Shooter......that's sound advice!
I managed to do most of those things prior to becoming somewhat responsible....
Let's see:
Went to college out of high school because parents told me I must! Mind you, they wouldn't allow me to take up an aviation degree even though that's all I wanted to do. WELL, NEEDLESS TO SAY, that didn't work out to well. I did very poorly and eventually dropped out and joined the Marines. Lots of great experience there, let me tell you.
Then, after I wised up a bit....I left all the B.S. of the military behind me and worked as a landscaper in the summer and a ski instructor in the winter! What a life, very care-free, didn't make much money, but was definitely having fun. Ok, one can't be a ski bum for ever!
Then, I finally went back to college <<<PENN STATE>>>. Did a study abroad in Eastborne, England (on the south coast), highly recommend a study abroad......what a blast! Then, go figure, I eventually finished my Bachelor's degree.....whew, about time! But, no real jobs for someone with a B.S. in Kinesiology....on to Grad. school. Received a Masters in Prosthetics from Northwestern Med. School.....worked in the field for a couple years and decided it wasn't really me. Good money, but who wants to work in a medical clinic.....not much of a view from the office....
Certainly not like the view from the front seat at FL
xxx !
After all, had I followed my dreams (ie. don't let parents talk you out of following your heart) of becoming a pilot my life story might be different. That said, although my story might be different, I wouldn't have all the life skills and experiences that make me who I am!
I wish I'd become a pilot earlier in life (now 32). But, at the same time, like I said previously, I have lived life to the fullest thus far and plan to continue to do so.
So I'm 32, it's not too late to follow my original dream of flying professionally. I quit my job about 9 months ago and started flying back in January. This, of course, much to the chagrin of my family....but, hell, I'm 32 and I make my own damn decisions regarding my life. Not 17 anymore and subject to the parental unit's wishes! So, I now have my commercial multi and single and am working on my instructor ratings now. Should be airline/ corporate ready in another year or so...certainly older than I would like....but not to old to disqualify me.
I might be broke, but every day I'm in the airplane, I realize why I'm there.....it makes me happy and I'm doing what I've always wanted to do.
And that my friend, is all that matters!!!!!!!!
Here's to living life to the fullest and not regreting anything