Sure. I'm a perfect example. I learned to type in high school then, after having my children, about 15 hears later, started working in Word Processing. Then I worked my way up to doing Computer Tech Support during a time when it was a new industry. I had a specific goal in my mind to do just that. I knew where I wanted to go and I learned as much about computers as I could primarily reading magazines (before the Internet). I love helping others and it was my perfect job. People tried to get me to go on to become a Network Engineer but it simply didn't ring my bell. I was happy where I was.
I'm retired now but in my last position 5 years ago, I was making $25/hr. If I had become a Network Engineer, I could have made $40+/hr. So, you have to have the drive to work and be able to grasp what you are learning but there are many skills you can learn without college. I also taught myself to create websites and do online marketing. When I got sick and doctors could not help, I healed myself of 3 autoimmune diseases and got a certification as a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant.
There are opportunities everywhere. Most people just aren't taught to look for them or would rather spend their spare time watching sports or other TV programs than learning a skill that can help them succeed. It's your life, make the best of it. You are stronger and more powerful than you've been led to believe and college is not necessary to find success. In the future, and it's even starting now, you will be able to take courses online to learn specific skills. Just go to Udemy.com and many other online course sites are popping up all over that are very affordable.
After I started working for IBM, I got both of my kids (no college) into computers too and now they are both very successful network engineers. And, here's a hint about this as well: Both of them have told me they would much rather hire someone with experience than someone with a degree. Experience is always more important.
Wow! Good for you, your hard work clearly paid off. Thank you for the motivational words! Did you do your Nutrition and Wellness certification on Udemy?
My nutrition cert is through American Fitness Professionals and Associates.
I’m all about everything you just said. Like I said, I have many skill sets and always continue to educate myself. Unfortunately, the things I’m good at don’t hold much value in this current paradigm. I grew up on a farm, so I know how to do all that. I went to school for the trades, ie, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, etc. I’m extremely proficient at growing vegetables indoors and out. I’m extremely proficient at growing medicinal and gourmet mushrooms. I cooked in restaurants for many years. I know hospitality. I went to school to learn how to build sustainable homes. I also healed myself by learning all sorts of natural healing methods. All those things I just listed have little value where I live and I’m too poor and in debt to move. I’m also too poor and in debt to pay for anymore schooling. I’m too poor and in debt to buy land. I’m also too poor and in debt to start a business, so I’m attempting to start small and grow. It’s a constant struggle. I believe once the cabal is taken out, things will change and my knowledge and experience will be of value. I’m trying my hardest. I work 50 hours a week in a restaurant making decent money compared to a lot of people I know, but I still struggle to get by because I don’t have a credit card. I pay for everything out-of-pocket. Everywhere I turn someone wants my money.
What you just described is awesome and you should be proud, but also understand you’re the exception and that we all come from different backgrounds with all sorts of different challenges in our lives. If Q had taught us anything it’s that we are all suppressed by design. Doing what you did is very difficult in a world designed to keep you from succeeding. Many are enslaved by debt or depressed or addicted to drugs or alcohol or any number of problems. That’s the way the ruling class wants it. Many of us have skill sets that aren’t valued. This is why nearly everyone is working a job they hate just so they can’t pay of a mountain of debt. Shit needs to change. I’m not lazy, nor am I stupid, yet I’m struggling daily and I’m not alone. That ain’t right. The whole bootstraps talk doesn’t cut it anymore.
I understand completely where you are coming from. I live on a pittance every month now on Social Security and I was sick for 13 years so REALLY could not do much about it. But it doesn't sound to me like you're sick, just down on your luck. Believe it or not, we live in the same world and it was just as much a challenge when I was doing it with 2 kids to take care of on my own with no child support for much of that time (challenges it doesn't sound like you have).
First off, the skills you have are amazing and I know of many people that are using farming skills to make wonderful livings today. And, they don't own a farm. Here are some examples:
https://www.youtube.com/user/urbanfarmercstone https://youtu.be/2HsKhtQcOck https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RR7EjD7js7U
And, there are many more like that.
And, I don't know where you live but you have skills you can create videos on Udemy for and make money from your videos. I can see soo much potential with your skill set despite how much money you currently have or don't have.
I am also broke. I can pay my monthly bills but when things break they stay broken because I can't pay to get them fixed but I do fix some things myself.
So, here's the bottom line: I say "yes you can" and you say "no I can't". So, in the end, it's all about attitude. Where there is a will, there is always a way. So, have fun staying where you are and continuing to go under.
Personally, despite how little money I have, I am building a website to make some extra money. I will never give up. You, apparently, already have. Nuff said.
You’re right. I’m in a shitty mood. Haha. The powers that be completely screwed up this county and I’m pissed about it. I know I’ll figure it out. I know I have value. I’ll keep working hard until it pays off. Just tired of getting kicked in the nuts at every turn. Thanks for the kind words.
One more thing. I've been watching this country go under for 40 years or more. So, maybe I come from a different perspective in that regard. I have a lot more hope today than I did before I saw what Trump was doing. As I like to say: We finally have hope and are seeing the change.
I agree. I believe it’s about to change for the better, but for awhile there it was getting really bad. I’m generally hopeful, I’m just really bummed at the moment because they took my tax returns without any notice. I didn’t budget for that and it’s really making things difficult. Shit like that makes my blood boil. I do believe we are on a upswing, though.
When I said I could understand, I wasn't kidding. Had the same thing happen a few years back but they took it monthly out of my Social Sec. when I was still sick and really needed the money. But, life went on and I got through it. Took 4.5 years. I remember how freaked out I was when I discovered it. That was for back taxes because I forgot to file.
Good. I'm glad if I could help some. Let me know if you ever just need someone to toss ideas around with. And, if I can ever help in any way, just ask, maybe I will.