There seems to be a host of things that I have said that have given the impression that I'm in my situation because of bad choices. I think that takes a little clarification and rather than do that anywhere else, I figured this would be a good spot. That way, only those who care to know, can check it out
Born to drug addicts in the 70s. Raised myself until I went homeless at 16 when I ran away from home after being sexually exploited, raped, beaten, molested, while being passed between family members.
At 17, I was working and began dating the only man close to my age I knew who had a job. I applied for college, but was told my parents had to sign everything because I was underage, even though I had already graduated.
My biggest mistake:
3 years later we were married and I had my first kid. We had 2 more children together over the next 9 years. I raised them in a series of churches (changing when we moved) to avoid giving them the life I had.
When my oldest hit 11, I applied for college. My ex was a bastard, and my 11 yr.old tried to kill himself. I dropped college to take care of him.
I excelled in certain jobs after the kids reached school age. Became a manager in every job I held--in one case, Executive Director.
Between 2010 and 2018--everyone in my family died (aside from one elderly aunt) and my best friend. I was overwhelmed with the duties of burying them all--as I am the only one in my generation since none of the aunts and uncles had kids.
At 49, I chose to end my bad marriage. My youngest, the one I was most worried about, said, "It's about time!" I gave my ex too many "chances" to get his rage under control. Considering my history with abuse, self-esteem was a long-term issue.
I took a year to get counseling and sort out the issues from that marriage. I chose to leave Wisconsin and relocate to Washington where my children live.
At 50, I enrolled in college--finally realizing a lifelong dream.
I chose not to be a manager as I understand the 40+ hours that takes from previous experience and want to focus on studies. I could 'rough' it for the years needed to get my degree because I've been in worse and lived on less. Plus, I don't have the same energy as I did at 20.
So there we have it, how at 51 one can end up in college and not be wealthy. I believe it's probably lingering self-esteem issues that prompted this post. I shouldn't care that the reputation I have here could be tarnished by those who see people based on the content of their bank accounts and not on their character. I shouldn't--but I do because aside from this forum, I have no other social media presence. I'm not on Facebook anymore, Twitter, or anywhere else. I have no family (aside from my kids) or friends because of relocating.
This is it for me--and I appreciate the wonderful and warm welcome many others have given me. Thank you for that--it is appreciated!
Born to drug addicts in the 70s. Raised myself until I went homeless at 16 when I ran away from home after being sexually exploited, raped, beaten, molested, while being passed between family members.
At 17, I was working and began dating the only man close to my age I knew who had a job. I applied for college, but was told my parents had to sign everything because I was underage, even though I had already graduated.
My biggest mistake:
3 years later we were married and I had my first kid. We had 2 more children together over the next 9 years. I raised them in a series of churches (changing when we moved) to avoid giving them the life I had.
When my oldest hit 11, I applied for college. My ex was a bastard, and my 11 yr.old tried to kill himself. I dropped college to take care of him.
I excelled in certain jobs after the kids reached school age. Became a manager in every job I held--in one case, Executive Director.
Between 2010 and 2018--everyone in my family died (aside from one elderly aunt) and my best friend. I was overwhelmed with the duties of burying them all--as I am the only one in my generation since none of the aunts and uncles had kids.
At 49, I chose to end my bad marriage. My youngest, the one I was most worried about, said, "It's about time!" I gave my ex too many "chances" to get his rage under control. Considering my history with abuse, self-esteem was a long-term issue.
I took a year to get counseling and sort out the issues from that marriage. I chose to leave Wisconsin and relocate to Washington where my children live.
At 50, I enrolled in college--finally realizing a lifelong dream.
I chose not to be a manager as I understand the 40+ hours that takes from previous experience and want to focus on studies. I could 'rough' it for the years needed to get my degree because I've been in worse and lived on less. Plus, I don't have the same energy as I did at 20.
So there we have it, how at 51 one can end up in college and not be wealthy. I believe it's probably lingering self-esteem issues that prompted this post. I shouldn't care that the reputation I have here could be tarnished by those who see people based on the content of their bank accounts and not on their character. I shouldn't--but I do because aside from this forum, I have no other social media presence. I'm not on Facebook anymore, Twitter, or anywhere else. I have no family (aside from my kids) or friends because of relocating.
This is it for me--and I appreciate the wonderful and warm welcome many others have given me. Thank you for that--it is appreciated!
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