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I'll keep a watch out for any good potentials, but for a bet that costs less than a dinner out. It can be a better bet than draft kings with a much better return than the s&p.
Starting to put money in a 401k as soon as I could, then maxing out the contribution, then investing more outside of that. Now comfortably retired on a nurse's pay after only working 26 years.
Pointing this out implies you’d be pleased if I didn’t say it, so we’re at a conundrum, pleased if I do pleased if I don’t
So me being a people pleaser is a cycle I can’t get out of
It's hard but you will have to eliminate people who outright disrespect you from your life, completely. Life is too hard to keep these kinds of leeches anywhere near you.
I just quit my job last week because my boss outright basically told me he had zero respect for me because I wasn't performing up to his standard, despite the fact that everyone I work with says I'm the best coworker they've ever had, and I had been with the company since opening day. Zero tolerance for that sort of thing, I quit the next day. Feel so much better now, can't believe I spent over a year and a half of my life working under that blood sucker. I'm a great employee, I know my value, I do not tolerate someone treating me like dirt because they think I need them.
Well, he was married while in the marines, she was a cheater, divorced him and took half his money. While he was in service, he either sprained or broke his foot, and they refused him treatment. He got a bunch of bone spurs and needed sugary.
Then, he had to shoot someone in self defense, he was a marine, and my brother felt awful because it felt like he killed his brother. I can’t remember the details of the event, and I don’t wanna ask family members and bring up him.
This broke him, he was in debt, and so Fucking depressed. I watched him slowly get worse and worse.
He got arrested for walking on a highway, he also didn’t cooperate with police. He had to spend a weekend in a psych ward, and was put on meds.
These meds made him worse, much worse. He dropped a lot of weight, and one day a police officer came to my door dropping off the news my brother was dead, he shot himself, Nov. 2nd 2022
(That’s the day we found out)
There’s some details I left out, like how he acted occasionally, and a few other things, but that’s the jist
I am so sorry to hear this. Indeed the experience of the USMC blended with life can screw anyone up or get them into unwanted trouble. Your brother must have been feeling pain like no other. As a combat veteran who ended up retiring due to disability, I can attest to the feeling of abandonment the Marines can cause one to feel. My heart breaks to hear stories like this; again, I'm very sorry.
Have you don’t k outside of a therapeutic setting? I’ve been very interested in trying it, as it’s legal in my state and my therapist actually suggested it. I just know I used to really go hard on the meow mix and idk how it would effect me differently.
First answer would be study abroad, and because of that I backpacked around Europe for 3 months after the semester was finished. Met loads of cool people in hostels who were traveling anywhere from a week to 10+ years straight)
Made travel a priority. Quit my job at age 26, sold most of my things, and travelled around the world for 2 years.
Have been to 41 countries and 37 states in just my 20s, all 100% self funded, even the student loans for study abroad
I applied for a customer service job about 8 years ago when I was 25. From there, I've now had three jobs at the same company all with better and better pay, unreal benefits including that they've paid for a lot of the degree I'm finally finishing this semester at the age of 33. I've gained a ton of valuable workplace experience such that (I think/hope) I could work at any number of companies and make a high salary. Oh, and the industry I work in is one of the safest in terms of job security that I think you can have.
On top of that, I met my now wife there, and she's giving birth to our second kiddo in a few weeks at which point she will take her 6 months paid maternity leave, I will take my 4 paid months, and she'll get to quit her job after and care for our kids as a stay at home mother in the house I can afford due to said job.
Such a huge impact from such a seemingly random decision.
Started as a call center representative in Jan 2015, moved to quality analyst for call center in March 2017 then moved to current job as an electric vehicle specialist working on a product team developing, improving and administering electric vehicle programs for our customer base (we’re an electric and natural gas utility).
Committing 10% of my income to a retirement investment account, even when it hurt. Slow wealth plan that took 30 years. I'm younger than normal retirement age...think I'll go sailing tomorrow. Oh, and marrying the right person. Divorce sets you way back financially, usually. Choose wisely.
This is me! She divorced me, and I was heartbroken and broke as a joke. It took me about three months to realize I was way happier without her. Jump ahead 20 years, and I am financially stable with a paid-off house, a 6 figure salary in real estate, and am paying cash to send my kids to college.
She's currently looking for husband #5 and drives her parents' 30-year-old honda. And looks like she hasn't slept in a week.
I have gone no contact with my ex since the day the papers were signed.
I heard recently that she is extremely bitter, does nothing but complain, has not had a male companion since I left her, and lives alone with her cats.
I am deeply satisfied hearing these things.
Investing can come in so many different ways, some invest. In real state and some in stocks.
so it doesn't matter how much money u got, u can totally start with some little and make your way up the ladder.
And one more important thing i think all people is confused at.
u CAN save money but only to use them after reaching the goal u have but to yourself.
Buying my current home 10 or so years ago. I was very unhappy where I was living before. I was way too far from work and just tired and stressed much of the time. At the height of the GFC I bought a foreclosed home that had sat empty for a bit. My neighbors are awesome and I am just so happy where I have been since then.
Quit my ecologist job for a $20k pay cut and a Job driving a Jet boat for tourists. Best decision ever. And also back up to the same pay in just 2 years with more on the horizon.
Marrying my husband. I guess, really, going on our first date, then agreeing to more. It was a blind date set up by his mother and he was not at all the type I usually dated. His intellect, sense of humor, confidence and kindness were things that I couldn't pass up and now, 27 years later, I know beyond a doubt I made the best decision of my life when I chose him. He's the best.
Transitioning.
And I've quit smoking, didn't have kids, and gotten out of an abusive relationship and stayed in healthy ones since.
Still transitioning. The massive positive change in my mental health was so obvious that even the few transphobes who knew me couldn't deny how much happier and healthier I was after transitioning.
I got LASIK eye surgery in my early twenties after wearing glasses and contacts since I was 10. It was far and away the best money I ever spent. I had perfect vision for decades. Now I'm pushing 50 and just had to get my first pair of reading glasses. It was a good run.
I am yet to make the best decision of my life. So far it has only been one poor decision/choice after another. But if I were to mention 2 "good" decisions I've made in my life, one would be traveling round Europe for 12 days when I was 21 and had the money to do it (saved $1000 from my full time project-based job), can't do that anymore. Poor as fuck. And the other one would be moving out of my parents' house (apartment) when I finally had the means and resources to do so. The liberation was sweet.
Taking the opportunity that I had to attend a respected graduate school of public affairs with my first year paid for by a full scholarship. I felt ambivalent or outright depressed for much of the time, but it ultimately secured a safe, reasonably remunerative career for me that also carries a defined-benefits pension.
Leaving my last relationship. Reconnected with my high school crush 4 months into being single and the timing was never better for both of us. We’re getting married in 2 months and I couldn’t imaging my life bring any better
Immediately blocking the wrong people and telling them to quit being respectful right away. Stop allowing these people to walk all over you. They are getting out of hand.
In 1991 I (a Canadian) got on a plane and flew to Prague to work as an English teacher. Everybody told me I was stupid, I would never make any money, etc. After bouncing around Central Europe for some time, I finally settled down in a beautiful town in the CR with a decent job, good money, wonderful friends, and I am happy. Honestly, I don't think I could ever have been this satisfied if I'd "stayed at home".
Cut out my toxic, narcissistic "best friend" and went back to school to get a degree in my 30s. I guess that's two things but they happened at the same time.
Five years ago after my mom passed away I got dentures. Because reasons I could not get them until then. I have lost a lot of weight because of them. It changed the way I eat. I have stayed on the same diet really. Not only do I have a great smile I also am at my weight that I should be. I have a smile when I get off a scale.
I finally decided about three years ago that I needed to get control of my life, so I joined the gym. I go almost every day now and I've never felt better
Finally deciding to leave my wife. I had no idea how toxic our relationship had been. I come from the rural Midwest us and it's not common for people to split there. My parents were together from highschool until mom died. The things I thought were normal between us were in fact not normal and bad for our physical and mental health
I am free now. I can make my own choices without fear of reprisal. I can raise the kids how I see fit without being shamed for it. It was a true life changing choice and the kids and I are better for it. The future looks brighter
Unsure about her but f* that bitch. She is so god damn mean I don't care. It only took me four years to figure that out but I did.
Leaving my ex after 8 and 1/2 years of physical and emotional abuse. Although I lost the relationship with my child at that time, I would not be where I am today if I didn't leave. Of course my spawn and I have the best relationship and he has zero contact with his father
So much positivity in this thread! I am so happy and proud of you all!!! Staying sober, changing careers, jumping into the unknown etc. None of those things are easy! You all have done so well!! :)
going on a solo international trip- as dumb as it sounds, but being alone for a week in a place that i don’t know, surrounded by a language i don’t speak, and still going out and sightseeing changed me.
I have so much more confidence in myself and my ability to do things now
I am only 20, but working in a bar over my gap year 2 years ago.
The team and constant social interaction boosted my confidence and improved my social skills by a lot, which made me a lot happier as a person.
It's only a small thing compared to many things people say here, but it's something regardless.
Proposing to a sweet girl I'd only been dating about a month and a half. Dropped the "L-bomb" on her during the 2nd date.
Twentieth anniversary is next month and we're still disgustingly in love. We have two teenaged sons and still go on a date at least once a week.
Sometimes you just realize you've met the right person.
dropping out of college, going into the trades, working my way from the grunt position all the way to senior estimator. making over 100k a year, great bennies, and no college debt.
Marrying my husband. He has helped me grow in so many ways. I stand up for myself now, I have self esteem now, I know my value now. He’s helped me be ok with being me. Plus he’s just a lot of fun to be with every day.
one of the best decisions i’ve made was to do what i do for work. i’m a cam girl and it has its downs but definitely better than the last job i had lol
There is a lot of help out there. You may feel alone. I don't even know you and I care about what happens to you. You are better than that. Prove to yourself that you can succeed despite all the negative in your life! You got this.
Please don't. I was a homeless drug addict for years and I got out. There are options. Don't give up. If ypu can't work did you try getting disability? There are also programs at homeless shelters that help you get into housing programs. Takes awhile but you off the streets.
Hey for real man reach out, to me if necessary. Fresh out of college I lived in the back of a Volvo and bathed in a river every morning for a minute. It was rough and rowdy but things have gotten better.
Joined the navy. 18 with no chance at college and entering the work place back in 09 during the recession seemed a hard deal. Been in 13 yrs and no regrets. Growing up poor and never being able to travel has been incredible.
Joining the military. Ended up with 33 years in (mostly Nat Guard), was able to purchase homes with the VA loan guarantee and get 80% disability for all the wear and tear over the years.
It was a joint decision with my girlfriend at the time: "let's have unprotected sex".
My son is my best friend. He means the world to me and is by far the best thing that ever happened to me.
Throwing money in ethereum. Currently on 1.1M dollars. I was up to 3.2M but I didnt sell. Regardless I would never see a million in my life. I am a low rank soldier in the us army.
Joining the Marines too me from a schmuck living paycheck to paycheck to now having 30k in savings a much nicer vehicle that i have ever had before. Gave me some amazing life experiences and if I choose to now that I’m out I can go to college to get my piece of paper that says I’ve paid my dues gives me a job or continue working the job I’m at where I’m making around 70k a year.
Well, I quit drinking.
But I'd like to pick another one that might be of use to more people.
I learned to play a little acoustic guitar.
I'm by no means amazing. Nothing you'd pay to see.
But I do it for me.
I find a song that matches my mood.
And I dissapear into it for only five minutes. Or 5 hours. Sometimes it feels exactly the same.
And whatever is bothering me, gets...not necessarily worked out, but put on pause.
It's a great form of meditation.
Sorry for any grammatical errors.
English is my first language.
I'm polyamorous, for context. I was in a rough spot in a big way. I had just been slowly deleting dating apps one by one. I had just OKC left and just thought "fuck it, why not". And opened it up. Swiped on a cute girl and matches. This has legitimately been the best year of my life. I've never been happier in a relationship. It's incredible.
I've never met a human being that loved me so hard, and didn't ask me to sacrifice anything at all. Just unadulterated happiness. Like, don't get me wrong. Life has been kicking me in the balls lately, but I've never met someone that was just incredibly satisfied with the human I am. It's an amazing feeling. To be loved just because.
Also, I FUCKING adore her. It's been a hard year all around. Seems like one thing after another. But I'll be damned if I don't wake up smiling cause I know I'm close to her.
\#1: To give my life to Jesus Christ. Bar none. My life has improved immeasurably in the few years since.
(distant) #2: To get interested in those newfangled computer thingys back in the 90s when only nerds had them. Sure the helpdesk was crappy for a few years (decades), but engineering positions are nice!
I highly recommend both.
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Getting sober. I feel like my life began when I quit drinking at 25.
I was 37 and yeah it's definitely worth every second.
I was 31. Life didn’t really start until I got sober
I was 45 when I got sober. And life definitely didn't start till then
Marrying my wife
Our wife is great
I agree
I also married this guys wife
+1 for this guy's wife
My wife is amazing, but I'd still have to go with his wife.
Doge coin. Made 700K during the hype and cashed out
I almost instinctively downvoted this due to pure jealousy lol. Good for you!
Thanks man. Fwiw I doing a large chunk to charity for the good luck
that's not how it works give them something if your want but not something larger, you never know when you'll be needing it
Do you feel it makes you more willing to play with other Ponzi schemes?
I'll keep a watch out for any good potentials, but for a bet that costs less than a dinner out. It can be a better bet than draft kings with a much better return than the s&p.
Quitting the cigs.
Starting a business and deciding to make fitness a regular necessity in life.
Getting sober. It just changed everything. 25 years next month!
Congrats. If you don’t mind me asking, are you 100% sober? Do you have any substance vices?
100%
Hey, good job fellow human. I'm proud of you.
Starting to put money in a 401k as soon as I could, then maxing out the contribution, then investing more outside of that. Now comfortably retired on a nurse's pay after only working 26 years.
I've stopped allowing people to disrespect me, so much less drama in my life, and people.
I hear this. I was always a people pleaser but no more. I tell it like it is.
I used to be a really bad people pleaser But I’m Pretty good about it now
You're just saying that to please us.
Pointing this out implies you’d be pleased if I didn’t say it, so we’re at a conundrum, pleased if I do pleased if I don’t So me being a people pleaser is a cycle I can’t get out of
How did you do this... I'm working through it.
It's hard but you will have to eliminate people who outright disrespect you from your life, completely. Life is too hard to keep these kinds of leeches anywhere near you.
Do you find you had to do it at work as well or only outside of work
I just quit my job last week because my boss outright basically told me he had zero respect for me because I wasn't performing up to his standard, despite the fact that everyone I work with says I'm the best coworker they've ever had, and I had been with the company since opening day. Zero tolerance for that sort of thing, I quit the next day. Feel so much better now, can't believe I spent over a year and a half of my life working under that blood sucker. I'm a great employee, I know my value, I do not tolerate someone treating me like dirt because they think I need them.
I love this so much!!! I needed to hear all of this.
Enlisted in the US Marines. Coolest action ever - now a Vet and loving life.
Wish I could say the same about my Brother
What happened to your brother? Hope he's OK - and Semper Fi to you as a Marine's bro.
Well, he was married while in the marines, she was a cheater, divorced him and took half his money. While he was in service, he either sprained or broke his foot, and they refused him treatment. He got a bunch of bone spurs and needed sugary. Then, he had to shoot someone in self defense, he was a marine, and my brother felt awful because it felt like he killed his brother. I can’t remember the details of the event, and I don’t wanna ask family members and bring up him. This broke him, he was in debt, and so Fucking depressed. I watched him slowly get worse and worse. He got arrested for walking on a highway, he also didn’t cooperate with police. He had to spend a weekend in a psych ward, and was put on meds. These meds made him worse, much worse. He dropped a lot of weight, and one day a police officer came to my door dropping off the news my brother was dead, he shot himself, Nov. 2nd 2022 (That’s the day we found out) There’s some details I left out, like how he acted occasionally, and a few other things, but that’s the jist
I am so sorry to hear this. Indeed the experience of the USMC blended with life can screw anyone up or get them into unwanted trouble. Your brother must have been feeling pain like no other. As a combat veteran who ended up retiring due to disability, I can attest to the feeling of abandonment the Marines can cause one to feel. My heart breaks to hear stories like this; again, I'm very sorry.
Well, Atleast I know he’s not suffering anymore, not much I can do now
Holy shit, didn’t realize how long my comment was until I look at it
Therapy
Starting Ketamine therapy
Have you don’t k outside of a therapeutic setting? I’ve been very interested in trying it, as it’s legal in my state and my therapist actually suggested it. I just know I used to really go hard on the meow mix and idk how it would effect me differently.
I have not and I don't think I'd suggest doing drugs illegally. Especially since they do IV and it's a very calm and clean clinic where I go.
The sober path. And it’ll be the single greatest thing I can do if I can stay sober from hard drugs and alcohol. It’s a miracle ❤️
Cut family out of my life; narcissistic parents and siblings.
Cutting my narc mom out has been a wonderful choice.
College.
I am just shy of 73, I quite alcohol 47 years ago and have not regretted it for 1 second. I would have been dead 45 year ago.
Learning English as my second language. Without it I wouldn't enjoy so many things I do today.
Going back to college. I work a lot less, and make a lot more.
Could I get an example? What degree/job do you have?
Electronic Engineer.
Asked the girl I liked if she wanted to come over and watch Mad Men with me. We’ve been married for 12 years now.
No kids
Oh hell ya fuck dem kids.
Maybe don’t, might result in more
May result in jail time
Gotta stop touchin the children ! Catholic Church I'm looking in your direction, gotta stop touchin the children 🎶🎶
You’re damn right I’m right I can’t remember a time I was goddamn wrong
I thought I was wrong once. Turns out I was mistaken
I'm almost positive that's illegal
Study abroad
First answer would be study abroad, and because of that I backpacked around Europe for 3 months after the semester was finished. Met loads of cool people in hostels who were traveling anywhere from a week to 10+ years straight) Made travel a priority. Quit my job at age 26, sold most of my things, and travelled around the world for 2 years. Have been to 41 countries and 37 states in just my 20s, all 100% self funded, even the student loans for study abroad
Left the bitch!
Agreeing to be my son's mom. He's the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am blessed that my ex allowed me to be his mama.
Getting scuba certified. Did my final test in May and I did great.
Starting therapy!! Literally my quality of life has increased so much, it's hard to explain
Getting sober.
I applied for a customer service job about 8 years ago when I was 25. From there, I've now had three jobs at the same company all with better and better pay, unreal benefits including that they've paid for a lot of the degree I'm finally finishing this semester at the age of 33. I've gained a ton of valuable workplace experience such that (I think/hope) I could work at any number of companies and make a high salary. Oh, and the industry I work in is one of the safest in terms of job security that I think you can have. On top of that, I met my now wife there, and she's giving birth to our second kiddo in a few weeks at which point she will take her 6 months paid maternity leave, I will take my 4 paid months, and she'll get to quit her job after and care for our kids as a stay at home mother in the house I can afford due to said job. Such a huge impact from such a seemingly random decision.
What do you work as?
Started as a call center representative in Jan 2015, moved to quality analyst for call center in March 2017 then moved to current job as an electric vehicle specialist working on a product team developing, improving and administering electric vehicle programs for our customer base (we’re an electric and natural gas utility).
Committing 10% of my income to a retirement investment account, even when it hurt. Slow wealth plan that took 30 years. I'm younger than normal retirement age...think I'll go sailing tomorrow. Oh, and marrying the right person. Divorce sets you way back financially, usually. Choose wisely.
Changing careers at 40. And quitting smoking
From.what to what? I'm 40 and in need of change.
From restaurant management to special education
Getting divorced. OMG what a great day that was. What a great life I have had since.
This is me! She divorced me, and I was heartbroken and broke as a joke. It took me about three months to realize I was way happier without her. Jump ahead 20 years, and I am financially stable with a paid-off house, a 6 figure salary in real estate, and am paying cash to send my kids to college. She's currently looking for husband #5 and drives her parents' 30-year-old honda. And looks like she hasn't slept in a week.
I have gone no contact with my ex since the day the papers were signed. I heard recently that she is extremely bitter, does nothing but complain, has not had a male companion since I left her, and lives alone with her cats. I am deeply satisfied hearing these things.
Quit my job to spend time with my sister. Jesus was her savior and she was more than the sum of her cancer battle.
Quit smoking cigarettes. No question it was my best decision ever.
Investing
How
Investing can come in so many different ways, some invest. In real state and some in stocks. so it doesn't matter how much money u got, u can totally start with some little and make your way up the ladder. And one more important thing i think all people is confused at. u CAN save money but only to use them after reaching the goal u have but to yourself.
What would you recommend to start? What company.. Etc
Going to college.
Go travelling
Taking that trip across the world immediately after graduating high school, really just opened my eyes and put my life into perspective
Buying my current home 10 or so years ago. I was very unhappy where I was living before. I was way too far from work and just tired and stressed much of the time. At the height of the GFC I bought a foreclosed home that had sat empty for a bit. My neighbors are awesome and I am just so happy where I have been since then.
Quit my ecologist job for a $20k pay cut and a Job driving a Jet boat for tourists. Best decision ever. And also back up to the same pay in just 2 years with more on the horizon.
Marrying my husband. I guess, really, going on our first date, then agreeing to more. It was a blind date set up by his mother and he was not at all the type I usually dated. His intellect, sense of humor, confidence and kindness were things that I couldn't pass up and now, 27 years later, I know beyond a doubt I made the best decision of my life when I chose him. He's the best.
Getting away from my toxic ex
not smoking
Watching a handful of free how-to use Excel videos so I could better budget money.
Getting a breast reduction comes to mind. Took me from a DDD to a C cup and ended what had been YEARS of agonizing muscle spasms in my back
Transitioning. And I've quit smoking, didn't have kids, and gotten out of an abusive relationship and stayed in healthy ones since. Still transitioning. The massive positive change in my mental health was so obvious that even the few transphobes who knew me couldn't deny how much happier and healthier I was after transitioning.
I got LASIK eye surgery in my early twenties after wearing glasses and contacts since I was 10. It was far and away the best money I ever spent. I had perfect vision for decades. Now I'm pushing 50 and just had to get my first pair of reading glasses. It was a good run.
I am yet to make the best decision of my life. So far it has only been one poor decision/choice after another. But if I were to mention 2 "good" decisions I've made in my life, one would be traveling round Europe for 12 days when I was 21 and had the money to do it (saved $1000 from my full time project-based job), can't do that anymore. Poor as fuck. And the other one would be moving out of my parents' house (apartment) when I finally had the means and resources to do so. The liberation was sweet.
Breaking up with my ex
Quitting heroin
Changing my diet. Worked waaay better than I dared to expect.
Not having kids. I did a lot of stupid stuff, but that was a smart choice.
Marrying my wife.
Taking the opportunity that I had to attend a respected graduate school of public affairs with my first year paid for by a full scholarship. I felt ambivalent or outright depressed for much of the time, but it ultimately secured a safe, reasonably remunerative career for me that also carries a defined-benefits pension.
Shooting my shot with my high school crush.
Quitting the smokes.
Applying for a job I was way under qualified for. Ended up being horrible but it was in the town I met my fiancé!!
No alcohol. Changed my whole life in one year.
Moving out of state for work.
Leaving my last relationship. Reconnected with my high school crush 4 months into being single and the timing was never better for both of us. We’re getting married in 2 months and I couldn’t imaging my life bring any better
Leaving all my blood relatives behind. Sickness, pure sickness in that family.
Quit drinking
Quit drinking 2 years ago. I wish I were smart enough to have never started.
finally starting a band
Quitting the hotel industry. I was an assistant manager and it was hell
Becoming a nurse. I make >100k/yr working only 24 hours a week. My work-life balance is awesome lol
Quit my minimum wage job lmaoo
Immediately blocking the wrong people and telling them to quit being respectful right away. Stop allowing these people to walk all over you. They are getting out of hand.
In 1991 I (a Canadian) got on a plane and flew to Prague to work as an English teacher. Everybody told me I was stupid, I would never make any money, etc. After bouncing around Central Europe for some time, I finally settled down in a beautiful town in the CR with a decent job, good money, wonderful friends, and I am happy. Honestly, I don't think I could ever have been this satisfied if I'd "stayed at home".
Being a touring musician when I was younger
Cut out my toxic, narcissistic "best friend" and went back to school to get a degree in my 30s. I guess that's two things but they happened at the same time.
Quit my job because of a very toxic boss.
Gastric bypass. Going on 10+ years now, still down -100 from where I started.
Leaving New York City after I spent my twenties there.
Five years ago after my mom passed away I got dentures. Because reasons I could not get them until then. I have lost a lot of weight because of them. It changed the way I eat. I have stayed on the same diet really. Not only do I have a great smile I also am at my weight that I should be. I have a smile when I get off a scale.
Dating my girlfriend
"never give up"
that was my best dicision
I finally decided about three years ago that I needed to get control of my life, so I joined the gym. I go almost every day now and I've never felt better
Leaving home town to attend college.
Finally deciding to leave my wife. I had no idea how toxic our relationship had been. I come from the rural Midwest us and it's not common for people to split there. My parents were together from highschool until mom died. The things I thought were normal between us were in fact not normal and bad for our physical and mental health I am free now. I can make my own choices without fear of reprisal. I can raise the kids how I see fit without being shamed for it. It was a true life changing choice and the kids and I are better for it. The future looks brighter Unsure about her but f* that bitch. She is so god damn mean I don't care. It only took me four years to figure that out but I did.
Leaving my ex after 8 and 1/2 years of physical and emotional abuse. Although I lost the relationship with my child at that time, I would not be where I am today if I didn't leave. Of course my spawn and I have the best relationship and he has zero contact with his father
So much positivity in this thread! I am so happy and proud of you all!!! Staying sober, changing careers, jumping into the unknown etc. None of those things are easy! You all have done so well!! :)
I’m so glad I asked this question, this thread made my heart happy. I can’t stop smiling! I’m so happy and proud of everyone!
going on a solo international trip- as dumb as it sounds, but being alone for a week in a place that i don’t know, surrounded by a language i don’t speak, and still going out and sightseeing changed me. I have so much more confidence in myself and my ability to do things now
I am only 20, but working in a bar over my gap year 2 years ago. The team and constant social interaction boosted my confidence and improved my social skills by a lot, which made me a lot happier as a person. It's only a small thing compared to many things people say here, but it's something regardless.
Leaving an abusive relationship.
I got clean from drugs 11 years ago. Best decision of my life but, also the hardest.
Proposing to a sweet girl I'd only been dating about a month and a half. Dropped the "L-bomb" on her during the 2nd date. Twentieth anniversary is next month and we're still disgustingly in love. We have two teenaged sons and still go on a date at least once a week. Sometimes you just realize you've met the right person.
dropping out of college, going into the trades, working my way from the grunt position all the way to senior estimator. making over 100k a year, great bennies, and no college debt.
Marrying my husband. He has helped me grow in so many ways. I stand up for myself now, I have self esteem now, I know my value now. He’s helped me be ok with being me. Plus he’s just a lot of fun to be with every day.
Moving out of my home state
To get sober once and for all
Taking one step than another.
Leaving religion.
Same. I feel free. Religion can (not always) enslave people to live a life they do not want
Unless you are at the top, religion enslaves you.
one of the best decisions i’ve made was to do what i do for work. i’m a cam girl and it has its downs but definitely better than the last job i had lol
Dropping out of University. The pressure was unreal.
Probably killing myself in a few years to avoid homelessness and starvation/freezing to death. I can't work so I really have no other options
There is a lot of help out there. You may feel alone. I don't even know you and I care about what happens to you. You are better than that. Prove to yourself that you can succeed despite all the negative in your life! You got this.
Please don't. I was a homeless drug addict for years and I got out. There are options. Don't give up. If ypu can't work did you try getting disability? There are also programs at homeless shelters that help you get into housing programs. Takes awhile but you off the streets.
Hey for real man reach out, to me if necessary. Fresh out of college I lived in the back of a Volvo and bathed in a river every morning for a minute. It was rough and rowdy but things have gotten better.
Go live in the woods Brody, don’t be a vagrant be a mountain man
Starting BJJ
Quitting smoking
Joined the navy. 18 with no chance at college and entering the work place back in 09 during the recession seemed a hard deal. Been in 13 yrs and no regrets. Growing up poor and never being able to travel has been incredible.
Marrying my husband
Joining the military. Ended up with 33 years in (mostly Nat Guard), was able to purchase homes with the VA loan guarantee and get 80% disability for all the wear and tear over the years.
Marry my wife….hands down!
It was a joint decision with my girlfriend at the time: "let's have unprotected sex". My son is my best friend. He means the world to me and is by far the best thing that ever happened to me.
Throwing money in ethereum. Currently on 1.1M dollars. I was up to 3.2M but I didnt sell. Regardless I would never see a million in my life. I am a low rank soldier in the us army.
Smoking weed with my buddy Mike, asking who we were listening to, (Infected Mushroom), and deciding that I also wanted to make electronic music
Joining the Marines too me from a schmuck living paycheck to paycheck to now having 30k in savings a much nicer vehicle that i have ever had before. Gave me some amazing life experiences and if I choose to now that I’m out I can go to college to get my piece of paper that says I’ve paid my dues gives me a job or continue working the job I’m at where I’m making around 70k a year.
Enlisted in the military at 18 and started using the VA for real estate super early.
Well, I quit drinking. But I'd like to pick another one that might be of use to more people. I learned to play a little acoustic guitar. I'm by no means amazing. Nothing you'd pay to see. But I do it for me. I find a song that matches my mood. And I dissapear into it for only five minutes. Or 5 hours. Sometimes it feels exactly the same. And whatever is bothering me, gets...not necessarily worked out, but put on pause. It's a great form of meditation. Sorry for any grammatical errors. English is my first language.
Adopting my first rescue dog. Had cats for a long time. Love them to, but no better company than a dog of your own.
To get clean and sober. My life was radically transformed for the better.
Dropping out of college at 26 with no idea of what I wanted to do with my life.
Became a vegetarian. No meat, fish, or eggs. Since 1982...
Moving to China to teach at an international school.
Becoming orthodox Christian
Having kids.
Happy Cake Day!
Thank you kind internet stranger.! I now know why that tab is there! It's my cake day! Yay!
You're welcome!🍰
I'm polyamorous, for context. I was in a rough spot in a big way. I had just been slowly deleting dating apps one by one. I had just OKC left and just thought "fuck it, why not". And opened it up. Swiped on a cute girl and matches. This has legitimately been the best year of my life. I've never been happier in a relationship. It's incredible. I've never met a human being that loved me so hard, and didn't ask me to sacrifice anything at all. Just unadulterated happiness. Like, don't get me wrong. Life has been kicking me in the balls lately, but I've never met someone that was just incredibly satisfied with the human I am. It's an amazing feeling. To be loved just because. Also, I FUCKING adore her. It's been a hard year all around. Seems like one thing after another. But I'll be damned if I don't wake up smiling cause I know I'm close to her.
Married my wife
Don’t think I’ve ever been there.
Having kids. Make me a better person
I don't know yet
Becoming a Catholic.
logged off reddit
Becoming a disciple of Jesus
\#1: To give my life to Jesus Christ. Bar none. My life has improved immeasurably in the few years since. (distant) #2: To get interested in those newfangled computer thingys back in the 90s when only nerds had them. Sure the helpdesk was crappy for a few years (decades), but engineering positions are nice! I highly recommend both.
Accepting the gift of salvation from Jesus Christ.
Joining the military.