Things Old People Say (but no one is listening)

I remember when I was a teenager, my stepfather would tell me things, lots of things. He would always start of by saying, "I know you aren't going to listen, but..." or "I know you are going to think I am full of shit, but..." and then he would go on to tell me wisdom he had gained through living.  Not education, but wisdom, because he wasn't a highly educated man.

Wisdom is something the last generation strives to infuse the new generation with.  Wisdom is also often ignored by the next generation who are busy trying to use their intellect and "do stuff".

But for those who want some wisdom, or just want kvetch on how no one is listening to your bits of hard won knowledge, you can follow me over the jump.

No one has to give you a break

That doesn't mean they won't.  It means be fucking grateful when they do.  I see too many people today that think that they should get special treatment, that somehow the rules don't apply to them.  You are special...just like everybody else.

I had a Boss that gave me a break once.  She covered for me when I didn't call in late for work.  She told me that if I ever did it again she would hang my ass out to dry.  I was ashamed for putting her in the position of covering for me and I was grateful that she cut me slack.  I was very careful to never do that to her again.

Work Hard

I got where I was by being smart and being a workhorse.  If you have to spend 8 hours at work make them count.  You might not get a promotion out of it, but at least you will know you did a good job.  My hard work did not pay off in every job, but it did in enough to get me from 0-60 eventually.

The Decisions made between 16 and 24 are going to affect you for the rest of your life

These are the years where every decision you make could change the entire arc of your life.  College, no college, pregnancy, geographic location, grades, military, etc.  Everything you do, every class you take might be the difference between vacations to Disneyland and vacations to Europe.  They could be the difference between spam or steak.  Seriously.

Being Poor Sucks

I know that you know this, but unless you have been poor, it is just a theory.  Being poor sucks on far more levels that you would believe.  So many options are closed to you, so many barriers are put in your way.  Being poor is expensive.  Credit rates are higher, you pay far more for major purchases unless you save the cash.  You get more tickets in a crappy car than a new one.  Replacing one tire at a time usually costs more in the long run.

Tying back to the earlier point, decisions made when young may affect you forever, especially in the "being poor" department.

Take care of your teeth

I know, this sounds silly next to the others, but I am telling you this is  very important.  Starting in the 1970s, braces and dental work became commonplace.  The membership badge of the middle class is straight white teeth.  People can overcome this hurdle, but why place hurdles in your path if you can avoid them?  Take care of your teeth, people notice.

I work for the Government, and one of the benefits is a 2,500 lifetime orthodontic benefit.  I have seen many adults get braces as soon as they get on with the government...they know, and now you do too.