 4 pts

Yes, but you can also do repairs for friends and foafs on the sly.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

many area's like plumbing also you can do the work then have a licensed pro come in and pay them to inspect and sign off on the work you do before closing up the wall. It will cost you but far less then them busting ass and dragging out reels of conduct and more junction boxes and shit.

I assisted an electician for a short time. I can't even remember how many times I climbed up a hill the truck was parked about a 100 ft away and a 30 degree or so incline to climb to go back and get shit. If I grabbed the wrong thing I had to go back to the back of the truck and get the proper item, the lesson was, climb the fucking hill again dumbass, is what I said in my head to myself. It was in the 80's and I was already drenched but far younger than today.

[–] • 1 pt

Don't want to be installing electrical that will catch fire later. There are subtleties.

[–] • 5 pts

If you are a decent worker with a good head on your shoulders (which you seem to be), you shouldn't have any problem getting a trade job where you can learn on the job as you go. I pay $16/hour to start for 18 year old kids....I'd offer a guy like you at least $18 to start if you walked through my door....and that is having no experience with what we do. If you are worth your salt and learn reasonably quick, you'd be making $26/hour within 2 years with benefits AND you could do side work for cash.

Do the same as above, but with a company that operates heavy machinery and in 2 years you're making over $30/hour.

Take some welding classes and after 6 months of that get a job welding pipe somewhere. After 18 months of that, move to Houston and get a job on an oil rig working 28 days on, 28 days off. You'll make 6 figures.

There are plenty of avenues to decent/good paying jobs out there still, even at 45. Good Luck.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Welding didn't even cross my mind. I did 2 years of welding in high school, and remember enjoying it. Made a dinosaur using brass brazing. This will definitely get some thought. Thank you.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Yeah, welding you do at home and no contact except with the customer is short or online mostly through a webcam just to do basic planning till your hands on then it's just they check the work and you collect payment or change something then get paid. Always cars to fix and even a factory will pay out of spare cash or owners pocket if the price is right for machinery or building welding repairs. I'd try that but you'd have to advertise likely word of mouth is really effective to have friends just name drop when they see some job you can weld or other skill you might think of late on.

[–] • 4 pts

Learn to repair bicycles and/or single stroke engines. Get into HAM radio, learn the hobby well, and get some friends to teach you electronics while self-studying.

It is NEVER too late unless you are dead or have given up.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

I don't give up....

[–] • 2 pts

Nah, doesn't sound like it. Keep it up, brother.

[+] [deleted] • 2 pts
[–] • 3 pts

Maybe there's something there for you.

[–] • 3 pts

I think you're overlooking your personal finance aptitude and real estate experience.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Good comment too bad it was buried

[–] • 1 pt

I don't poal very well.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

That's what she said

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Just wondering - What skill set are you now trying to develop?

[–] [deleted] • 3 pts

During the first year I worked at a gun store. Now I'm looking at some mechanic courses. Also.... sounds corny... but sewing. I think I'd do well at sewing.

[–] [deleted] • 5 pts

During the first year I worked at a gun store. Now I'm looking at some mechanic courses. Also.... sounds corny... but sewing. I think I'd do well at sewing.

Are you somewhere people are into hot rods? Upholstery can be interesting and profitable work... If they keep this going long enough there will be a massive black market with plenty of niches to fill and you should be able to do as well or better than before...

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

This was my thinking as well. Sewing opens me up for auto interiors, as well as clothing/awning/sail etc repairs. Just a good old fashion skill to have.

[–] • 5 pts

Hey bro, I know if thrown shit at you in the past, and believe me its in good fun as i actually like and respect you quite a bit. Now, listen to me very carefully here- you say you are learning to sew. If you are anywhere near the water and thus near people that own boats: learn how to make boat canvas and covers/bimini/upholstery there is always an enormous market for this and all you need is a quality sewing machine. People that own boats typically have money as a boat is more a hobby to people and will pay well for good service. If you decide sewing, do it for the marine industry and you will do very well. Godspeed dude.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Learn to code.

Somewhat serious recommendation.

Also, learn leather work. I’d recommended this to somebody else here not long ago, but prep larpers and bugout wannabes throw money at the “cool shit” they see online. I know a guy local to me that makes millions selling flashlights to idiots for hundreds a pop after making a name for himself and only releasing a limited supply. Get known and you’re set.

[–] • 3 pts

Being able to do basic leather craft would dovetail nicely with sewing, esp. as regards nautical applications. Figure a machine that csn punch through 1/8 to 1/4 leather. Gun cases, slings, holsters and repairs are an avenue as well.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Repairing guns is a good albeit selective market.

[–] • 2 pts

At least quit the weed. I live with two potheads, and they are pathetic to me. I used to be one, and everything in my life got better after I quit.

[–] [deleted] • 3 pts

That's what I'm working on now. I was able to get away with smoking it for the last few years without feeling like a loser because of how active I was, and how I felt I had my shit together. For the last 2 years, it's been a crutch that I have to conquer.

[–] • 2 pts

Weed is a nigger drug. Sobriety is king, King. You can do it.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Why do you have to conquer this crutch. If it relaxes you, if it makes you feel more alive, if you still get your shit done right consistently then take that worry off the table. I do not think it's stupid to worry about it but just monitor yourself like monthly or if something happens ask if weed had ruined something for you because of weed not you but the weed was the only reason then you slow or stop using it but it's not like meth or heroine or pain killers it's just there like a couple of beers but unlike alcohol your still in control and no DT's or other addictive bullshit and damage alcohol does to the body and the mind.

I'd just toss that worry to the side and not worry so much and if it's still bugging you find out the amount you smoke a day and cut that in half or just use a bit less till you're happy with yourself. Like the Arch Linux motto KISS, keep it simple stupid. I use that all the time and my life is a bit less stressful and happier as a result so play it by ear but please do worry, it's unhealthy so just relax and enjoy and keep doing what your doing keep growing as a man.

[–] • 2 pts

Grow your own food to stretch out your savings longer

[–] • 1 pt

That is a great write up. Thanks.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Take a deep breath, I personally don’t understand a cause for alarm. Feeling unfulfilled is a good thing because then you will strive for more. Embrace it like you have been. I’ve read the comments and you mentioned that you’re looking to start a new profession. I was working as a mechanic for many years... I would like to point out that most of my coworkers had serious habits, like smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, drinking, meth, H. On top of that to be competitive you’ll need at least $15,000 in tools. Most shops will pay you flat rate which is really just a scam, either it’s not enough time (to finish the job) or your waiting for some bs like parts, service writer. Working on your own car can save you a ton of money, I just don’t see it as profitable when doing it for a job. Construction is where it’s at. Even ripping off shingles pays good. Or get into being a helper for a mason. If you want to dive deep into construction look into what older houses need, like 100 year old houses. A lot of them have cedar siding and trim that needs replacement/ repair. Many won’t touch it because it sorta a dying art (and very difficult compared to the easy money like roofing) Sewing - upholstery but I’ve seen every major city have at least one old timer locking in that market. I can’t imagine there’s more work. Personally I’m working on making custom clothes. Though I don’t see it as a business venture atm. I’m not going to give away all the details but I will say one thing is that almost all new clothes are made out of polyester. 100% cotton is where it’s at.

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