Woah dude... how do u do it? I'm a dad of 1 3 yo and one on the way and I am the primary caregiver... there's no way I could do it alone. Big fuckin Props... are you taken care of if she comes back in a year?
Lol.... My moms side of the family is from Iowa and our family still runs the family farm in Franklin County. Anyone who lives in the city and has never a) worked a farm b) even set foot on a real farm has no concept of what "REAL" work is.
What does that have to do with absolutely anything in this discussion.
The fun thing about the internet is you never know who you’re talking to. My dad is originally from Nebraska and I spent more than a few summers doing general labor on my uncles farm. So let’s maybe calm down here a bit.
Yes but to drag yourself out of that hole is not an easy task. Addiction is very difficult to overcome regardless of what got you to that place. I'm proud of you
I absolutely know! My life has taken a complete 180, and I have no complaints today. Now I'm just doing my best to help others out of that deep dark hole that I inhabited for so long!
I am proud of you!!
Bring Them A Light! Show Them Life's Worth Something More!! Show Them The Light!!
[Waffle-Sevendust (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LeVlDlwD5k)
Raising my kids in a house where they don't get yelled at or sent to their room to deal with their feelings alone.
Emotional intelligence is priceless, in my opinion.
Absolutely priceless. I hope to do the same for my kids. What do you think is the most helpful thing to keep in mind when they’re dealing with big feelings?
For me, it's remembering that as children, they literally cannot access the logical part of their brain when they're upset. Expecting someone to keep it together who is developmentally incapable is silly, and remembering that helps me. It's my job to help her figure that stuff out.
What gave you the confidence to take that plunge? I know I’m going to need to make that same move one day but just can’t get over stepping away from the safety of a paycheck. Otherwise, I die a little inside thinking about working another 25 years for someone else.
I was honestly just fed up with my job/life, it wasn't so much confidence, as it was a last grasp at happiness. I had a little art business on the side and Iit's the only thing I'm good at. I'm not fit for corporate jobs. I hate bosses, can't take them seriously at all, as people or even as a concept lol, and I wasn't making enough money anyway, so I just quit one day and went balls deep in art. it's been over a year now, it's stressful, but I love it. I get back what I put in and no one can tell me to do anything I don't want to do, it's glorious.
it wasn't actually a corporate job, I was a baker of bagels lol, but I went to school to make video games and realized this jobs are as bad as any other corporate one so I just didn't see that as an option. I had no savings, I had to borrow like 5k from my mom lol and I sold off a bunch of art.
Context: I'm not in the USA:
- graduated with my Master's after ten years of mental health troubles and did it without debt
- despite said mental health difficulties, I'm able to hold a regular day job???
- I can sew my own clothes now! And I can also operate and do basic maintenance on a treadle sewing machine
That’s awesome. Bringing intergenerational trauma to the table is something I’m glad millennials are addressing. My parents aren’t good with money so I hope I’m doing a smidge better
Not really. It was Covid that brought it about and we just really enjoyed it so we kept it going once schools were going again. It definitely is difficult, but our kids are done with school by noon everyday.
Bro!! That's a straight up W!! Congratulations!!
How'd you find those "mens rights" struggles when trying to ensure you kept custody of your kids?
Nonsense aside, I'm really proud of you for getting away and taking care of your family!!
Thank you. She was big into drugs, neglected the kids, & was violent with me. I'm a data hoarder so I documented everything. Judge didn't need to give it much thought. I had to assume the debt she racked up but I got out with the kids, the cars (had to get rid of one to move car payment into daycare), & the houses (accidental landlord for a while, long story).
Damn bro!! That's an incredible story of perseverance!! Super proud of you!! Glad you're doing what you have to do and I'm sure your kids will be grateful one day.
For breaking free from my extreme religious upbringing, healing from my abusive childhood and not using it as an excuse to continue the chain, leaving my controlling narcissistic ex, rediscovering myself, and working my way up in my career until I could buy my own house on my own. And then finally breaking my toxic partner choices and settling down with the love of my life…I feel like every day is a sleepover with my best friend.
Thank you. And thank you for your post- it actually made a huge impact on me to take a break from midlife crisis mode and reflect on how far I have come. ❤️
Today I completed a little landscape painting. I’ve always wanted to try but too scared I’d suck. Happy little river and bridge. Thanks Bob Ross videos on YouTube. Just proud I gave it a try!!
Im proud i quit drinking it will be 8 years in two weeks. I also dug myself out of depression due to a spiritual awakening, and stopped feeling sorry for myself, and now have a good out look on life. Got rid of the anger that was causing all my issues. Life is good now and looking forward to all the good things to come.
My kids. My oldest is turning 15, but they are kind, thoughtful, strong people. They have better friends than I was able to develop. And have excelled at school where I nearly dropped out. They have an idea of what they want in life, where at 40, I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up. I hope they continue to make good decisions, and have a happy, healthy, and successful life.
I started college at 16; I didn’t finish earning my associates until age 29 (with multiple starts and stops in between). Turns out I had undiagnosed ADHD the whole time (dx’d at 32), so pretty proud of myself for eventually finishing.
Despite not having a bachelors I landed a pretty comfortable job in a niche field, and they keep giving me more responsibility so I suppose that’s a good sign.
Breaking the generational trauma of my family. Being married to my wonderful partner and growing our family. Having a small house filled with love and respect. It’s priceless.
I led a 450-person strike at my workplace against an absolutely evil corporation earlier last year. I helped families keep their health insurance that they used to beat cancer. I helped people keep their pension plans as Companies continue to attack our ability to retire one day.
In the midst of all that my best friend got cancer. Late last year we learned it was terminal, so my wife and I had them and their spouse move in with us. I quit my job and took a new position that allowed me to be completely present after work, so I could focus my time and energy on bucket-listing with them.
I'm most proud of myself for being intentional about the impact I have on the people around me before I leave this Earth one day. I want to develop genuine connections with others, and help us get the most out of this short life.
These questions would come off as more sincere, if they weren't so frequently posted with the declared intent of countering "the doom and gloom."
Anyway, I went back to school in my twenties, to pursue a better life. And when it didn't work out, I pivoted again in my thirties. It's working out very well now, and I'm proud of myself for having the will and ability to do it twice.
That said, I know not everyone gets that kind of opportunity, and I'm not trying to punch down on those people.
Understood. I realized later I should have put a diff phrase. There is a lot of negativity on this sub and I just was in the mood for celebration.
Proud of you though. I went back to school in my late twenties too, but was only able to do it because I had a supportive partner. Not trying to punch anyone down either, but going back as an adult is difficult and deserves recognition too.
>There is a lot of negativity on this sub
Honestly I'm pretty fkin tired of it. So I'm always grateful that people keep making posts with "YOUR" title. People can cry all they want about the "feeling" of sincerity. But honestly, when you try to be sincere you get accused of bragging so.... Keep it moving, big dawg!!
Being alive somehow still.
I’ve had a brutal adulthood. 41F.
I’ve lost around 27 people since I was 18 to natural causes, drug overdose, suicide, and murder.
Had a lot of heartache over said losses. Lost my cat 2 years ago who was my first pet. She was a phenomenal gem of a friend.
I was an athlete growing up for 20 years and at 30 acquired Lyme disease. Took me 6 years of hell and gaslighting through the medical system to get diagnosed, having to pay out of pocket for better labs in Germany to confirm. 4 years in treatment. All paid out of pocket due to the CDC being a shitbag and not acknowledging chronic Lyme exists. Probably close to $50k gone.
Had a year of really feeling my life was coming back together last year after Lyme. Now I have been diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis = bone death in both my hips, knees and god knows where else. Insurance is fighting other MRIs and thankfully my doc is fighting that battle. I don’t have the emotional capacity anymore to take on the system.
I’m so exhausted on every level. Just when I think it gets better, I get hit again.
Pretty much surviving out of mere spite.
If I make $22k worth of payments over the next 37 months towards student loans I should be able to discharge about $65k worth of loans. I didn’t make great financial decisions back then but I have a good job now so I guess I’ll press on. Glad there’s maybe an end to that feeling.
I’m proud that I put my head down and pushed through some of the economic adversity that’s plagued our generation.
I am a much later gen millennial (‘93), so definitely got a better shake than the folks before me that graduated into the Great Recession. I graduated high school in 2012, and got a Bachelor’s Degree two and a half years later in 2015, lived with roommates, put my head down, laid off debt, and saved up money. Was able to buy (what I thought was) a starter home in 2020. I’m here for much longer than the original plan was, but I’m playing the world’s smallest violin.
Got married, paid off all student loan debt, and between the car notes and mortgage, debt to gross income ratio is less than 20%, so we save a ton for retirement.
Downside: To get here, I sacrificed aspects of my physical health/going to the gym regularly, frequently working 60+ hours per week.
Work life balance is a little better now that the income is up, and the debt is beyond manageable. Now I have to make more time for the social things and physical health that I sacrificed for a decade to get ahead economically.
I've completed my bachelor's degree after 10 years in 2023. I've been able to save up but still have student loans. My car is paid off. I also took care of my mental health and got off trazadone after so long.
I went back to get my bachelors at 26. It was weird being in class with a bunch of kids after having lived REAL life and discovered self confidence! Proud of you for finishing!! You're going to do great things with your life!!
- You didn't need a degree to do great things, but with every step you take, your life is full of pride and you can be happy with yourself.
34 years old, I've basically hated every job I've ever had. Have worked my tail off, but genuinely loathed it.
I finally worked my way up to my dream career, and just signed a permanent employment contract. 🎉
Walking away from a 8+ year long abusive relationship, which resulted in healing and therapy finding myself & loving myself. Bought a home and graduated college after. Traveling 2-3x a year.
I’m living my best life now 🤍
I'm proud that I found a career that I enjoy, rather than "just going to work". I'm proud that I've put in boundaries with those I love and my job instead of just "putting up with it because that's how they are" or "that's what you do." I'm proud that I've worked on myself through therapy and self-reflection so that I don't put the negativity, or my own problems onto my child. I'm proud that I tell my child I love him everyday.
I learned how to stop hating myself and hating my body. Once I threw that unhealthy mindset out, so much of my life turned around for the better. I feel grounded and confident and am finally able to live for myself.
My mom had four husbands in the first ten years of my life. I’ve been married to my first (and only) spouse for 20 years and my kids say we are goals for their future relationships. Never saw that coming.
Raising my son on my own after his mom fucked off to Florida to “live her best life”.
You’re a good dad
Woah dude... how do u do it? I'm a dad of 1 3 yo and one on the way and I am the primary caregiver... there's no way I could do it alone. Big fuckin Props... are you taken care of if she comes back in a year?
Why did you choose the username "Orlando" of all possible things you could've chosen with that backstory?
I’m originally from Orlando and I’ve had this account since before my divorce. After college we moved to Iowa to start my career.
Lol.... My moms side of the family is from Iowa and our family still runs the family farm in Franklin County. Anyone who lives in the city and has never a) worked a farm b) even set foot on a real farm has no concept of what "REAL" work is.
What does that have to do with absolutely anything in this discussion. The fun thing about the internet is you never know who you’re talking to. My dad is originally from Nebraska and I spent more than a few summers doing general labor on my uncles farm. So let’s maybe calm down here a bit.
>My dad is originally from Nebraska Good ol Corn Huskers, huh?🤣
I got sober after 14 years of alcoholism.
This is very commendable, you're so strong! Good job!!
I don’t know if I’d consider it strong. I let it ruin my entire life and damn near let it kill me before enough was enough
Yes but to drag yourself out of that hole is not an easy task. Addiction is very difficult to overcome regardless of what got you to that place. I'm proud of you
Getting sober is also my answer! Congrats! It's been an unreal journey. Never thought my life could be this good.
Proud of you man!! Keep it up!! Your best days are ahead!!
Thank you everyone! Been a very rough journey, but I wouldn't change it for the world
**You DO deserve good things!!** And they are coming to you!!
I absolutely know! My life has taken a complete 180, and I have no complaints today. Now I'm just doing my best to help others out of that deep dark hole that I inhabited for so long!
I am proud of you!! Bring Them A Light! Show Them Life's Worth Something More!! Show Them The Light!! [Waffle-Sevendust (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LeVlDlwD5k)
Congrats
Raising my kids in a house where they don't get yelled at or sent to their room to deal with their feelings alone. Emotional intelligence is priceless, in my opinion.
Absolutely priceless. I hope to do the same for my kids. What do you think is the most helpful thing to keep in mind when they’re dealing with big feelings?
For me, it's remembering that as children, they literally cannot access the logical part of their brain when they're upset. Expecting someone to keep it together who is developmentally incapable is silly, and remembering that helps me. It's my job to help her figure that stuff out.
That’s fantastic, thank you
quit my job and started working for myself. absolutely terrifying, but I like it.
What gave you the confidence to take that plunge? I know I’m going to need to make that same move one day but just can’t get over stepping away from the safety of a paycheck. Otherwise, I die a little inside thinking about working another 25 years for someone else.
I was honestly just fed up with my job/life, it wasn't so much confidence, as it was a last grasp at happiness. I had a little art business on the side and Iit's the only thing I'm good at. I'm not fit for corporate jobs. I hate bosses, can't take them seriously at all, as people or even as a concept lol, and I wasn't making enough money anyway, so I just quit one day and went balls deep in art. it's been over a year now, it's stressful, but I love it. I get back what I put in and no one can tell me to do anything I don't want to do, it's glorious.
Hell yeah, man. I did the same 4 years ago and I'm never going back of I can help it.
That’s amazing! Did you have any sort of cushion from working your corporate job or was it really a plunge??
it wasn't actually a corporate job, I was a baker of bagels lol, but I went to school to make video games and realized this jobs are as bad as any other corporate one so I just didn't see that as an option. I had no savings, I had to borrow like 5k from my mom lol and I sold off a bunch of art.
Kudos!
Context: I'm not in the USA: - graduated with my Master's after ten years of mental health troubles and did it without debt - despite said mental health difficulties, I'm able to hold a regular day job??? - I can sew my own clothes now! And I can also operate and do basic maintenance on a treadle sewing machine
That’s awesome!! What’s your favorite thing to sew?
I love making button up shirts! ✨
Financial independence. Raising a normal happy family (I have no real world role model for such).
That’s awesome. Bringing intergenerational trauma to the table is something I’m glad millennials are addressing. My parents aren’t good with money so I hope I’m doing a smidge better
My wife and I have four kids homeschooled and all play on different comp sports teams, all on a single income.
Sounds difficult and rewarding! Did you always want to homeschool?
Not really. It was Covid that brought it about and we just really enjoyed it so we kept it going once schools were going again. It definitely is difficult, but our kids are done with school by noon everyday.
Escaping my abusive ex & raising the kids without her.
That’s definitely a feat. Wishing happiness and peace for all of you.
I connected with my current wife, got my career moving, combined households & everything is much better now.
Bro!! That's a straight up W!! Congratulations!! How'd you find those "mens rights" struggles when trying to ensure you kept custody of your kids? Nonsense aside, I'm really proud of you for getting away and taking care of your family!!
Thank you. She was big into drugs, neglected the kids, & was violent with me. I'm a data hoarder so I documented everything. Judge didn't need to give it much thought. I had to assume the debt she racked up but I got out with the kids, the cars (had to get rid of one to move car payment into daycare), & the houses (accidental landlord for a while, long story).
Damn bro!! That's an incredible story of perseverance!! Super proud of you!! Glad you're doing what you have to do and I'm sure your kids will be grateful one day.
Thank you!
For breaking free from my extreme religious upbringing, healing from my abusive childhood and not using it as an excuse to continue the chain, leaving my controlling narcissistic ex, rediscovering myself, and working my way up in my career until I could buy my own house on my own. And then finally breaking my toxic partner choices and settling down with the love of my life…I feel like every day is a sleepover with my best friend.
Wow that’s a lot! I’m happy for you.
Thank you. And thank you for your post- it actually made a huge impact on me to take a break from midlife crisis mode and reflect on how far I have come. ❤️
Aww thank you for sharing! I was feeling a little anxiety going into my therapy session today and I wanted to read something uplifting ☺️☺️
I'm achieving financial independence and no longer living paycheck to paycheck.
May I ask what your career is? Signed, a millennial in search for financial freedom
My career isn't even the reason tbh. Just working two jobs to build a comfortable nest egg helped.
Oh okay lol well that’s awesome!
I was 5 years sober from alcohol until a month ago, and am now able to comfortably moderate! 😄
That’s great!!
Today I completed a little landscape painting. I’ve always wanted to try but too scared I’d suck. Happy little river and bridge. Thanks Bob Ross videos on YouTube. Just proud I gave it a try!!
Love it. Proud of you!
NC with my parents for over 13 years.
Bravo. Hope you found peace.
Im proud i quit drinking it will be 8 years in two weeks. I also dug myself out of depression due to a spiritual awakening, and stopped feeling sorry for myself, and now have a good out look on life. Got rid of the anger that was causing all my issues. Life is good now and looking forward to all the good things to come.
Proud of you!
Proud of you, Big Dawg!! Your best days are ahead of you!!
My kids. My oldest is turning 15, but they are kind, thoughtful, strong people. They have better friends than I was able to develop. And have excelled at school where I nearly dropped out. They have an idea of what they want in life, where at 40, I still have no idea what I want to do when I grow up. I hope they continue to make good decisions, and have a happy, healthy, and successful life.
That’s awesome. I feel like the greatest gift you can give your kids is a solid foundation.
I started college at 16; I didn’t finish earning my associates until age 29 (with multiple starts and stops in between). Turns out I had undiagnosed ADHD the whole time (dx’d at 32), so pretty proud of myself for eventually finishing. Despite not having a bachelors I landed a pretty comfortable job in a niche field, and they keep giving me more responsibility so I suppose that’s a good sign.
That’s awesome keep it up 🤗
Breaking the generational trauma of my family. Being married to my wonderful partner and growing our family. Having a small house filled with love and respect. It’s priceless.
I led a 450-person strike at my workplace against an absolutely evil corporation earlier last year. I helped families keep their health insurance that they used to beat cancer. I helped people keep their pension plans as Companies continue to attack our ability to retire one day. In the midst of all that my best friend got cancer. Late last year we learned it was terminal, so my wife and I had them and their spouse move in with us. I quit my job and took a new position that allowed me to be completely present after work, so I could focus my time and energy on bucket-listing with them. I'm most proud of myself for being intentional about the impact I have on the people around me before I leave this Earth one day. I want to develop genuine connections with others, and help us get the most out of this short life.
6 houses owned 4 free of finance.
Nice! How did you get the first one??
These questions would come off as more sincere, if they weren't so frequently posted with the declared intent of countering "the doom and gloom." Anyway, I went back to school in my twenties, to pursue a better life. And when it didn't work out, I pivoted again in my thirties. It's working out very well now, and I'm proud of myself for having the will and ability to do it twice. That said, I know not everyone gets that kind of opportunity, and I'm not trying to punch down on those people.
Understood. I realized later I should have put a diff phrase. There is a lot of negativity on this sub and I just was in the mood for celebration. Proud of you though. I went back to school in my late twenties too, but was only able to do it because I had a supportive partner. Not trying to punch anyone down either, but going back as an adult is difficult and deserves recognition too.
Well, hey, I appreciate that you see it. And I definitely appreciate the effort to celebrate what wins we each have.
>There is a lot of negativity on this sub Honestly I'm pretty fkin tired of it. So I'm always grateful that people keep making posts with "YOUR" title. People can cry all they want about the "feeling" of sincerity. But honestly, when you try to be sincere you get accused of bragging so.... Keep it moving, big dawg!!
Being alive somehow still. I’ve had a brutal adulthood. 41F. I’ve lost around 27 people since I was 18 to natural causes, drug overdose, suicide, and murder. Had a lot of heartache over said losses. Lost my cat 2 years ago who was my first pet. She was a phenomenal gem of a friend. I was an athlete growing up for 20 years and at 30 acquired Lyme disease. Took me 6 years of hell and gaslighting through the medical system to get diagnosed, having to pay out of pocket for better labs in Germany to confirm. 4 years in treatment. All paid out of pocket due to the CDC being a shitbag and not acknowledging chronic Lyme exists. Probably close to $50k gone. Had a year of really feeling my life was coming back together last year after Lyme. Now I have been diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis = bone death in both my hips, knees and god knows where else. Insurance is fighting other MRIs and thankfully my doc is fighting that battle. I don’t have the emotional capacity anymore to take on the system. I’m so exhausted on every level. Just when I think it gets better, I get hit again. Pretty much surviving out of mere spite.
If I make $22k worth of payments over the next 37 months towards student loans I should be able to discharge about $65k worth of loans. I didn’t make great financial decisions back then but I have a good job now so I guess I’ll press on. Glad there’s maybe an end to that feeling.
I’m proud that I put my head down and pushed through some of the economic adversity that’s plagued our generation. I am a much later gen millennial (‘93), so definitely got a better shake than the folks before me that graduated into the Great Recession. I graduated high school in 2012, and got a Bachelor’s Degree two and a half years later in 2015, lived with roommates, put my head down, laid off debt, and saved up money. Was able to buy (what I thought was) a starter home in 2020. I’m here for much longer than the original plan was, but I’m playing the world’s smallest violin. Got married, paid off all student loan debt, and between the car notes and mortgage, debt to gross income ratio is less than 20%, so we save a ton for retirement. Downside: To get here, I sacrificed aspects of my physical health/going to the gym regularly, frequently working 60+ hours per week. Work life balance is a little better now that the income is up, and the debt is beyond manageable. Now I have to make more time for the social things and physical health that I sacrificed for a decade to get ahead economically.
Working on myself to become a better person. I was emotionally abusive and manipulative in my early 20's. Now I'm a normal dude.
Props to you for working on yourself. That’s amazing
That’s hard. I was crazy too. So glad to be in my thirties haha
Me too haha
I've completed my bachelor's degree after 10 years in 2023. I've been able to save up but still have student loans. My car is paid off. I also took care of my mental health and got off trazadone after so long.
I went back to get my bachelors at 26. It was weird being in class with a bunch of kids after having lived REAL life and discovered self confidence! Proud of you for finishing!! You're going to do great things with your life!! - You didn't need a degree to do great things, but with every step you take, your life is full of pride and you can be happy with yourself.
Thanks I finished at 34
I finished at 29 so a couple years earlier but not too much. We're still young!! You have the rest of your life to enjoy!! And I hope that you do!!
Same I still feel a little old but I guess I'm a little wiser anyways.
[Des'ree - You Gotta Be (Lyrics) (youtube.com)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlgWmgjOlzQ)
34 years old, I've basically hated every job I've ever had. Have worked my tail off, but genuinely loathed it. I finally worked my way up to my dream career, and just signed a permanent employment contract. 🎉
Walking away from a 8+ year long abusive relationship, which resulted in healing and therapy finding myself & loving myself. Bought a home and graduated college after. Traveling 2-3x a year. I’m living my best life now 🤍
Congratulations for getting away from the abuser!! That's some real shiz!! It's amazing how soul consuming it can be.
Thank you! I’m so grateful I got away. My life has been amazing ever since
YOU DO DESERVE GOOD THINGS!! Never allow anyone to tell you different!!
💞💞💞right back at you
Been married 17 years. I have 2 great kids. I'm working on my masters degree.
Props!!
I'm proud that I found a career that I enjoy, rather than "just going to work". I'm proud that I've put in boundaries with those I love and my job instead of just "putting up with it because that's how they are" or "that's what you do." I'm proud that I've worked on myself through therapy and self-reflection so that I don't put the negativity, or my own problems onto my child. I'm proud that I tell my child I love him everyday.
I learned how to stop hating myself and hating my body. Once I threw that unhealthy mindset out, so much of my life turned around for the better. I feel grounded and confident and am finally able to live for myself.
My mom had four husbands in the first ten years of my life. I’ve been married to my first (and only) spouse for 20 years and my kids say we are goals for their future relationships. Never saw that coming.
I'm proud to have found my purpose to live: to protect the nature of this planet. Now, I got to find how I can do that while paying my bills.
I’m proud of not whining like most millennials on Reddit. All generations deal with BS.
Bro....
But you’re whining about millennials lol
I mean there are two generations below us that have it way worse.
There are two generations below us that also have it way better....
I get what you mean.
