what do you guys do?

[rsavage]

I have a BS and MS in education along with Principal certification (about 8 years of college overall). Obviously, I prepared to be a teacher and did so for a number of years in Corrections instead of a public school. Worked my way up through the ranks over the years and retired as a Superintendent of a large Correctional Facility with 1800 inmates and 800 employees a couple of years ago. I also always had a second job of some sort to feed my toy habit. Whatever you choose for a career, make sure that you can do as much for yourself as possible with your hands, such as remodeling, plumbing, mechanical work etc. when not working. I have always hated having to pay someone to do something for me. If you can do something for yourself, you will have more disposable income to use on other things. You don't necessarily have to go to college to make a good living. In fact, college can saddle you with thousands of dollars in debt that can take years to repay, and there is no guarantee that you will have a job at the end of your schooling. If you are mechanically inclined, you might look into a trade and/or trade school. There will be great future demand for those that can fix or build things, because it seems to me that fewer and fewer people know how to fend for themselves. If you are truly fortunate, you will be able to make a living for you and your family doing something that you love. Good luck in whatever path you follow.